Cleaning Up After Feeding

Cleaning Kitty
If your cat is sick, your cat may not feel like grooming after a feeding. Some cats just ignore the soupy mess on their face, chin, chest and paws. It is so very important that you clean your cat off right away and do not let the food dry. If the food is left on your cat, contact dermatitis will result. What happens is that the skin becomes irritated and then all of a sudden clumps of fur will start to fall out. Believe me... this is very distressing not to mention unhealthy for your cat.

Here's one approach:

1. Wipe as much as you can away with a dry wash cloth.
2. Clean remaining soiled areas with a warm, damp cloth (optional).
3. Use a toothbrush dipped in water to get down to the skin.
   (Well, before we get started let's have a little drink.)
   
   Whiskers are especially hard to keep clean down to the skin.
   
4. Use tissue to whisk water out of the whiskers and fur.
5. Fluff fur to dry.
   

If food is on paws, legs and chest, use a flea comb to get the majority of the food out. If necessary, wash fur with diluted cat shampoo. Rinse at the sink if your kitty will allow this... or wash with a warm, wet cloth over and over until the shampoo is out.

Cleaning Syringes
Wash syringes and all supplies in hot, soapy water to reduce the chance for bacterial growth. A little bottle brush cleaner such as a hummingbird feeding brush is an excellent idea.

Washing Towels - If you are assist feeding 3 and 4 times a day, the towels and wash cloths will pile up quickly!

Tip from Linda F: I bought one of those wall racks that goes over (and under) the toilet tank; this one has 3 shelves which are made of chrome bars. I always rinse bibs and towels if they get dirty, and these racks are great for drying things. For towels I use "bar towels"; they sell for about 50c each (I got them 3/$1.00 at a dollar store.)

Time to Wash You!