Update on Buster's bathing!

[BusterTheCat]

I made a post a while ago about how much Buster hates his baths and asked for suggestions. I remember reading somewhere that it could be helpful to put a treat on a floating object in the bath. I kept treats in the bathroom and put a couple leading to the bath so he could walk up to it on his own. I had the bath filled more than I usually do because I also read that having the water higher could be helpful. I placed a few treats in the bath on a floating object. He still wouldn't go in on his own but while I was bathing him he had to ability to reach for a treat. It went pretty well, he didn't escape (I had my brother helping to make sure he wouldn't jump out). He still doesn't like baths very much but I'm thinking that maybe if I keep doing this, he will associate his baths with treats and not dread them as much! I used to only give him a treat after his bath but I have a feeling this will help with the association.

 

[andreanar]

Yay! Baby steps are fine. You could also smear some meat baby food on the side of the bath so he can lick to keep him happy. Good thing these naked critters are so food motivated, haha

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Sounds like you are making progress. He may never "love" baths, but just having him tolerant of it would be great. Glad you have had success with some great tips here.


Patti

 

[BusterTheCat]

@andreanar That's a good idea, I should try that next time! Buster definitely loves his food!!

 

[Taraforweb]

Neenee does NOT love baths but she is good and lets me do what I need to.

Find a process that works for you and do it the same everytime. They will know what you are doing, anticipate the next and know you have to do 'this', 'that', 'then the other' before you are done.

Neenee has only totally stressed out on me once. I ALWAYS clean her ears last... then I lift the towel and she shoots off the bathroom counter. One time... dun dun DUN.... I tried to clean her toes AFTER her ears. Oh. My. Goodness. She was howling at me and pulling a way and actually giving me a look of... well, I don't know what she was thinking but it seemed like she hated me and was confused and that I had violated some sort of sacred oath. I finally had to let her down. Now I never do anything after ear cleaning. =)

 

[Hairless Blessing]

I agree, he may never like baths, but, will tolerate them. That's all that matters.
Izmae doesn't like them and she fusses the whole time, but, she doesn't do anything.
She let's me bathe her, clean her ears and nails. She does good, just fusses

 

[sciumi]

Congrats on the progress!!! I had the most difficult time with my previous Sphynx, Astor. I truly believe that he feared for his life. Ella (my current Sphynx) hates baths, but she's just mad--Astor was scared the only thing that made a significant difference with him was flower essences. I tried Bach's Rescue Remedy first with no success, but Spirit Essences "Stress Stopper" definitely helped!

 

[curlysue]

Yay for happier bath times ahead! Violet is the only one who never minds a bath. The others I have to sneak and fill the tub then find them one at a time. I always do Hairry first because he is the worst if he ses the others getting a bath. I stick to the bath routine and it seems to be less painful all the way around. Ear cleaner in ears, body in water and message with "kitty gloves", scrub toes (the worst part) then out of the tub to dry and while wrapped in a kitty burrito clean all the ear chocolates out.

If you do the math with four Sphynx that is 208 baths, 416 ear cleaning & 3692 toes Hairry is missing a toe) cleaned in a year. LOL

 

[BusterTheCat]

@sciumi Wow I didn't even know that was a thing! Can I find it in stores or is it mostly just sold online?

@curlysue Lololol ear chocolates. So gross!

 

[Inflamed]

Yay for progress! Once you find a routine that works for both of you, you'll find it getting easier and easier