Removing Odors and Bathing Cats

Cats are fastidious and seldom need to be bathed. However, there may be times when your cat gets dirty or comes home with something harmful on its coat, such as motor oil. Rather than let the cat clean itself and ingest harmful substances, it's better to give the cat a bath. The same is true if the cat has gotten into something that smells bad. Cat shampoo will remove many odors from your cat.

  1. Before the Bath

    • Before bathing your cat, comb its fur to remove loose hairs and any debris such as stickers from plants. Trim any matted hair with sharp little scissors. Trim the cat's claws, too, to protect yourself if the cat protests too vigorously while having its bath. It helps if the cat is a little tired, so if the bath isn't too urgent, play with your cat first to use up some of its energy.

    Preparation

    • Gather all your equipment before starting the bath, because you won't have both hands available once you start. Place an open bottle of cat shampoo, a pitcher or cup, a wash cloth and a bath towel near the sink. Put a small rubber mat or a small towel in the bottom of the sink. Fill the sink with about 4 inches of warm -- not hot -- water, just a bit warmer than tepid.

    Bathing the Cat

    • Place your cat in the water, holding both front paws in one of your hands, so the cat has to stand up and is supported by your hand. Use the other hand to pour warm water over the cat with the pitcher, avoiding the cat's ears and face. Pick up the shampoo bottle with your free hand and pour a little on the cat's back. Massage the shampoo from head to tail, adding a little water as needed for plenty of suds. Work gently around the neck and around the legs and tail. Wash everything but the cat's face and ears. Rinse the cat thoroughly with tepid to barely warm water. Any shampoo left in the fur can make the cat's skin dry. Since cats wash themselves frequently, any shampoo left in the fur might also irritate your cat's stomach.

    Finishing the Bath

    • Drain the water out of the sink while still holding your cat's front paws. Wrap the towel around your cat snugly and pat it dry. While the cat is wrapped up in the towel, rinse the wash cloth in warm water, wring it out and use it to gently wipe your cat's face, avoiding the eyes. Put the cat in a warm room until it is completely dry.

    Considerations

    • Use shampoo specially made for cats, as human shampoo or detergent can make the cat's skin too dry and cause itching. Don't use any rinses such as vinegar or lemon juice, or a rinse or conditioner made for humans. If you are concerned about dryness, add a drop or two of a mild, edible oil such as canola oil to the last rinse.