Can You Give a Kitten a Bath? A Step-by-Step Guide for Safely & Easily Bathing Your Kitty

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Even though cats don’t usually need baths, your kitten might get too dirty for normal cat grooming. In that case, it’s time to give your kitten a bath. It’s okay to bathe kittens who are at least 3 weeks old when it’s necessary, but you need to keep them warm. [1] Since cats typically hate water, you might be feeling nervous about getting scratched, but we’re here to help you safely and easily bathe your kitty.

Things You Should Know

  • Prevent scratches by wearing long-sleeves and trying to acclimate your kitten to water.
  • Wet your kitten and massage a dime-sized amount of kitten shampoo , Dawn dish soap , or baby shampoo into their fur.
  • Rinse the kitten thoroughly, and wrap them in a warm towel.
  • Keep your kitten warm until they’re totally dry.
1

Acclimate your kitten to water if there’s time.

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    To get your kitten used to water, lay out a cookie sheet and place the kitten in it. Next, add some water to get your kitten’s feet wet. Once your cat is comfortable with wet feet, give your cat a toy to play with so they have fun in the water. [2] If your kitten stays calm, they’re ready for a bath.
    • Unless your kitten desperately needs a bath, take the time to acclimate them to water. It’s helpful to start before you need to bathe them.
    • If your kitten gets upset, stop and move them away from the water. Calm them down, and then try again.
    • If you start bathing your cat as a kitten, they should get used to taking baths.
    • Use a damp cloth to wipe down your kitten if you can’t get it into a bath. [3]
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2

Ask someone to help you if possible.

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    Kittens can be wily, and a calm kitty can suddenly start fighting. Having an extra pair of hands will make bathtime much easier. [4]
    • You could have your helper hand you things you need, like the shampoo.
    • Alternatively, your helper might catch the kitten if they wriggle away from you.
3

Put on a long-sleeved shirt.

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    Bath time is a new experience, and it’s natural for their claws to come out when they’re doing something for the first time. Long sleeves will help protect you from scratches.
    • Your kitty isn’t trying to hurt you. At the same time, they may scratch you or try to climb up your arm out of instinct.
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4

Gather your bath supplies.

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    Kittens are usually impatient during a bath, so you need to do it quickly. [5] First, decide if you want to wash your cat in the sink, bathtub, or a plastic container . Then, grab some kitten shampoo , Dawn dish soap , or baby shampoo . Finally, collect a washcloth, two towels, a cup, and some treats .
    • Since Dawn dish detergent can be drying, only use it if your cat is extremely muddy, greasy, or has fleas. [6]
    • Warm your towels in the dryer before giving your kitten a bath to help keep them warm. [7]
5

Heat up the room.

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    When they get wet, they could get very cold, so you have to be careful while bathing them. Warming up the room will keep your kitty comfortable. You might steam up the bathroom by running a hot shower, set out a space heater, or turn down the air conditioner. [8]
    • You can also use a heat pad to warm the kitten once it’s wrapped in a towel after the bath. Simply wrap the towel around your kitten, and then set it on the heating pad.
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6

Scruff your kitten if you need to calm them down.

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    The scruff is the loose skin on the back of the kitten's neck. They’re used to their mother carrying them around like this, so they'll naturally relax. [9] Use both hands while handling your kitten so they can’t wriggle free.
    • Make sure you’re cradling the bottom of your kitten the entire time. You don’t want the cat’s entire weight to be hanging from the scruff because your cat could feel some discomfort.
    • Since scruffing only works on kittens, only do it while your cat is young.
7

Wipe the kitten’s face with a wet cloth.

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    Instead, use a clean, wet rag to gently wash your kitten’s face and ears. [10] Pay special attention to any areas that are dirty, such as around the mouth.
    • Your kitten’s face probably won’t be very dirty. However, they may have food bits or dried milk around their mouth.
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8

Hold your kitten under the faucet if you’re using a sink.

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    Adjust your kitty under the stream so that you can thoroughly saturate their coat. Remember to keep your kitten's face out of the water. [11]
    • If your kitten is 4 weeks old or younger, you might rinse just the dirty area of the kitten. For instance, your kitty might just need a butt bath after toileting. [12]
9

Place your kitten in an empty tub if you’re using a tub.

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    Give it a moment to get used to the container before you get it wet. That way, your kitten won’t feel as nervous. [13]
    • If your cat tries to come back, gently place it back into the tub.
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10

Add water up to the kitten’s knees.

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    Your kitty might get scared if the tub has a lot of water in it. Use your cup or a pitcher to add just enough water to cover your kitten’s knees. [14]
    • You can always change out the water if it gets too dirty.
11

Pour warm water over your cat’s body.

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    [15] Dip your cup into the water already in the tub, and then drizzle it over your kitty. Keep pouring cupfuls of warm water on your kitten until their coat is totally wet.
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12

Apply a coin-sized dollop of kitten-safe shampoo.

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    Squeeze the shampoo directly onto your kitten or onto your hand. [16] Young kittens are typically too young for flea shampoo. Don’t use flea shampoo on a kitten until they reach the age listed on the label, even if they have fleas. [17]
    • If you have questions about shampoo, talk to your vet and follow their advice.
13

Massage the shampoo into the kitten’s fur.

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    [18] Spread the shampoo over your kitten’s whole body, except for their head. Then, lift their tail and gently use a soft washcloth if you need to clean around the kitten's anus.
    • If you have a helper, they can hold the kitten while you apply the shampoo.
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14

Rinse the kitten with warm water.

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    Continue to rinse your kitten until all of the shampoo is out of its fur. [19] Use your fingers to gently massage your kitten as you rinse to make it easier to wash away the shampoo.
    • If you’re using a tub, the water is going to be sudsy. That’s okay as long as you don’t see suds on your kitty.
15

Stay calm during the bath.

