Dust Storm Sequellae
The recent dust storms, and the extreme asthma season, have resulted in a lot of cats getting very sticky, dirty coats.
cat spit plus diesel fumes plus pollen = glue
Cats only have little tongues to clean themselves with, resulting in sore mouths and sneezing, so a lot of them will need some help from you.
Now that the dust has been largely washed down the drain, it is the stuff indoors, and the resurgence of plants with sticky pollen that are going to cause the next wave of sore mouths.
The answer is - Bathe your cat - REALLY.
This is the Actual Way to Bath a cat. Dr Kim has had to do several 'emergency bathings' already in the last couple of weeks.
If you do not have or cannot get some proper cat shampoo (remember their skin is different), then Baby Shampoo, Morning Fresh Detergent or Sunlight Soap (all Unscented and especially not lemon scented) will do. They take the oil out of the cat's fur and make them take much longer to dry, but otherwise the cats will be fine.
There are 3 secrets -
- Use VERY WARM water (I can wash a cat in cold water but you've got to be strong and quick to get away with it!).
- Do not RAIN on the cat - use a jug of water to dampen the coat, or hold the shower spray CLOSE to their bodies especially when rinsing (although you can 'dunk' a cat in a bucket of water if you lower it in back feet first but it is harder to wash and rinse them.. Do not let the water come over their feet - leave the plug out of the sink and put a rubber mat or towel in the basin for less slip.
- Wash with 2 people the first time - one to push the cat firmly DOWN on the shoulders (scruff) and bum (if they get up and onto their back legs, you've lost them). Wash in 2 goes - the first to dampen and use the shampoo to get through the 'glue' or the water repellent natural coat oils. The second to get the shampoo right down to the skin and remove the irritants. Very useful if owners allergic as well - the cat allergen is actually water soluble anyway. and really itchy cats will go and sit in the bath if themselves after a few washes - they learn it feels good. You really only need a fairly rough towel dry - even if the day is a bit cool. If the cat is healthy, once itt starts licking itself, their coat dries like magic (what is IN cat spit?). Wiping the cat's coat with a warm damp cloth daily works as maintenance between washes.
And remember - cats rub their faces on everything to say 'mine mine mine', so that area is very prone to connecting with irritants.
If your cat is not eating, or is showing signs of baldness or other irritation, then obviously they need to come and see Dr Kim. Otherwise - Good Luck with REALLY BATHING A CAT. And if it is all TOO MUCH - then book your cat in to Chatswood Cat Central to groom (9417 6613).
Dr Kim and Staff