How to bathe a cat

[Grooming Tips]

Everybody knows that cats don't like to get wet, but sometimes it's unavoidable. When they get exceptionally dirty, or get bombarded by fleas and ticks, or get into substances that are toxic or otherwise harmful, it's time to give them a bath. Here's how to keep your feline fresh and lovely as painlessly as possible.

Decide, whether your cat really needs a bath. There may be other ways to clean your cat, such as brushin, combing or even rubbing it down with a cloth.

Wear appropriate clothing. Not only is it important to wash your cat but it is important to be safe from any possible scratches, minor or major. A jumper or a long-sleeved shirt must be worn so that your cat has no bare skin to scratch. If you don't have one, you could wear long-sleeved gloves. It is also a good idea to wear clothing that isn't new. Be careful and gentle when you rub his head and belly.

Get at least two people 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 really tight that it can't breathe. Hold your cat firmly so it cannot wriggle out from your grip.

Fill the tub with 4-5 inches of warm water (depends on size of the animal). Try to fill the tub before bringing your cat into the bathroom, since some cats can be unnerved by running water.

Fill 2 buckets or ideally 2 plant waterers which allow you to direct the flow of water for rinsing the cat (optional). This is so you don't need to run more water during the bath, which might frighten your cat.

Put a rubber mat in the tub or use a towel so the cat has a comfortable footing.

Have shampoo for your cat (you may need to go to a vet to get some). Only use shampoo that states on the bottle that it's for cats, as many other shampoos can be toxic to them (such as dog flea shampoo). Do not use normal shampoo, for it may be toxic to the cat and can dry out its skin. You may also want to have a small washcloth ready. And have two towels on hand for drying your cat.

Pre-treat any oily stains. Cats stained with something greasy may be very difficult to clean with mere shampoo and water alone. A cat smeared with engine or axle grease, motor oil, flypaper goo, or even shortening-based cake frosting can be helped by massaging a runny edible oil into the stained area before shampooing. Once the stain has been "melted" in this way, it will lift easily with shampoo.

• Wear gloves, and use a low-melting point edible oil such as softened butter, bacon grease, or vegetable oil. Spoon or dribble it directly onto the affected area. Do not use any water. Massage the fur gently between your fingers until the stain appears to have blended with the oil. Blot away excess with a dry washcloth.
• For severely stained cats, you may want to repeat the process, to dilute the foreign substance as much as possible.
• Finish by massaging some shampoo directly into the oily patch on your cat.

Comb the fur thoroughly before you put the cat in the water if it is long-haired or if it has burrs. Remove knots and tangles before wetting the fur, or the task will be next to impossible.

Trim all nails before even attempting to wash a cat - this will reduce scratching.

Talk to your cat in a calm, quiet voice while washing. And make sure to keep a good grip on the neck or shoulders. Sometimes cats, obviously, will try to get out of the tub. If they prefer to have only two of their feet in the water, face them toward the back of the tub and let them stand on two feet.

Soak the cat from the neck down, using a wash cloth. Use a little bit of shampoo and with the water, wash your cat's neck, body, legs, belly and tail. Be sure to not get shampoo in their eyes, nose, mouth, or ears

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. Let the water drip from the cat while gently pressing as much water as you can from the fur before you wrap your cat in the towel. Rub gently with one towel. When the first towel gets too wet to be effective, switch to another dry towel. Don't stop until the cat is damp. Try warming the towels in the dryer first, as 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

With long-haired cats, you will have to use a comb and more towels. Long hairs mat more easily when wet, so you may wish to comb the coat until it is completely dry

[Regina D.-PBP Event Admin]

I even wash my cats ever so often, as they live inside. This how I hold my cat but this might not be for everyone.

You know how the mama cat grabs their neck when she wants to move them?? I hold a firm grip on their neck just enough to hold them but NEVER enough to strangle, with one hand and use my other hand to water them down and add the shampoo or Dawn. Rinse them thorough and then dried them off and comb or brush or both. Now this is just MY way of doing it. 

For people who don't know how to do it, the information may just be better for you that Mandy added.