Tip
Use a comb, cornstarch, peroxide and pet wipes daily. This helps avoid deep-set staining.
Keeping a cat clean is not something many cat owners think about, especially since most felines do a respectable job with their own hygiene. Cats spend a substantial amount of time grooming, up to half their waking lives. The white cat, especially the white show cat, has particular needs when it comes to grooming and bathing, as dirt, tears and debris from the litter box can all stain her beautiful fur.
Step 1
Comb your kitty with a fine-tooth comb to remove debris that may be discoloring her fur.
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Step 2
Using a pet wipe, clean her face and around her eyes to remove any stains from tears and cat food.
Step 3
Sprinkle some cornstarch under you cat's chin, on her bib area and on her paws. Rub gently, then comb or brush away to restore these problem areas to a whiter appearance.
Step 4
Create a paste by mixing the cornstarch and a small amount of peroxide. Add peroxide slowly until the consistency is like paste. Using a clean cloth, rub the mixture on any urine stains. Remove the paste with a clean, damp cloth. Don't use this mixture around kitty's eyes and nose.
Step 5
Prepare your bathing area. You'll need shampoo and towels. Choosing a shampoo designed for white cats may give you better results. Open the shampoo before you begin. It's easier to do with dry hands.
Step 6
Fill your basin, wash tub or sink half-full with warm water. With your right hand under your cat's belly and your left holding her front paws, gently lower her into the water.
Step 7
Wet your kitty's fur using a cup or your hand. Gently pour water over her body. Once kitty is used to her bath, you may be able to use the sink's spray hose on low pressure.
Step 8
Remove as much water from your cat's fur as possible by stroking her with your hands. Place her on a towel next to the sink or in the other side of the sink if you have a double sink.
Step 9
Squeeze a small amount of shampoo into your hand and rub your hands together. If you need to keep one hand on your cat to keep her still, drip the shampoo along her spine to spread it out. Avoid letting large amounts of shampoo deposit onto one area; it will make rinsing far more difficult.
Step 10
Shampoo kitty thoroughly, keeping the shampoo out of her eyes and the shampoo and water out of her ears.
Step 11
Return kitty to the sink or basin you filled with warm water. Rinse her well, using clean water once the bath water becomes murky from shampoo. Keep a pitcher of clean, warm water standing by if your cat doesn't like the sound of running water. For long-haired cats, such as Persians, float them in the water, allowing the fur to spread out along the water's surface. Add water to the basin to raise the water level, and be sure to hold onto kitty so her face isn't submerged. Floating makes for easier shampoo removal.
Step 12
Drain the tub and remove as much water as you can from your cat's fur by stroking her with your hands.
Step 13
Dry your cat by rubbing her gently with the towel.
Step 14
Blow-dry your cat's fur on the lowest setting. Use a cooler setting than you'd use on yourself to make certain you don't burn her skin.
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