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Midnight

Everytime i give my cat a bath he has a seziure.

I have used everything from cat shampoo to human shampoo and now im using these special wipes made just for cats but i would love to be able to give him a bath like my mom does with her cat. If anyone has had the same problem or knows why please help me.


Asked by Midnight on May 16th 2011 in Bathing
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Sassy

Cats don't really need baths as they keep themselves clean and spend a lot of time grooming. If you don't get them used to it when they are small kittens most cats hate water and the stress from the baths is probably what is setting off the seizures.

Seizures aren't normal even under stress so you should take him in to the vets for a check up. Describe exactly how he acts and what sets them off. You may just need to stop trying go bath him and keep an eye on him but the vet will be able to advise. There are some serious things that can trigger a seizure so it's worth a check up at the vet to rule those out. It's also possible that he's not actually having a seizure but is just freaked out by thd baths that triggers the reaction you see


Sassy answered on 5/16/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Guest

I agree with the former poster. Cats don't need frequent bathing like dogs do. I once had a cat who started having seizures of unknown origin at age five years. I couldn't use any topical flea products other than Advantage. She would have seizures within 24 hours of using FrontLine. You really need to take your cat to the vet, as the seizures don't sound normal. Stop using any shampoos and wipes. Cats lick their fur and maybe something in those products set off a seizure. I still would get your cat to a vet. Good luck!


Member 185886 answered on 5/17/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Izadore (Izzie)

Agreeing with the other posters, I'll also pass on a bit of advice my vet gave me years ago. She said that unless your cat is 'down in the coal mines' and getting filthy every day, there is no need to bathe them. Cats, unlike dogs, do not have a natural odor that people can find objectionable. Both my cats, as least to me, are scent/odor free. If you like a clean, shiny, soft kitty, try keeping a brush handy when you sit down. If your kitty, like my Delilah, is a lap cat, brush him for a short time when he's on your lap. Delilah is crazy about being brushed and even lets me cut out mats from her fur. You can also designate a dedicated grooming/brushing time for him. If he is so overcome and overwhelmed by bathing, most of us here on the board would strongly advise again any bathing as you've seen by the other answers. It's not worth it. Try the brushing instead, and if he doesn't care for that, let him handle the grooming by himself. If he doesn't groom, consult with your vet.


Izadore (Izzie) answered on 5/17/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Twinkle

Cats don't need a bath unless they make a mess on themself. I highly advise against using human shampoo on an animal. There is a difference in the "pH" for pet and human shampoos. Cats are especially sensitive because they lick themselves so much. Check out this link:en.wikipedia.org


Twinkle answered on 5/17/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Guest

My cat can be filthy at times, he loves a good roll around in the dirt but this is his way of having a bath. The dust soaks up any oils and leaves him feeling cool and comfortable. If he gets really dusty I give him a comb but I never bath my cat. I agree with everyone else, my best friend bathes her cat and I can't bare it. It's also a bit risky as you can make their body temp drop by a lot when they're drying off and the water cools by their skin (this by no means, means use a hair dryer!) but normaly moisture from rain wont reach a cats skin as the fur protects from this. I vote leave your cat alone!


Member 1034075 answered on 5/17/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Harvey

I show cats in cat shows, and they get a very thorough bath and drying (via hair dryer) routine before each show. I've had cats shiver with fear (even though they like being sparkly clean afterwards), but never a seizure. If any of my cats had a seizure for any reason, I would take it immediately to the vet. I shampoo my cats regularly when they're being shown, and only occasionally (once a year or so) when not. They're Maine Coons, and baths help get the grease out of their fur (Maine Coons are naturally oily, to repel rain and snow) and reduce shedding. Shorthaired cats usually don't need baths. Although diluted dish detergent is often used to bathe cats, as the other posters said, don't use human products on your cat. I really don't think Midnight needs baths, but if he needs one occasionally, use detergent or an unscented cat shampoo, and rinse very well. But first, go to the vet.


Harvey answered on 5/17/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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