Home Remedy for Cleaning Kittens

Kittens are cute balls of fluff and energy, but they don't need much grooming. Most kittens groom themselves pretty well. If a kitten has been taken from its mother too early, it may need a little help learning the basics, but most of it is instinctive. As the surrogate mother, you can teach a kitten what it needs to do to stay clean and healthy.

  1. Sponge Bath

    • Unless they're covered with dirt and filth, a kitten just needs a wipe down with a warm, wet cloth. Hold the kitten and wipe the fur with short strokes going in the direction of the fur growth. This mimics the way a mother cat cleans its kittens with its tongue. Wash the kitten from end to end. If the kitten won't stay still for long, don't force it to sit. Let it go play for a while, then do a more a little later. Cleaning may be a project that takes several tries to accomplish. As you're cleaning the kitten, always touch the paws to get the kitten used to having its paws handled. This will help when it comes time to clip the nails.

    Eyes and Ears

    • While wiping the kitten down, make a swipe across its eyes. The kitten will close its eyes as the washcloth comes close. Inspect the eyes for any signs of weeping, as this could be an indication of an eye infection. Inspect the kitten's ears every week. Gently roll back the kitten's ear and examine for redness or yellow or green discharge, which may indicate a problem. If you see light brown wax, dip a cotton swab into a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent alcohol and wipe away the wax. If the ear appears to be sore, and if the kitten is rubbing it, or shaking its head, there may be an infection or ear mites. These can be treated by a veterinarian. Reward your kitten with a treat for this inspection and cleaning.

    Combing

    • Kittens with medium or long hair need to have their fur combed daily. Reward the kitten with a treat when you are done. Owners can train short-haired kittens to sit and eventually enjoy a petting with a microfiber cloth that will remove loose fur.

    Bathing

    • Occasionally, the need arises for a full-immersion bath, perhaps if the kitten is covered in mud or has fleas. Generally, kittens don't enjoy a bath. Keep you voice quiet and soothing. Having a helper to hold the kitten might make things easier. Slowly place the kitten in a small amount of water. The kitten may panic and try to bite and scratch. Use a tiny amount of baby shampoo that won't sting the eyes. Try to wash and rinse as quickly as possible, and be prepared for the kitten to defecate, which may happen as a result of fear. Do not become angry at the kitten, as this was unintentional and uncontrollable. After the towel dry, offer the kitten a treat.