Give that Cat a Bath!

Your feline probably does not need a bath. They keep themselves quite clean. They groom and primp all day long. Mother cats teach their young how to bath and stay clean. When you have a cat it is very likely you did not have to give her a bath yet. Some incidents however can create a situation where a bath is needed. And you do not know upfront when that will be. A flea problem or a skin allergy can bring that need. When a cat gets too old or too sick to clean herself it might be a good idea too. You can do it if you know how, even when the cat fights you.

Stuff ready?

A small room that is enclosed is a good place to bath a cat. A sink in like a wash or laundry room is perfect, or a little baby bath that you put in the bathtub, or a decent sink in a bathroom will work. Whatever works is ok, right?

Get everything ready before you get started. Having to take a break to go get something can turn such an endeavor into a disaster. The cat is not going to hold still. Expect that you will need a couple towels, old ones, a baby shampoo that will not hurt her eyes, or a pet shampoo, and something to rinse her off with. Check out your kitchen utensils to see if you find something that will help you reach between legs, under the chin, or around the neck. Cut mats away before you get started.

Is the bath set up?

Set up the bath once you got all the supplies. Check the temperature of the water as if you were going to bath a baby. You will not a huge amount of water. Consider putting something in the tub or sink that will not let her slip too much.

Get her wet

Are you ready for some fun? It is coming now! It sounds easy but it really is not. Some of these felines fight hard and are pretty strong. You know your cat so you kind of know what to expect. Put one hand on your cat's back and one under her stomach. Get the back paws in the water first. It might be helpful to wrap something around the cat so she cannot scratch you. If it is your cat's first bath you really do not know what to expect. All extremes are possible. Be very careful and do not try to be too fast. Do not talk loud.

Washing her

Be fast. Start as soon as she touches the water. Start with putting shampoo on her head. Just use little bits because it all has to be rinsed of again. Now is the time to apply the flea stuff if that is the reason that you are washing her. To get sticky stuff out of her coat, use oil. Do not use too much of it.