Kittens receive their first bath from their attentive mothers. Queens (mother cats) use their sandpapery tongues to lick and groom their newborn offspring, removing amniotic fluid and debris. Once cleaned, the mother then eats the afterbirth and placenta. As kittens grow, their mothers also use saliva to clean their litter boxes and remove any scent that may attract predators to their family’s home.
The Self-Cleaning Habit
Kittens typically begin the self-grooming process by licking their paws and then using their wet paws to clean their faces. Because their paws are so damp, kittens’ self-administered sponge baths are extremely thorough, reaching into tiny places that adult cats just can’t get to. Although they won’t be able to reach every crevice, this habit will continue throughout the kitten’s life.
Self-Cleaning Tips for Cats
You can help teach your kittens the self-grooming habit by assisting with their first baths. After a gentle bath with warm water and mild cat shampoo, dry your kitten with a soft, fluffy towel. Make sure your kitten is completely dry and won’t catch a chill. It may be helpful to use a hair dryer on a cool setting to speed up the drying process. As you dry your kitten, talk softly and soothe it with petting and kind words. Once dry, place your kitty back into its mother’s care. It may be necessary to repeat the bathing and drying process every two to three weeks.
If your kitty becomes too dirty between scheduled baths, you can wipe it with warm, moistened washcloths. Wash your kitty’s face with a soft cloth. Be sure to pay special attention to its ears, especially the inner ear area, which can become dirty easily. Next, use a clean part of the cloth to wipe your kitten’s back and tummy, and a third part of the cloth to clean the hind legs. Finish your wipe bath with your kitty’s front legs. Finally, brush your kitten’s coat with a soft natural fiber brush to remove dead and loose hairs.
When introducing new grooming habits, always be gentle and reward your kitten with treats and praise. Regular grooming establishes a bond with your kitten, allowing you to check your little guy or gal for any cuts, scrapes, or other health problems.