How to Clean Cat Fur

In the absence of cat allergies, you should rarely find it necessary to bathe your cat. Cats are excellent at self-grooming, but every now and then, they will need to be bathed. If your cat just likes to roll around in the dirt, a "dry" shampoo can be effective and less traumatic for most bath sessions. But if your cat has fallen into mud or jumped into the toilet, a water bath is a must.

Things You'll Need

  • Baking powder
  • Rake comb
  • Pet (or baby) shampoo
  • Bath towel
  • Small bucket
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Instructions

  1. Using Baking Powder

    • 1

      Sprinkle baking powder liberally on the cat's coat. Depending on how dirty your cat is, you'll use anywhere from a quarter to a third of a can. You may want to place the cat on top of a towel or on the kitchen or bathroom counter for easy clean-up.

    • 2

      Massage the baking powder into the cat's fur, just as you would with shampoo.

    • 3

      Use the rake comb to comb the cat's fur and remove dirt and baking powder, as well as loose cat fur. You can alternate between combing against the natural lie of the fur and combing with the natural lie of the fur to get more dirt and loose hair out. Cats do not like having their fur combed the wrong way, so keep one hand on your cat as you comb him.

    Water Bath Method

    • 4

      Fill the tub about an eighth full with lukewarm water, and fill the small bucket with warm water.

    • 5

      Carry your cat into the bathroom. Make sure the cat has no idea what is about to happen, or you will never be able to catch her. Once you have the cat in the bathroom, close the bathroom door.

    • 6

      Place the cat in the tub, keeping one hand firmly on her at all times.

    • 7

      With the other hand, wet the cat's fur with water from the tub.

    • 8

      Using a very small amount of shampoo (pet or baby), approximately the size of a quarter, lather the cat's back and underside. Keep the soap away from his face.

    • 9

      Rinse the cat thoroughly with the water from the small bucket.

    • 10

      Wrap the cat in the towel and pat dry.

    • 11

      Set the cat on the floor and open the bathroom door.