How to Bathe a Cat and Not Get Bitten

Cats generally do not require a bath; however, there are times when bathing is necessary. Breaking up the bathing process into small grooming steps reduces some of the stress associated with bathing cats. Because cats do not like sprays or being restrained, using a standard pet buckle harness, spending a few minutes preparing the cat for a bath, and assembling your supplies reduces stress and makes giving a bath less dangerous and more efficient.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat brush
  • Low fat cat treats
  • Buckle-style cat harness and short leash
  • Clean misting bottle
  • Cat-safe conditioner
  • Cat-safe shampoo
  • Rubber bath mat
  • Wash cloth
  • Plastic cup
  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the cat to a quiet room to brush out any loose or dead hair before bathing offering the cat a few treats while you are brushing it to encourage good grooming manners.

    • 2

      After grooming the cat, place the buckle harness on the cat leaving a two-finger gap between the harness and the cat's skin. Offer a few treats and verbal praise to reinforce good behavior.

    • 3

      Fill the misting bottle half full with lukewarm water, add 1/4 of a teaspoon of pet-safe conditioner, cap and shake for two minutes. This is now your after-bath conditioning spray.

    • 4

      Fill the tub with 2 inches of water, add 1 teaspoon of pet-safe shampoo and mix the solution throughout the water. Place a rubber mat in the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping.

    • 5

      Lay the washcloth in the bottom of the tub and allow it to saturate with water. Place the plastic cup within easy reach of the tub, and lay the towel within reach but in a dry place.

    • 6

      Call the cat to the tub and offer it a treat. Clasp the leash to the harness. Pick the cat up, set the cat in the tub, and gently hold the cat in place with the harness.

    • 7

      Pour water over the cat starting from the back of the neck and working your way towards the tail with the bathing cup. Use the washcloth to saturate the underside of the cat.

    • 8

      Drizzle a small amount of shampoo onto the cat's back working from neck to tail, lather for two minutes and rinse. Offer plenty of praise as you bath to reinforce good bathing manners.

    • 9

      Let the water out of the tub, gently mist down the cat with the conditioning solution as the cat drips dry, and wipe the cat's face and ears clean with the moist washcloth.

    • 10

      Wrap the cat in a towel, take it to a warm room, blot dry with the towel and brush the coat into place. Offer treats and verbal praise as you do.