what to do if i find a stray cat

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Cats are practiced at training themselves and generally keep themselves clean enough not to crave regular baths.^[1] But some health atmospheric condition, including obesity, chronic illnesses, eye problems, and arthritis, make it difficult for cats to keep their coats clean. You volition need to take steps to keep your pet make clean whenever he cannot or will not exercise information technology himself. The best way to approach this task is to comprise it into your daily routine. It is far easier to maintain a true cat's glaze than to deal with a muddy and severely disordered cat.

1. ane

   Take your cat to the veterinary. If your true cat is having a difficult fourth dimension with grooming, then your cat may have a medical condition that makes it painful to groom. In this case, addressing the underlying issue will help to make your cat more comfy and your cat may fifty-fifty start grooming himself again. Treatments might include dental attention for a cat with a sore oral fissure or hurting killing medications for the elderly arthritic.^[ii]

   • If your cat's fur is severely matted, then seek the help of a professional to remove the matted fur. It is traumatic to the cat to have large matts removed and it is often kindest to sedate the cat and then that he is happily oblivious to the process.

2. ii

   Incorporate brushing into your daily routine. When your true cat is not grooming himself as well as he once did, one of the best things you can do is to incorporate regular brushing into your routine. Brushing the cat from head to tail removes loose fur, dirt and other debris and stimulates circulation and sebaceous gland secretions. This helps return shine and luster to the coat and prevents the formation of painful mats, especially in long-haired cats.

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3. 3

   Wait until your cat is relaxed before initiating a preparation session. Exercise not brush your cat while he is agitated.^[3] Gently pet your cat and talk soothingly to him. He will respond better to you.

   • If your cat is not used to being groomed then he may resent being brushed. Endeavor to help him sympathize information technology is a pleasant experience and continue the first sessions short then that he doesn't lose patience.
   • Try brushing your cat right before yous feed him then that he associates being brushed with a nutrient advantage afterwards. This may increase his tolerance levels for existence brushed.^[four]
   • Continue in mind that brushing tin can be a bonding feel between possessor and pet. Merely if your pet is agitated or stressed, he may start to associate negative feelings with you instead.

4. 4

   Have steps to protect yourself and go along your cat calm. In some cases you may demand to groom your cat right away even if he is unwilling. For instance, if you cat has soiled himself, then it might be necessary to groom your cat fifty-fifty if he is agitated. In these cases there are several options to aid you calm and control your cat.

   • Use a towel. If it is essential to groom the cat right away and he is agitated, attempt wrapping him in a towel with only the dirty area left out. Having his eyes covered can help to at-home him down. Plus, having his teeth and claws inside the towel volition protect your easily from bites and scratches.
   • Hold onto your true cat's neck scruff. Some cats volition calm down if you hold onto their scruff, which is the pare on the back of a cat's neck. When a mother picks her kittens up by the scruff information technology has a calming consequence, and this persists in some adults. Notwithstanding, do not pick the cat upwards by the scruff, just grasp a handful of pare over his shoulder and hold it firmly while he rests on a apartment surface.
   • Work at a acme that is comfortable for you. Information technology might be easier to clean your cat is you put him on a high tabletop or on acme of a dryer. This will prevent you from having to bend and strain your dorsum. Assist the cat to feel secure past placing a blanket or towel on the table top so that he is less likely to skid and slide effectually.

5. 5

   Decide how often you should brush your cat. Long-haired cats demand to be brushed frequently, preferably on a daily basis.^[5] Otherwise, their fur may become matted and dirty. Curt-haired cats tin be brushed less oft, such as a few times per week and as needed.

6. half-dozen

   Be gentle as you brush your true cat's fur. Have your time when brushing your cat and so that you exercise non pull the fur or frighten your cat. Be aware that elderly cats with painful joints and arthritis, can become hissy when you get about their joints. It is all too easy to bang a rummage or brush against a bony cat'due south hips, shoulders, elbows, or knees, and crusade hurting, so work slowly and carefully over these areas.

7. vii

   Utilise the brushing session to examine your cat'south peel. Have a few moments as yous brush your cat to check his peel for whatsoever abnormalities, raw or bare spots, or other bug. If yous notice anything abnormal, make sure that yous contact your veterinarian equally soon as possible.^[6]

   • Make sure to check for fleas while combing your true cat as well. Part the fur and await for small-scale shiny chocolate-brown insect nigh the size of a sesame seed. Check for flea dirt equally well. These look like footling specks of clay. If yous find something suspicious put the speck on damp cotton wool wool. If it is flea dirt the moisture will rehydrate the dried claret and yous will see an orangish halo.
   • Run your fingers over the cat'south trunk to experience for lumps and bumps. If you lot find a new lump, or an existing lump is growing or seems to bother your cat when you lot touch it, take your cat to meet a vet as soon as possible.