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    It’s totally normal to get frustrated while bathing your kitten, especially if your kitten claws you. Try to remember that your kitty is just scared, and focus on calming them down. Pretty soon, you’ll both be enjoying cuddles again.
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16

Wrap the kitten in a dry towel.

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    Your kitty will likely be shivering because they’re cold, so keep them as snug as possible. If the towel gets too wet, switch to a clean, dry towel. [20]
    • If the kitten is 4 weeks old or younger, use a heating pad to keep it warm. Turn the heating pad on low, and then lay the kitten on the pad. [21]
17

Use a flea comb to remove any fleas.

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    While your kitten is still wet and swaddled in the towel, gently pick the fleas out of its fur using a flea comb . Then, plunge the fleas into a cup of warm water mixed with a few drops of Dawn dish detergent. [22]
    • Dawn dish detergent prevents the fleas from escaping the water so that they drown.
    • It’s not safe to use flea products on kittens that are younger than 8 weeks old. [23]
    • Make sure you also wash your kitten’s blankets and bedding to kill fleas.
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18

Cuddle the kitten as it dries.

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    You may need to give your kitten a new towel or turn the heating pad back on if you’re using one. While you’re waiting, praise and pet your kitten as a reward for getting through bathtime, which can be scary. [24]
    • If you have kitten treats, offer your fur baby a snack or two as a special reward. They’ll enjoy baths a lot more if they associate them with treats.
19

Warm the kitten with a hair dryer if they're shivering.

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    Sometimes a hair dryer is the best way to make sure your cat doesn’t get too cold. If you decide to use one, set it on the lowest heat setting and move it back and forth as you dry your kitty. [25]
    • Make sure you don’t direct the hair dryer at one spot for more than a second or two because it could burn your kitty’s skin.
    • Always use the lowest heat setting so your kitten doesn’t get too hot.
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How Do You Give a Cat a Bath?


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you train a kitten to like water?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Give your kitten a bath just before a meal to train it with a reward. Using a reward to teach an animal to do something is called conditioning. This technique is really helpful for teaching pets to do something they don't normally enjoy, like getting wet. Make sure to show them the meal first, then give the bath, and finish up with the food as a treat.
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      Warnings

      • Don’t leave your kitten unattended in the bath water.
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      • Make sure you don’t get shampoo into your kitten’s eyes. If you do, rinse their eyes thoroughly to get the soap out.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/?r=guide-to-raising-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks
      2. ↑ https://blog.ferplast.com/en/gatti-e-acqua-come-far-superare-la-paura-al-micio/
      3. ↑ https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/?r=guide-to-raising-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks
      4. ↑ https://thecatsite.com/c/how-to-safely-bathe-a-cat-the-complete-guide/
      5. ↑ https://thecatsite.com/c/how-to-safely-bathe-a-cat-the-complete-guide/
      6. ↑ https://animalpath.org/is-dish-soap-safe-for-cats/
      7. ↑ https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/?r=guide-to-raising-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks
      8. ↑ https://animal.calaverasgov.us/Lost-Found-Pets/Found-a-Kitten/Caring-for-Kittens
      9. ↑ https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/?r=guide-to-raising-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks
      1. ↑ https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/?r=guide-to-raising-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks
      2. ↑ https://animal.calaverasgov.us/Lost-Found-Pets/Found-a-Kitten/Caring-for-Kittens
      3. ↑ https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/?r=guide-to-raising-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks
      4. ↑ https://animal.calaverasgov.us/Lost-Found-Pets/Found-a-Kitten/Caring-for-Kittens
      5. ↑ https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/?r=guide-to-raising-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks
      6. ↑ https://animal.calaverasgov.us/Portals/Animal/Documents/Guidelines%20-%20Caring%20for%20Kittens.pdf?ver=2020-04-01-162034-883
      7. ↑ https://animal.calaverasgov.us/Lost-Found-Pets/Found-a-Kitten/Caring-for-Kittens
      8. ↑ https://www.petful.com/pet-health/flea-medicine-for-kittens/
      9. ↑ https://animal.calaverasgov.us/Portals/Animal/Documents/Guidelines%20-%20Caring%20for%20Kittens.pdf?ver=2020-04-01-162034-883
      10. ↑ https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/?r=guide-to-raising-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks
      11. ↑ https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/?r=guide-to-raising-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks
      12. ↑ https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/?r=guide-to-raising-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks
      13. ↑ http://kittencoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/NKC-Fast-Facts_Fleas_9.2017.pdf
      14. ↑ https://www.petful.com/pet-health/flea-medicine-for-kittens/
      15. ↑ https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/?r=guide-to-raising-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks
      16. ↑ https://animal.calaverasgov.us/Lost-Found-Pets/Found-a-Kitten/Caring-for-Kittens
      17. ↑ https://www.ccspca.com/blog-spca/education/bathing-a-cat/
      18. ↑ https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/?r=guide-to-raising-underage-kittens/caring-for-kittens-from-birth-to-eight-weeks

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To give your kitten a bath, start by running enough warm water in the bath tub to cover your kitten’s paws. Then, gently place your kitten into the water while petting its back to help it feel more comfortable. You can also use a wet wash cloth to rub your kitten’s back and sides. Once your kitten seems comfortable, try filling a small cup or bowl with water and pouring it over its back. Remember to rub its paw pads gently, and rinse your kitten with water afterwards. Finally, gently dry off your kitten's coat with a soft towel. For tips on how to wash your kitten’s face and how to dry your kitten, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Liz G.

        Oct 22, 2019

        "we used this Technic on our cat and now she is grown up and she no longer scared of water and will let us give her ..." more
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