Bath Problems With Manx Kittens

The Manx is a distinctive breed with long hind legs and no tail or a very short tail. Some kittens are born with long tails that are docked. Although being tailless is desired, some Manx kittens suffer from a severe neurological condition commonly called Manx syndrome. This condition is genetic. Kittens with Manx syndrome show symptoms by the time they are four-months-old. These kittens need regular bathing since they cannot clean themselves.

  1. Incontinence

    • Kittens with Manx syndrome usually suffer from urinary or fecal incontinence. Some experience may experience both. The stimulation of the warm water may cause the kitten to urinate or defecate in the bath. Many owners of cats with hind leg paralysis learn to express or empty the bladder and bowels. This should be done before the bath. Some cats are tolerant of being dangled over a toilet, sink or litter pan while their sides are pressed to stimulate urination and defecation. Get a veterinarian to teach you how to express a kitten̵7;s bladder and bowels to avoid harming the kitten. Since the kitten cannot feel many sensations, including pain, in the bladder or bowels, the kitten may not protest if it receives an internal injury.

    Bathing Area

    • Manx kittens and cats with incontinence can get quite messy from urine and feces. Best Friends Animal Society recommends a bathing of the hind limbs, belly and tail stub done twice a day. However, bathing the entire cat or kitten is unnecessary and may harm the skin from the constant stripping away of the body̵7;s natural oils. Best Friends recommends two people to perform this ̶0;butt bath̶1; ̵1; one to hold the kitten while the other expresses the bladder and bowels, rinses with lukewarm water and then washes any soiled areas with kitten shampoo and water.

    Time Frame

    • Manx kittens that do not suffer from Manx syndrome or any other neurological problem can be given their first bath when they are three-months-old, notes ̶0;Cat Owner̵7;s Home Veterinary Handbook.̶1; Kittens destined for the show ring need to be bathed every week and should be introduced to bathing at an early age to get used to it. Healthy pet Manx kittens may only need a bath once or twice a year, depending on how dirty they get or if they become infested with parasites.

    Jumping

    • Normal, healthy kittens, including healthy Manx kittens can jump out of baths. This leads to a painful fall and a lifetime fear of baths. Kittens should be bathed as low to the ground as possible to avoid the kitten falling. Human bathtubs work well for kitten baths. Placing a large dishwashing basin on the ground or floor is another option. Trim the kitten̵7;s claws before a bath to prevent painful scratches caused by a struggling kitten, recommends the ̶0;ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats.̶1;