How to Bathe a Cat

By Bar10dr98
 
Please wash your cat! Do you dread bathing your cat as much as your cat does? Here's a simple guide to make the process as painless as possible!

Things You’ll Need: Cat, Cat safe shampoo, Bathtub, Cup, Towel, Band-aids 

Step 1

Fill bathtub with warm water BEFORE taking your cat into the bathroom, about 2-3 inches of water. Leave cup, shampoo, and towel within reach during bath. 

Step 2

Assuming you are right-handed (reverse this if left handed) take your left hand and reach under your cat, placing your index, middle, and ring fingers between his front legs, and thumb and pinky fingers on the outside of cat's legs. Cat should be sideways with his head on your left side. Keep pinky and thumb far enough forward to where it limits how much movement cat can make while bathing with his front legs. You will be keeping your left hand in place for the remainder of bathing. 

Step 3

SLOWLY lower kitty into bathtub. Take your time, using your right hand to hold down on the back of cat's back. When the cat has settled down, slowly use cup to pour water from the front of cat's back to the tail, stopping and holding the cat's back with your right hand if he becomes agitated. The key is to prevent the cat's claws from getting traction, they love to climb your arm to get out of the tub! Be careful around your cat's head during bathing, avoiding ears and eyes. Shampoo, and rinse. If your cat will let you, wrap him up with a towel and you're done with his bath! Hopefully you won't need the band-aids! 

Tips & Warnings
a. If you close the bathroom door, it can make things a lot easier if your cat does escape the bathtub!
b. Make sure water is not too hot or cold, that will only add to your cat's displeasure.
c. Take your time, if you seem rushed or irritated, your cat will pick up on this. You want to make it a pleasant bathing experience so the next time around won't be so bad.
d. Most cats do not like bath time, and will not be shy about letting you know!
Make sure to use a cat safe shampoo, especially when using flea control shampoo.