How to Dry Bathe a Cat

Cats don't like being bathed. However, occasionally your cat may desperately need a bath. Whether suffering from fleas, spending too much time playing outside in the dirt or slowly developing a funky odor, a dry bath treatment can be much easier than trying to coax kitty into the tub.

Things You'll Need

• Essential oil
• Cornstarch
• Fine-bristled brush
• Cheesecloth

Instructions

1. Create your dry bath powder by mixing 5 drops of essential oil with 1 cup of cornstarch. Mix the solution thoroughly, making sure that the essential oil does not clump in the cornstarch, as concentrated essential oil can irritate your kitty's skin. Select an essential oil for its pleasant aroma or choose a healing oil. Clary sage relieves skin irritations, patchouli heals minor wounds and tea tree repels fleas.

2. Use a fine-bristled brush to remove any clumps of dirt, fur balls or tangles in your cat's coat. Distribute the oil and cornstarch mixture as evenly as possible through your cat's coat, making sure that the powder penetrates to the skin. Take extra care around the face, as your kitty's nose and eyes are sensitive to the essential oil

3. Massage the dry bath powder into your cat's fur, rubbing and scratching for a few minutes until thoroughly distributed. When finished, brush your kitty's fur again to remove the excess powder. If necessary, you can cover your brush with a piece of cheesecloth to pick up the powder from the fine fluff of your cat's fur.

4. Repeat this dry bath treatment every few months as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not add more than 5 drops of essential oil for every cup of cornstarch. Essential oil are healing and smell great; however, they are highly concentrated and can irritate your cat's sensitive skin.