How to Bathe Your Cat

I've been a cat lover/owner for several years. Most of my felines hate water. That's what makes a small spray bottle of tap water so efficient in training them to stay off the dining room table, or off the kitchen counters. But a few of them actually like water. They like to play in water in the bathroom sink. Or, they like to jump up, walk around the perimeter of the bathtub, and dip their paws in the water while a family member's trying to bathe.

But, even though some domestic cats like to play in the water, they don't relish being placed in a tub of water and washed. So, whenever there comes a time when you have to bathe your cat- flea infestation, entering them in a cat show, or just because they got muddy or dirty- you'll need to know the best way to do it.

I prefer to bathe my cats in the bath tub. It gives me more room to work in. Plus, I can shut the door and keep them contained in that room. (Have you ever seen a wet cat or dog run through a house? They don't leave anything dry!)

Before I bathe any of my felines, I first collect the things I'll need. These include: two old bath towels, kitty shampoo, a large plastic cup, and a rubber mat. Place the rubber mat in the bottom of your bath tub so your cat can't slide around and become even more scared.

Close the drain plug in your bathtub and add two or three inches of warm water.

In the meantime, pick up your cat and pet him or her. Talk to them and get them relaxed. Then, take them in the bathroom and close the door. From this point on, I don't mess around. The faster I can get my feline bathed- while still being gentle- the better off we'll both be!

I then carefully place my cat in the bath water and begin to wet its fur. I have a shower sprayer on a long hose, but my cats hate the sound of the water spraying, so I don't use it. But, a shower sprayer is actually better to use than a plastic cup, if your cats will tolerate it. I have to use a large plastic cup to pour water over their fur.