At some point in your cat’s life he or she may need to be bathed. If you are fortunate enough to have started when they were a kitten, the process will be much easier. However, it can be done with an older cat, if you follow some basic guide lines.

First, decide whether your cat really needs a bath. Cats are typically very clean animals. But they may have come into contact with something greasy. Your fur companion usually will not be able to completely remove the stain. Other ways to avoid a bath and clean your cat, could simply involve brushing the cat, combing or even rubbing them down with a damp cloth.

Trim all nails before even attempting to wash a cat – this will reduce scratching, minor or major. Wear appropriate clothing like a long sleeve shirt and clothing that isn’t new. Even a trimmed nail can leave scratches and draw blood. If you can afford this luxury, get at least one other person involved in washing your cat, especially if your cat is rather strong and can kick and wriggle its way out of your hands. One person should hold all four legs and hold the cat’s jaw so it can’t open its mouth to bite you, but be sure you don’t hold it so tight it can’t breathe. Hold your cat firmly so it cannot wriggle out from your grip.

Depending on the size of your cat, pick a location, (sink or tub), and fill with no more than 4-5 inches deep of warm water, (depending on size of the animal), before bringing your cat into the bathroom, since some cats can be unnerved by running water. Fill a bucket or two with extra water for rinsing the cat, but this is optional. However, you will not run the risk of frightening your cat by running the faucet. A rubber mat is a good way to make sure the cat has comfortable footing. A pet safe shampoo, 2-3 wash cloths and bath towel will also be needed. Before introducing your cat to the bathing location, comb the fur thoroughly, removing and knots or tangles. Do this before wetting the fur, or the task will be next to impossible once wet. Soak the cat from the neck down, using a wash cloth. Use a little bit of shampoo and with water; wash your cat’s neck, body, legs, belly and tail. Be sure not to get shampoo in their eyes, nose, mouth, or ears. (Cotton balls in the ears can help prevent water from entering.) Rinse thoroughly with the water in the tub, then drain the tub and rinse two more times with water from the bucket or warm water from the tap. It is essential that you remove all the soap from the coat. Blot your cat while gently pressing as much water as you can from the fur before you wrap your cat in the towel. When the first towel gets too wet, switch to another dry towel. Don’t stop until the cat is just damp. Warm towels from the dryer are great! Many cats find this comforting. Short-haired cats can finish drying themselves in the bathroom as long as they’re away from drafts. They will appreciate a heat source (space heater or warm air vent) and a dry towel to sit on. Long-haired cats will need to be combed and use more towels. Long hairs mat more easily when wet, so you may wish to comb the coat until it is completely dry.

Now that you are finished, (probably took longer to read this than to actually perform the task), never forget to reward your cat! Give him/her their favorite canned food, catnip or treats on their favorite piece of cat furniture and he/she will come to realize that there is a good side to being bathed.