How to bath an unwilling cat (the clawing biting kind)

On occasion even the cleanest cats need an extra hand. Despite the fact that they don't agree and will fight tooth and nail to escape the inevitable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A cat
• A thin pillow case
• A bath mitt (glove style)
• Extra Mild Baby shampoo

1. Cut the lower corner out of the pillow case large enough for your cat's head. Place the unsuspecting feline in the pillow case with their head popping out of the hole, make sure they cannot get a front paw through. Twist or fold the top shut and lifting underneath the cat place in the tub.

2. Start the water running while still holding the pillow case shut. Make sure the cat's head is pointed away from the faucet so that their face stays dry. When the water has warmed up to a tolerable level wet the pillow case down while avoiding the head. Make sure the entire pillow case is wet.

3. Arm yourself with the wet bath mitt and a small amount of baby shampoo. Allow the top of the pillow case to open enough for your arm to fit through and soap the rather grouchy feline up. Do not over do it on the soap as you may accidentally dry their skin out too much.

4. When you are sure the entire feline is scrubbed to your best ability start rinsing the pillow case. Repeat the rinsing procedure until you are not getting any suds. Turn the water off and grab a clean towel. Prepare yourself because the cat will come out of the pillow case quicker than you can say spit. Allow the pillow case to open enough for you to grasp the cat through the towel with one hand and use the other to push it's head through the hole so you can remove it.

5. Dry the cat off as thoroughly as possible. Make sure there is an escape route for yourself and exit while the cat is under a towel. Head for the can opener and the canned salmon and leave out a peace offering before making yourself scarce.

Tips & Warnings

• Having a hand held shower head makes this process very quick and easy.
• Use a pitcher or cup if you do not have a hand held shower head.
• Place a clean towel next to the tub within easy reach before beginning.
• A thick leather glove may be beneficial for those who have large, aggressive cats.
• NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES USE HARTZ PRODUCTS ON YOUR ANIMALS. CATS ARE BEING KILLED BY HARTZ BECAUSE IT CONTAINS A CHEMICAL THEY CANNOT COPE WITH.
• Do not allow a child to do this.
• Do not attempt to wash the cat's head and face. You will get bit and if the soap is not washed off thoroughly they can get sinus, eye and ear infections.

[tracysmith159]

on 7/6/2009 Interesting way to keep from being clawed and good idea.

[thesquirrelymom]

on 7/6/2008 I love the picture, I'm forwarding it to friends to show it to them.

[PJnKaysMommy]

on 6/29/2008 I love the picture! I am taking this advice to heart as I need to bathe my cat...she and my daughter had a run in with some vaseline. EW! Needless to say, my cat has never had a bath! Wish me luck!

[mrsmac]

on 2/15/2008 I love your picture it speaks a thousand words. I've never washed a cat but it sounds like you should probably have body armour on hand!

[grouch]

on 1/21/2008 That picture is priceless and I could have used this years ago for a few that tore me up. Thanks.