Equipment for Bathing a Cat

Cats are pretty good at keeping themselves clean and their fur untangled, but if your cat gets into something dirty, is unusually unkempt or becomes infested with fleas, you may need to give it a bath. For most cats, getting a bath won't be much fun. Gather all your equipment before you begin so that the bath is as short as possible for the cat and so that it's easier for you.

  1. Container

    • A small container will make the cat feel safe. Choose a large bowl for small cats or a baby tub for larger cats. You can also bathe your cat in a deep sink if you have one. If you don't have a container to use, simply bathe your cat in your bathtub.

    Towels

    • If you bathe your cat in the tub, lay a towel down under the animal so that it doesn't slip or leave scratch marks on the tub's floor. A small towel may be helpful while bathing the cat to hold them if they start to struggle and so they don't scratch you. Have a couple towels ready to help dry the cat after its bath.

    Shampoo

    • Don't use regular shampoo or soap on your cat because it can irritate its skin and cause a painful reaction. Instead, choose a mild shampoo made for cats. If your cat has fleas, it's best to choose a shampoo that kills fleas.

    Cup

    • Because cats innately do not respond well to water, a bath can make them extremely afraid. Don't rinse the cat with a bath nozzle or the faucet; instead, use a cup to gently pour water over the cat's body, being sure to rinse off all of the soap. Avoid getting water into the cat's ears because it can cause infections.

    Hair Dryer

    • Some cats might not let you dry them with a hair dryer. If the cat does not become agitated when you turn on the hair dryer, dry it on the lowest setting. The cat won't be comfortable while it is wet, so help the cat dry off a little faster. Also, make sure the hair dryer is not on its hottest setting because that can hurt the cat.

    Brush

    • If your cat has long hair, brush it after his bath. This can help remove any tangled hair caused while its hair is wet. Your cat may not like being brushed, so don't force it if the cat struggles. Look for a brush made especially for cats at a pet supply store.