How to Get Perfume Off My Cat

Cats are self-sufficient and normally take care of their own grooming needs. While cats generally do not require a bath, there are times when it is necessary to remove unpleasant odors such as perfume from their coats. With the right equipment and a calm hand, you can make bath time easy and successful even for water-fearing cats.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean rubber bath mat
  • One soft bristle cat brush
  • One buckle-style cat harness/ leash of appropriate size
  • One bag of cat treats
  • One clean dry wash cloth
  • One clean plastic cup
  • Cat-safe oatmeal shampoo
  • Cat-safe oatmeal conditioner
  • Two clean, dry bath towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the bath mat in the tub, run 2 to 4 inches of lukewarm (not hot) bath water in the bath tub while the cat is in another room, bring the cat to the bathroom, close the door and offer the cat a treat.

    • 2

      Brush the cat's coat to remove dead hair and open the hair follicles. Offer the cat a treat when finished.

    • 3

      Slip the harness onto the cat, fasten the harness into place and offer the cat a treat. Make sure to check the harness so that it allows you to slip two fingers between it and the cat̵7;s skin.

    • 4

      Gently pick up the cat, set him down into the warm water and praise him in a soft, calm voice. Continue speaking in a calm tone and offering him praise to keep him from becoming too resistant to the process.

    • 5

      Hold the cat in place by holding the back of the harness. This gives you control of the cat without harming the cat.

    • 6

      Moisten the wash cloth with warm bath water, squeeze out any excess water and wipe the cat̵7;s face, whiskers and the tip of each ear.

    • 7

      Pour warm bath water from the cup until the cat becomes saturated, starting at the base of the neck and working toward the tail.

    • 8

      Drizzle a nickel-sized amount of oatmeal shampoo into the bottom of the cup, scoop up a bit of bath water, swish it around, pour the mixture over the cat̵7;s back from neck to tail, lather over the legs, back, chest, belly and tail for two minutes, then rinse. Repeat this step if the scent of perfume lingers.

    • 9

      Drizzle a nickel-sized amount of oatmeal conditioner into the bottom of the cup, scoop up a bit of bath water, swish it around, pour the mixture over the cat̵7;s back from neck to tail, lather over the legs, back, chest, belly and tail for two minutes, then rinse twice.

    • 10

      Let the water out of the tub, wrap the cat in a towel and gently blot (not rub) the cat dry, working from head down to remove excess water.

    • 11

      Set the cat down in a warm, quiet room, free from drafts, offer him a treat and take off the harness while he snacks.