8. viii

   Remove droppings with a metal comb. A metal rummage can be used to remove droppings and other matter from your cat's fur. It can also help to untangle the glaze, which is peculiarly useful for longer-haired cats.^[7]

   • Beginning past combing the hair on your true cat's tum and legs. Then comb the fur on the back, combing it upward and toward her head. Comb out the tail too.^[8]

9. 9

   Untangle any knots that you lot find. If your cat has long hair, take extra care to untangle knots earlier they go a bigger problem. If yous observe any knots, gently untangle them. You tin can use a comb, a mat splitter, or your fingers.^[ix] No matter what you utilize, endeavor to concur onto the base of the mat near the skin so that you lot do not pull on the pare every bit yous work through the mat.

10. 10

    Remove mats you lot tin can't untangle. If you observe a mat that you cannot untangle, remove it with clippers rather than pair of scissors to avoid cutting the cat's skin.^[x] Cats have very delicate pare underneath their fur. If it gets nicked, your cat might become an infection. In worse cases, your cat may need stitches.

    • If y'all do non feel comfy removing the mat yourself, contact a groomer who is experienced with cats or contact your veterinarian.
    • If you practise non have clippers, employ pair of scissors but with intendance. The safest method is to slide a comb betwixt the peel and the base of the knot. Then cut above the rummage on the knot side. The comb shields the skin and makes information technology less likely y'all will nick information technology. If you cannot get a comb under the knot then this is a job for a professional person groomer or the vet tech, and practise not attempt it yourself.

11. 11

    Use a brush to remove loose hair. After combing the coat, use a safety or bristle brush to remove loose hair.^[11] This will grab the final of the loose hair and it will also feel skilful to your cat. Even brusque-haired cats demand to be brushed, otherwise the pilus that they shed can get stuck in their coat.

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1. 1

   Remove crust from effectually your cat's optics. If your cat has crust in the corners of the eyes or has an middle problem that is causing violent or other belch, yous will need to clean around the optics. This will keep the true cat comfortable and prevent further irritation. Y'all should also have your cat to the vet to have the belch looked at. Sometimes cats become colds and other viruses that require some medication to clear them up.

   • Blot tears with a cotton ball or soft cloth.
   • Apply a moistened piece of cotton to remove crusted debris or other stale or thick material effectually the true cat's eyes.
   • Make sure to use a separate textile or cotton ball for each heart to assist forbid the spread of infections between the eyes. ^[12]
   • Avoid using heart washes or drops in the eyes themselves unless directed to do and then by a veterinary.^[13]

2. 2

   Clean the facial folds. Facial folds are prominent in flat-faced breeds similar the Persian and Himalayan. These should be cleaned, especially for cats with chronic eye belch. Tears and other discharge tin can build upward in these folds and predispose the true cat to skin disease.^[14]

   • To clean facial folds, use a piece of moistened cotton or a moist soft cloth to gently remove tears and other debris in the area.^[15]
   • Make sure to become the skin between the folds as well as the skin on either side.
   • Chronic moisture is a concern here, so make sure to employ a damp rather than wet cloth.
   • Gently pat the cleansed expanse dry subsequently wiping.

3. three

   Examine and clean the ears. Take a expect at your cat's ears. They should be pale pink in color, and there shouldn't be whatever debris, wax build-up, or odor. If you are in dubiousness as to whether there is a problem or non, compare one ear with the opposite side - they should both look the same. If one side looks different to the other, then you will know at that place is an issue. To make clean the ears:^[16]

   • Ask your vet to recommend a liquid ear cleaner, which is by and large available at a pet supply store.
   • Apply a small amount of cleaner on a cotton ball.
   • Fold the true cat's ear back and use the cotton ball to wipe away dirt.
   • Do non clean the ear canal, equally this tin cause trauma and/or infection.
   • Do not put cotton tips down into the ear canal, because if the cat moves suddenly you could damage the ear or cause pain. Never put water down into the ear as this softens the skin and makes ear infections more likely.

4. 4

   Examine your cat's face for wellness problems. While you lot're cleaning your cat, this is a proficient time to examine him for whatsoever bug. For example, if your true cat has center belch, redness of the optics, is blinking his optics a lot, has watery optics, a vet visit is in order.

   • See your vet if the pare in your cat's facial folds is reddish, darkened, seems irritated or the cat is losing pilus.
   • Your cat's ears may be irritated if he is scratching them a lot. Y'all might also detect evidence of ear mites. Talk with your vet if you take concerns virtually your cat'southward ears.

