Bruh how did you even manage to wash your cat? I tried to bring my cat in the bathtub once and she ran out when I turn the water on. Now I can't even carry her in the bathroom because she'll freak out and leap out of my hand.

[–] [email protected] 27 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I dunno how reliable it is, but I've had a lot of cats growing up, and we'd always try to get them used to water when they were still very young kittens, giving them baths in the kitchen sink. Most of my cats ended up tolerating getting a bath into adulthood (I don't think any of them loved it, but they didn't freak out about it), though we had one who was always a crybaby about it, from day one.

Sometimes you just get lucky and end up with a cat that absolutely loves water. I had one that I'd have to lock out of the bathroom whenever I'd shower, because she'd always want to get in the water and start rolling around and try to get under my feet.

[–] Lauchs 18 points 5 days ago

I understand why you wouldn't want thay cat in the shower but that sounds crazy adorable.

[–] [email protected] 20 points 5 days ago (1 children)

You have to raise cats from a young age to be okay with baths, and even then they can object to it on principle.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Well fuck, I adopted her at around like 9 months old. Too late 🤷‍♂️

[–] Maalus 9 points 5 days ago

Not too late, you fucked up with the bathtub. You don't turn the water on when they are in it. That's scary. You turn it on and let them watch it from a distance. Then you turn it off and take them to show them the water. Then you wet their paws a little. And you might have to end it there. Then next time a little more, then you put the cat into the water so just their paws get soaked, then take it out. You need to be slow with this shit. The cat knows what you are doing when you wet their paws. They'll play with the water a little when they have wet paws (because what's the harm, the water is warm and their paws are wet already). Then you can pet their back with a wet hand. Let them sniff your wet hand, etc.

Cats are naturally very panicky. Having a sudden noise, a bucket full of water they can't leave is scary to them.

[–] johannesvanderwhales 5 points 5 days ago

When I've needed to wash my cat he's been surprisingly cooperative. Some cats don't mind it as much as you'd think. It helps to give them a towel or something that they can put their claws in.

Now drying him off? That did not meet with his approval.

[–] pennomi 4 points 5 days ago

For my cat, the secret is treats. She’ll do anything if you give her a little bit of turkey.