How to Bathe Cats

Introduction

Some cats hate getting a bath more than others, but they all generally dislike the process. How often you bathe your cat your is up to you. If your cat spends a great deal of time outside, consider doing it once a month, and if your cat is an indoor cat consider doing it every other month. The following process details how to make the process some ways to make the process less painful for both the cat and yourself.

Instructions

1. File down or clip your cats nails. This way if your cat freaks out and starts clawing and scratching, the damage won't be as severe if she comes after you or goes after her surroundings.
2. Brush away dead hair and pull away clumps of dirt or any other large, visible objects that are stuck to your cat.
3. Love on your cat a little. Spend five to 10 minutes petting her and also consider giving her a treat. This relaxes your cat and makes her more receptive to getting a bath. Another approach is to play with your cat until she becomes tired. Either way, you want your cat happy and relaxed just before dunking her in the bath.
4. Fill the tub, sink or other location where you'll be bathing your cat with a few inches of lukewarm water. Also, have a pitcher or two of lukewarm water nearby to get your cat wet initially and to rinse her off. In both cases, take extra care to avoid cold water, as using cold water can upset your cat and make the bathing process incredibly difficult.
5. Slowly lower your cat into the wash area. Keep your hands securely around her for a few seconds to hold her in place until she doesn't feel tense. If you let go before she becomes somewhat comfortable with where she is, she'll escape at the first chance.
6. Pour some water from one of the nearby pitchers over your cat until she's good and wet, taking care to avoid getting water in her eyes, nose and ears. Alternatively, you can splash some water up on her from the tub.
7. Rub baby shampoo or shampoo specifically for cats into your cat's fur for two to three minutes. Using regular shampoo will cause her skin to dry out and start itching. If your cat tries to run away, keep her in the tub to the best of your ability.
8. Wash the shampoo off of your cat using all of the water that's left in the pitchers.
9. Remove your cat from the tub and dry her off with a regular towel to the best of your ability before letting her get away. Cats with longer hair should be brushed immediately to keep it from getting tangled. If your cat will stand for it, use a blow dryer to dry her off quickly.
10. Your cat will likely want to go and wash herself off as soon as possible after you let her go. However, love on her some more and offer her some treats as soon as she gets past the turmoil of being bathed.