How to Brush a Cat With Waterless Shampoo

Giving your cat a bath can be a challenge. Most cats like to play with running water, but as soon as you attempt to wash them, they run and hide. Luckily, cats are fastidious about grooming, so you don't have to bathe them often. Your sense of smell is a good indicator as to when it's time to give your cat a bath. Waterless shampoo can be used between baths to quickly remove odors, dirt and debris from your cat's coat and skin.

Things You'll Need

  • Slicker brush
  • Metal comb
  • Grooming gloves
  • Washcloth
  • Cat treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position your cat on a solid surface in a small room. Keep the door locked; if your cat escapes, you can easily catch it.

    • 2

      Place all grooming materials within reach, so you don't have to leave your cat unattended.

    • 3

      Brush or comb your cat's coat with a slicker brush, or metal comb with fine teeth, to remove dead, shedding hairs. Work from the front to the back. Brushing and combing the hair while it's dry makes it easier to remove tangles.

    • 4

      Apply waterless cat shampoo to your cat's coat. Dust your cat's coat with the powder. Use only a little powder at a time, as waterless shampoo has a strong fragrance. If needed, you can always apply more product.

    • 5

      Brush you cat with a slicker brush to evenly distribute the powder over its coat. Work from the front to the back. Cover the chest, back, stomach area, legs and tail. Use downward strokes so excess product falls away from the coat. As an alternative, massage the powder into your cat's skin with your fingertips or with grooming gloves.

    • 6

      Dust approximately 1/4 tsp. of waterless shampoo onto a dry washcloth and wipe it over your cat's forehead and cheek area, and below its chin. Comb the area below the chin with a metal comb and brush the face with a toothbrush, in the direction of the hair growth. Avoid directly applying the product from the container onto your cat's face, because it may get in its eyes.

    • 7

      Reward your car with cat treats and praise it for good behavior, after the dry-washing session. Knowing that a treat follows the often unpleasant experience may make the next dry-washing session easier.