How to bathe a kitty

Believe it or not, there are valid reasons for bathing a cat.

• elderly, injured, or sick cats who can not groom themselves may require someone to step in and help.
• they get into something like oil or grease that would not be good for them to lick off.

If handled correctly, bath time can be an opportunity to bond with your pet, and they with you as they learn to trust.

If your kitty is too afraid to allow you to bathe him, take the steps below allowing him time outside of the water to calm down before proceeding to the next step.

For the actual bath, I would suggest to

• Have all necessary supplies close at hand prior to adding kitty to the mix!
• Stay calm no matter what. Soothing sounds and conversation will help you both relax.
• Wrap a towel around kitty, and place one in the tub to make him more comfortable.
• Use a plastic tub (like what you would use for soaking your feet). When the cat begins to climb on you, take him out, holding him in the towel until he calms down again. Kitty will not be so afraid knowing that he will be taken out of the tub periodically during the bath.

If possible, it is helpful to take it slow over a period of time getting the cat used to one step in the process at a time.

• Let the kitty play in the tub without water. You could even swing a feather toy around so that he will play with that.
• Add a little bit of water and a toy allowing the kitty to approach it on his own.
• Pour some water on the kitty while he is in the tub.
• Hold the kitty in a warm damp towel to help him get used to the feeling of being wet.
• Always be calm, gentle, soft spoken, yet firm and in control during the training process.

If you take each step slowly over days or even weeks, he should come to not feel threatened by a bath. You will also be glad to not get clawed and scratched!

Steps to take when it is time to bathe your cat

• Be sure to have all the necessary supplies ready and close at hand prior to bringing your cat into the bath or the area where you will be bathing him.

If your cat is ready to just let you place them in the tub and bathe them, the following steps will work:

• Start by gently massaging your cat from head to tail.

You will be able to tell if they are more sensitive to touch in one area than another. If they do not want you to touch their front feet or face, start at the tail and work forward (or vice versa).

• Wet them thoroughly with warm water.
• Soap them up with a shampoo made specifically for pets massaging from one end to another while firmly yet gently holding them.

Remember to thoroughly wash every area from face to tail, not neglecting the inside of their legs, etc.

• Allow the shampoo to penetrate to the skin
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water using a pitcher, bowl, or a hand-held shower nozzle until there is no longer a trace of shampoo.
• Place a towel over kitty while firmly holding him, and lift him out of the tub.
• Have a warm area ready with a blanket, crate, whatever kitty likes to put him to dry or gently towel dry while fluffing his fur with your fingers.

*If you use a hand dryer, it is recommended to place your hand on the area of the animal fluffing the fur as you dry. This will allow you to feel if the air is too hot.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. It is better to have two of you to get the job done rather than getting frustrated with or hurt by your pet.