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1. 1

   Remove fecal matter from your true cat's fur as before long as you notice it. When yous have a cat that cannot or will not groom himself, y'all should be concerned about feces getting stuck in the fur under the tail. This is especially true in long-haired cats and pets with diarrhea. If stuck fecal matter is not promptly removed, it can mat in the fur and somewhen crusade peel problems and prevent the cat from defecating normally.^[17]

2. two

   Habiliment gloves. Slip on a pair of latex or rubber gloves while cleaning carrion from your cat'southward fur. Cat feces can contain toxoplasmosis, a parasitic condition that is especially unsafe for meaning women. If you're significant, have your partner make clean the cat (and the litter box).^[xviii]

3. 3

   Clean the hind finish with a wet newspaper towel. If the fecal nuggets are dry, effort pulling them out of the fur. If this fails and so use a dampened paper towel to wipe feces from the true cat's hind stop. There are besides kitty wipes, which are more often than not available at pet supply stores. You can use babe wipes, simply make certain they are not scented at all.^[xix] Your true cat volition lick his fur afterwards yous make clean him, and if there is any residual from the baby wipes, he will ingest that.

   • Clean the area once a day or as needed.

4. 4

   Dry your cat with a towel. Once y'all accept removed the feces, information technology's important to dry the area. Leaving your cat moisture can atomic number 82 to further matting of the fur and peel irritation.

5. 5

   Consider getting your cat's behind clipped. If you cannot remove the matted feces easily, consider having the pilus around the anus clipped to prevent feces from beingness trapped in the fur. True cat groomers commonly perform this process and refer to it as a hygiene clip or sani-prune.

6. six

   Keep the litter box clean. If your cat's litter box isn't clean, he may effort to defecate in the corner of the box, getting more than carrion on his fur. Or, he might try to get elsewhere, which can also increase the chance of getting feces on his fur. Scoop out the litter box every day. Replace the litter every one to 3 weeks.^[20]

7. 7

   Call the vet if you suspect problems. If your true cat has open up sores in the area or is having problems defecating due to matted fur, take the cat to the veterinarian rather than the groomer. Your cat may need treatment for the sores and any other problems he is dealing with.

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1. 1

   Requite your true cat a bath only if necessary. Cats rarely demand full baths. ^[21] Regular brushing and spot cleaning are commonly sufficient to keep cats clean. If your true cat gets into something sticky, rolls around in dirt, has a particularly nasty episode of diarrhea or does something else to foul large areas of his coat, however, you lot volition need to breast-stroke him.

   • If you lot don't want to bathe your true cat yourself, you can take him to a professional groomer.

2. 2

   Choose a expert time to bathe your true cat. Your true cat won't get as stressed in the tub if you choose a time when he is calm and mellow. Try playing with your cat for a while to tire him out and then start the bath. If your cat seems agitated, wait until he calms down before trying to breast-stroke him.

3. 3

   Trim your cat's claws. Before you get your true cat into the tub, you may desire to trim his claws. If your cat protests during the bath, you won't get scratched as much.^[22] Make certain that you do not trim them down too far, just trim the ends so that they are not then pointy. If you trim besides far down, you may strike the quick, which will be very painful for your cat and may bleed as well.

   • If y'all are nervous most trimming your true cat's nails, you can have your cat to a groomer or to your veterinarian to take them trimmed.

4. 4

   Give your cat a skillful brushing. Running a brush over your cat will help remove loose hair and debris. It'due south of import to remove mats likewise, since shampoo could go lodged in a mat.^[23]

5. 5

   Get someone to help you lot. Take a helper on hand to restrain the cat or hand you lot necessary items. Bathing a true cat alone is very challenging, and then don't try to practice it on your own unless you accept no other option.

6. 6

   Gather your supplies. Before involving the true cat in the procedure, get together necessary supplies so y'all are prepared once you get your cat in the tub. These include:

   • True cat shampoo: Don't apply domestic dog shampoo.
   • A plastic loving cup or pitcher
   • Towels
   • Washcloth
   • Rubber mat

7. seven

   Prepare the tub or sink. You can either bathe your cat in the tub or a sink if your sink is big plenty. Identify the rubber mat in the sink or tub. This mat will preclude the cat from slipping. Make full the tub with three to four inches of lukewarm water.^[24]

8. 8

   Begin bathing your cat. Place the cat in the tub, and have your friend hold onto the scruff of your cat's cervix. Then, use the cup or pitcher to thoroughly wet your cat's fur. Only wet your cat from the neck downwardly and try your best to avoid getting water in your true cat's optics, nose, and ears.

   • Speak soothingly to your cat equally y'all do this to help keep him calm. Reassure him and exist gentle.

9. 9

   Massage a shampoo solution into your true cat's fur. Apply a solution of one office cat shampoo and five parts h2o to launder your cat. Take your friend continue to hold your cat's neck scruff while y'all mix the solution. Pour the solution over your cat, avoiding the eyes, ears, and olfactory organ. Then, use your fingertips to gently massage the shampoo into your true cat's fur.

   • If you demand to clean effectually your true cat'southward behind, vesture a pair of latex or vinyl gloves.

