How to Bathe Long-Haired Cats

Though cats are clean animals, they may need a bath occasionally. This is especially true for long-haired cats, who should be bathed every one to two months. Bathing helps prevent their hair from tangling and matting. While most cats do not enjoy a bath, with training they can learn to accept it. First, make bathing a regular part of your cat's grooming regimen. Second, make the bath as enjoyable as possible by giving your cat treats during and after bathing.

Things You'll Need

  • Three towels or a blanket
  • Cotton balls
  • Cat shampoo
  • Coat conditioner
  • Detangler (optional)
  • Brush
  • Hair dryer
  • Wash cloth
  • Rubber mat
  • Old framed window screen
  • Large cup (for wetting if you don't have a nozzle for water)
  • 2-quart container (for rinsing if you are not using a sink)
  • Baby bath pan (if you are not using a sink)
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Comb or brush your cat's hair before the bath. Detangle any mats or tangles. Use your fingers to separate large mats into smaller ones, then brush them out.

    • 2

      Select the place for the bath. The kitchen sink is often a good choice, as a bathtub is too large for a cat. Also, the cat can see over the sides of the sink, which makes him more comfortable. Furthermore, the height of the kitchen sink makes it easier to control the cat and is easier on your back. To prevent your cat from slipping, place a bath mat or towel on the bottom of the sink.

    • 3

      Gather all your materials together and put them in the room in which you will be bathing the cat. Make sure the room is warm, at least 70 degrees.

    • 4
      A coat conditioner can make it easier to brush your cat's hair after the bath.

      Place cotton balls in your cat's ears. This will prevent water from getting in its ears, which can cause an infection.

    Bathing

    • 5

      Test the water temperature with the back of your hand or wrist to make sure it is tepid.

    • 6

      Place the cat in the sink. If you are using a nozzle, turn it away from your cat when you turn it on. The nozzle can scare the cat.

    • 7

      Starting at the neck and working down, wet the cat to the skin. Following the directions on the shampoo, lather. Then wash the cat's head. Using a slightly soapy wash cloth, clean the cat's face, eyes, ears and head. Move the cloth in the direction the cat's hair grows.

    • 8

      Rinse thoroughly. Get all the soap out as any soap residue will irritate the cat's skin.

    After Bathing

    • 9

      Squeeze the cat's feet, legs, tail and skirt to remove excess water. Wrap the cat in a towel and pat to further soak up excess water.

    • 10

      Remove the cotton balls from the cat's ears. Use new cotton balls to gently wipe out the cat's ears.

    • 11

      Dry your cat with a hair dryer on low heat. Continually check the temperature with your hand to make sure the air doesn't get too hot. Keeping the hair dryer away from your cat's face, continually move it over your cat's body. Gently fluff your cat's coat while drying.

    • 12

      Brush or comb your cat's coat as soon as possible. Detangler will make your cat's hair easier to comb or brush out. To make the coat fluffy, brush the coat in the opposite direction that it lies.This will also help remove dead hair.