How to Give Your Cat a Flea Bath

The winter's balmy temperatures have led to a rise in flea and tick populations, so if your feline is roaming outdoors, there's a good chance he will run into a few of these pesky insects. If you do happen to spot a few of these parasites on your cat's coat, a flea bath is necessary, so here are a few tips to make the process less of a chore, according to Catster.com.

1. Pick the appropriate shampoo.
   To solve your feline's parasite woes, a quality flea shampoo is a must. Hartz UltraGuard Rid Flea and Tick Cat Shampoo is a great choice that is safe for his skin and can kill fleas and their eggs after just one treatment. Be sure to let the product sit on his skin for at least five minutes so the active ingredients can do their job.
2. Use your kitchen sink.
   Instead of straining your back leaning over in the bathtub, use your kitchen sink to give your feline a quick bath. The news source suggests only filling up the sink with two to three inches of lukewarm water, to avoid letting him feel like he's completely submerged. This will allow you to rinse and lather up his coat without splashing his face or making him feel too uncomfortable.
3. Post-bath regimen.
   After you've thoroughly cleaned off your feline's coat, give his coat a brushing to remove any loose hair and fur that has started to mat, reports the ASPCA. Wrap him up in a towel to remove any excess moisture and cradle him for at least five to 10 minutes to help him unwind after his bath. Lastly, be sure to take a few cotton balls and dry out the inside of your feline's ears to prevent any chance of infection.

A flea bath is probably not something you're looking forward to this season, but with historic levels of fleas and ticks in many parts of the country, it's best to be prepared for the worst. By having quality Hartz products handy and a clear plan in mind, you can make the experience less stressful on your cat and keep him pest-free throughout the summer.