When Can I Start Bathing My Kitten?

Kittens are considered newborns until their eyes are completely open, they are walking and starting to wean off their mother's milk, which occurs in the first four to 10 weeks of life. Giving a dirty kitten a bath is a last resort to remove any dirt or fecal matter and must be done with care to prevent rejection and serious health issues.

  1. When to Bathe the Kitten

    • A kitten's mother will bathe it for the first few weeks of life to remove any fecal matter or foreign objects on the newborn. This is enough to keep the kitten free of infection. Once the cat is old enough to wean, which according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals occurs between 4 to 8 weeks of age, it can be bathed when necessary. Bathing a kitten younger than 4 weeks of age could result in rejection by the mother.

    Bathing the Kitten

    • Kittens only require a bath when they are extremely dirty. Otherwise, use a damp cloth to spot clean a kitten, including its rectum to remove fecal matter. If the kitten requires a full bath, wet a soft cloth with warm water. Wipe down the kitten with the moist cloth, starting at its face and working your way down to the tail, including the rectum. Use a small amount of kitten soap on a separate cloth to spot clean any soiled areas on its fur. Wrap the kitten in a warm towel to remove any excess water and allow the kitten to remain in a warm area to finish drying. Do not use any products that are intended for people on the kitten, and if the kitten becomes stressed, pet it or offer an older kitten a soft treat.

    Flea Treatment

    • Check your kitten regularly, especially if it is exposed to other pets, for fleas. If fleas are found, remove them by hand or with a flea comb. Run the flea comb through the kitten's fur and periodically dunk it into a bowl filled with soapy water. The soapy water will kill any fleas and their eggs. Avoid the use of flea shampoos or preventive medications on the kitten, unless instructed by a veterinarian.

    Hypothermia

    • Avoid bathing the kitten in a cold environment. This includes leaving the kitten to dry after the bath in a cold area. If the kitten gets too cold it could suffer from hypothermia. A cat's average body temperature is between 100 and 102 degrees. Hypothermia will occur when its internal temperature drops below 99 degrees. Signs of hypothermia in cats include shivering, drowsiness, cold skin and, in extreme cases, coma and death. If you suspect hypothermia in your kitten, check its rectal temperature. Treat the kitten at home with warm blankets if its temperature is not below 90 degrees. Take your kitten to the veterinarian immediately if its rectal temperature is below 90 degrees.