How to Give a Cat a Bath

If your cat is infested with fleas, you'll probably want to give her a bath. Otherwise, wash your cat as you deem necessary ' since cats wash themselves, they do not often need bathing.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Towels
• Cat Combs/brushes
• Cat Shampoos
• Cat Toys
• Catnip
• Cups
• Flea Shampoos
• Flea shampoos

1. Adopt a calm, positive attitude before and during the bath'it will help ease your cat's anxiety.

2. Consider trimming your cat's claws beforehand to reduce your risk of getting scratched (see related eHow 'Trim Your Cat's Nails').

3. Bring your cat into the bathroom. Close the door and keep it closed until you are finished.

4. Fill the bathtub with enough lukewarm water to cover your cat's paws.

5. Gently set your cat in the tub.

6. Give your cat free rein in the bathtub using minimal restraint, but gently hold on to the back of her neck if she tries to escape.

7. Apply lubricating eye ointment (available from your veterinarian) or a drop of baby or olive oil to your cat's eyes to prevent irritation from the shampoo.

8. Scoop water in a plastic cup, and pour it over the cat until her fur is wet, making sure to avoid her eyes.

9. Apply a regular shampoo made for cats, or a flea shampoo if needed, and rub it into the cat's fur. Use caution around the eyes.

10. Hold your cat under the faucet or scoop clean water over her to rinse.

11. Quickly pat or rub your cat dry with a towel.

12. Comb through your cat's fur to spend quality time together as she dries, then give her a special treat such as catnip or kibble for a job well done.

Tips & Warnings

• If your cat's fur is matted or soiled from contact with hard-to-clean substances such as oil, gum or paint, it is best to have the cat bathed by a professional groomer.

• Be sure to remove all soap when rinsing, since cats will groom themselves and ingest anything left on their fur.