How to bathe a new, filthy shelter cat without a struggle?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sounds like Norbert has a great home. One question I always have is, was only one test performed? There can be false positive tests and some cats can get exposed to the virus and fight it off, thus becoming negative over time. A repeat test is advised 30-60 days after the first positive test to assess the leukemia status again. If that one comes back positive, a confirmatory test is usually advised. I would just keep him as happy and as healthy as possible. Follow your vets advise on preventive health care although, I would not be a fan of yearly vaccinations for a cat with feline leukemia. I would get him on a 3 yr vaccine schedule as soon as you can. The initial vaccines are usually good for one year but then you have an option to go to a 3-year protocol. I would keep him dewormed regularly to make sure he doesn't develop problems with intestinal parasites. If appropriate, make sure that he has an effective flea product on also. You want to keep him as healthy as possible. One other thing, when you notice any problems with him, get him seen right away due to his leukemia status. Early intervention will help him battle things that may come up like respiratory infections, urinary problems, etc. Good luck with Norbert

I do not recommend bathing him, if his coat seems to be dirty and sticky all the time, that is probably because he is suffering from a gum disease, this creates a very slimy saliva and when the cat cleans himself it sticks to the coat and creates a very dirty looking coat, in that case he will need to be treated for that but bathing a cat is rarely a solution unless the cat becomes extremely dirty once in a while, bathing a cat once a week is not an option.

Try bathing him in a gentle pet or baby shampoo, but make sure to dry him well after his bath so that he does not get too cold. Also wash all of his bedding well because he likely transferred the odor by contact.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You are fine bathing Franky! I would use a safe non irritating shampoo like dawn or a baby shampoo. He is a young kitten so bathing him shouldn't be as scary as it would for an adult cat. He will likely just be scared and try to climb out of the tub or climb you. Consider clipping his toe nails before the bath! Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Without seeing a picture of Norbert's chin it is hard to say. Most likely he will be fine. He likely has chin acne or a simple wound or infection. Due to his leukemia positive state he should see a Vet and decide if he needs oral antibiotics. Cats with leukemia can be immunocompromised. You can use this shampoo locally to help if it is chin acne: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21564 I hope this helps!

Poor Norbert. Since you know that he has feline leukemia, I would get him started on some l-lysine if you haven't already. There is a paste and chew formulas. This helps to boost their immune system. See links below for options. I would also be concerned that he has an abscess or infection or even a tumor where those swellings are. He could be avoiding you because he is uncomfortable. I would have your vet take a look at him. Your vet will be able to determine what the swellings are and even do blood work if needed. They should be able to get him starts on some antibiotics, pain meds and even an appetite stimulant if needed. I would be sure to ask the vet for an estimate before they do any diagnostics. The vet should be able to come up with a treatment plan that will help Norbert but also fit your needs. I do not recommend to give any human pain meds as most of these are toxic to cats. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon! L-Lysine chews: https://www.petco.com/brand/vetriscience-120-count-2215443?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o2&scid=scplp2215443&sc_intid=2215443&cm_mmc=PLA-GG-_-PTC_P_BND_PLA-GG_FY17_SCShopping-TM-_-Non+VIP-_-92700026086767577&kwid=p26086767577&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgMSVktCj2AIVw7XACh2AZgaGEAQYAiABEgLRp_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds L-lysine paste: https://www.chewy.com/vetoquinol-viralys-l-lysine-oral-gel/dp/102542?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Vetoquinol&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_ozrr9Cj2AIVgbrACh2ykg-REAQYASABEgLx2_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

If Norbert has always drank the same amount of water and urinated the same amount of times since you got him I would not be concerned. Some cats will drink and urinate more than others. However if this is a new behavior I would recommend taking Norbert to a vet to have his urine checked. Feline leukemia can suppress the immune system and make a patient more likely to get disease. I hope that helps