10. 10

    Rinse abroad the shampoo. Using the bullpen or cup, gently pour warm water over your cat'due south fur. Over again, avert the eyes, ears, and nose. Make sure that you've thoroughly rinsed all of the shampoo balance off of your cat's fur. You may need to utilise several cupfuls or pitcherfuls to get all of the lather out of your cat'due south fur.

11. 11

    Dry your cat. When you are finished, have your friend gently elevator your true cat out of the tub and place him onto a towel. Then, wrap another towel effectually your cat to help him dry off and get warm. Have your cat to a warm room where he can dry off.

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1. 1

   Endeavour professional grooming if you can't keep up with your cat's grooming. If you aren't dwelling a lot or you lot're as well decorated to regularly groom your true cat, yous might consider taking your kitty to a professional grooming service. Amid the services offered by a groomer are: brushing the fur, shaving difficult mats, clipping nails, cleaning ears, and bathing.

2. 2

   Find a groomer that specializes in cats. Expect online or ask for a referral from your veterinarian. Check to encounter if the groomer is part of the National Cat Groomers Establish of America. This association institutes and maintains standards for true cat grooming.

3. 3

   Consider your cat's stress. You lot need to remainder how much your cat might get stressed out if you accept him to a groomer. Consider how well your cat does in the automobile riding to the groomer. The experience of grooming can be difficult for a true cat. Just if your cat's fur is in really bad shape, it might be worth the stress to get him cleaned up.

4. four

   Ask your vet almost clipping your true cat. If daily brushing and occasional spot cleaning are not sufficient to proceed your cat make clean, speak to your veterinarian about whether or not clipping your cat's fur is advisable. Clipping is frequently not necessary for cats with normal grooming habits or for those that can exist hands groomed past their owners. But long-haired cats tend to mat easily. They often object to daily brushing and do non fairly groom themselves. These types of cats may practise better if most of their fur is clipped.^[25]

   • Depending on the cat's temperament, this procedure may require sedation by a veterinarian.

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• Question

  Are dog wipes OK to utilise on cats?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a caste in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the aforementioned beast clinic in her hometown for over xx years.

  

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  It's always best to chose a product that states information technology'south suitable for both dogs and cats. Carry in mind cat skin is dissimilar than both man and dog skin, and very sensitive. For certain avoid using wipes that are scented or incorporate alcohol. Not all wipes suitable for dogs are safe for cats, such as those containing tea tree oil, then if in dubiousness, simply use cotton soaked in warm h2o.

• Question

  Can I wipe the cats downwardly with babe wipes weekly so they smell and look make clean all over their bodies?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinarian surgery and companion animal exercise. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

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  Support wikiHow by unlocking this practiced reply.

  Ideally, look for pet or cat wipes. Recall you lot are in outcome wiping chemicals over the cat's fur. When cats groom, they then ingest those chemicals, which may have the potential to cause affliction. For sure avoid using wipes that are fragranced (after all you lot, wouldn't potable perfume) or comprise booze, which is very drying.

• Question

  How many hours a solar day do cats lick themselves?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of feel in veterinary surgery and companion animal practise. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinarian medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animate being clinic in her hometown for over xx years.

  

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• Question

  Is information technology safe to wash a cat with Dawn dish soap?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinary with over 30 years of feel in veterinary surgery and companion brute exercise. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a caste in veterinarian medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same brute clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

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  While Dawn is considered a mild detergent, I would avoid using it on cats. I of the production'south strengths is that it'due south slap-up at stripping away grease. While this is desirable on muddied dishes, it's not good for feline skin. You may get away with using information technology one time but, if you apply it frequently, it will cause excessive drying of the peel and coat.

• Question

  How can I clean my cat without water?

  

  Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinary with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion brute practice. She graduated from the Academy of Glasgow in 1987 with a caste in veterinarian medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

  

  Veterinarian

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  Brushing and combing are skillful at removing dry out contaminants from the glaze, such as pollen, dust, or grit. If at that place is a gummy knot, then slide a comb below the knot to protect the skin and clip the tangle abroad. For a dingy bottom or smelly area, attempt using unscented baby wipes to clean the area, so dry out it well afterwords with disposable newspaper towels.

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• If your cat is having difficulty grooming himself, schedule an engagement with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat the underlying outcome preventing the cat from training himself.

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Commodity Summary 10

To make clean your cat when he can't do it himself, brush him every day to foreclose mats and stimulate apportionment. Have your time and brush carefully over joints and bony areas like hips, shoulders, elbows, and knees. Next, use a cotton ball moistened with water to remove crust around its optics. If you demand to clean fecal thing from your cat's fur, slip on a pair of latex gloves, clean the hind quarters with a wet paper towel or unscented infant wipes, and dry the fur with a towel. For tips on trimming the hind quarters to forbid fecal matting, read on!

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