How to Bath a Cat

First of all get all the things you need together before even considering putting your furry friend in the bath. They're not just going to wait patiently in the water for you while you try to collect everything. You will need specially designed pet shampoo, conditioner if you have a long haired breed, 2 cups (one to dilute the shampoo in and one for rising) and towels.

Fill the bath or sink up with enough water that it just touches the stomach of your cat when they're standing up. Test this water with your wrist, it should not feel hot or cold, this is commonly known as body temperature.

Mix a capful of pet shampoo (or the amount according to the manufacturers directions) with some warm water in a mug. This will help spread the shampoo all over the cats body and will warm it up so you're not applying cold liquids to their fur and skin.

Gently place your cat into the water, it's important at this point to reassure them and you might need an extra pair of hands for this and the following steps. If you think your cat may try to scratch you at this point wear something that will cover up your arms.

Once they have got used to standing in the water, wet your cat with either the shower if they allow it or by pouring cups of body temperature water over the them. Then rub in the water with the diluted shampoo. Depending on your cats preferences you can rub the shampoo in quickly if they're not happy with the situation or take your time and give your cat a massage if they are more relaxed. Rinse with body temperature water and repeat if applying conditioner.

Once you think you've washed all the shampoo out from their fur run your hand along their body to check for suds and to removed excess water. Wrap in a towel and transfer them on to a dry surface, you may need another towel to soak up further water off your cat. Dry them as much as possible then leave them to finish off themselves. Some cats will tolerate a hair dryer from a distance on a very low setting, but if your cat is distressed with the bath, then let them dry themselves in their own time.

If possible, try to get them used to being bathed from a very young age, this way it will be less stressful for you both. Always give your cat a treat after being bathed, that way they will hopefully learn that something nice always follows a bath.