How to Clean a Cat With Diarrhea

Cats are known for their attention to grooming and cleanliness. Yet, a cat with diarrhea may not be able to properly clean herself. It's generally not a lot of fun to try to clean a cat; they don't like being wet, for one thing. But the bacteria from diarrhea can infect other nearby animals as well as children, even adults. If a cat's diarrhea is sticking to her fur, it is necessary to take steps to thoroughly clean her.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
  • Bath basin
  • Warm water
  • Towel
  • Disinfectant
  • Cat shampoo
  • Unscented baby wipes
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Instructions

  1. Clean the Cat

    • 1

      Use unscented baby wipes to gently wipe the feces off your cat. Her anal area is probably sore, due to the diarrhea, and gentle care is required. Try catching her by the scruff of her neck and immobilize her by flipping her on her back. The chemicals of scented wipes may irritate your cat's skin, so use only unscented wipes.

    • 2

      Consider asking a vet to help if your cat's fur is matted with feces. Matted fur does not comb out easily, and attempting to dislodge the feces from the fur by combing it out may be painful for your cat.

    • 3

      Ask the veterinarian about the possibility of sedating your cat so that the matted fur can be cut off. A sick cat is often scared and won't allow any strange procedures, including having her fur cut.

    Bathe the Cat

    • 4

      Prepare a bath for your cat when all else fails. Immersing a cat in water isn't easy, but some cats will tolerate it.

    • 5

      Make sure the bathing area is ready before bringing in your cat. Fill up a basin with lukewarm water and put a towel on the bottom to prevent her from slipping around. Wear a rubber glove on the hand that will be rubbing the fecal matter on her bottom.

    • 6

      Clip the cat's nails in advance of her bath.

    • 7

      Prepare the bath when the cat is drowsy. Try waking her from her nap and starting the bath while she's still sleepy.

    • 8

      Put your cat in the basin in a sitting position. Hold on to the scruff of her neck. Keep stroking her and talking to her while lathering her anal area with the shampoo. The ASPCA recommends using one part cat shampoo to five parts water. Human shampoo is not recommended, as it may dry the cat's skin.

    • 9

      Rinse off all the shampoo from the cat when the feces has been completely removed. Dried shampoo may irritate the cat's skin.

    • 10

      Dry the cat in a large towel. Don't let her go outdoors until she's completely dry, unless it's a warm day.

    • 11

      Thoroughly clean the basin with disinfectant soap. Wash the towel in hot water. Throw away the rubber glove. Cat diarrhea is caused by a number of things, among them parasites and bacteria. Some of these can pass to humans, so any area that came in contact with the cat's feces must be disinfected.