Download Article
A guide to keeping you and your cat calm during bath time
Download Article
While cats can be meticulous groomers, there are times when they really need a bath. Sometimes they get into something very sticky or dirty. Other times, they have a medical condition that requires regular bathing with medicated shampoo. Despite this, most cats will react negatively to getting a bath, which can be stressful for both the cat and the owner. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make bath time less stressful for both parties, and this wikiHow will show you how.
Things You Should Know
- When bathing a cat, massage cat shampoo into their coat from the neck down. Use a washcloth for their face and head.
- Play with your cat beforehand so they’re tired out and less likely to resist a bath.
- If your cat is extremely scared, stressed, or trying to fight, stop immediately. A bath isn’t worth either of you getting hurt.
Steps
Section 2 of 4:
Bathing Your Cat
Download Article
-
Talk to your cat in a calm, quiet voice as you put them in the tub. Try to soothe your cat and hold them still so they don’t escape. Watch for signs of panic and distress like hissing, growling, breathing hard, crying, and meowing. If at any point your cat is too frightened, stop. There's no reason to continue if one or both of you will get hurt or stressed. [7] X Research source
- If your cat prefers to have only two feet in the water, face them toward the back of the tub and let them stand on two feet while doing you hold them still.
- Consider using a well-fitting harness to safely hold your cat in the bathtub.
- Be easy on your cat for their first bath. Don’t do anything to make them dread the next bath. Take things slowly so you can try again next time.
- A scared 10-pound cat can do a lot of damage, so don't try to fight them. You may need to start with just getting their feet and legs wet and then stop. Try more another day and work your way up to a full bath.
- Keep the bathroom door closed and the toilet lid down during the bath.
-
Soak your cat and massage cat shampoo into its coat. Starting at the neck, pour a little water over your cat’s body and lather in the shampoo. Follow the growth of their fur toward the tail. Be sure to pay special attention to their “armpits” and genitals. Avoid the face and ears and only wash your cat’s neck, body, legs, belly, and tail. [8] X Research source
- Buy cat shampoo . Check the instructions and dilute it with water, if needed. Human shampoo or dog shampoo can be toxic to cats and dry out their skin.
- Pet your cat throughout the bathing process to help soothe them and offer them treats as encouragement.
- To minimize the risk of an ear infection, put a cotton ball in each ear. The cotton may also reduce noise that can scare your cat.
- If you're giving your cat a flea bath, wet the area around its neck first. Fleas will try to escape to the dry areas, which could lead to a mass exodus of fleas to the head and face while you’re bathing. A wet neck will keep them off the head and in contact with the water and flea shampoo.
-
Rinse the shampoo thoroughly from your cat's fur. Use the water in the tub to thoroughly rinse your kitty. Then, drain the tub and rinse 2 more times with water from the bucket or warm water from the tap. It is essential that you remove all the soap from the coat. Keep rinsing until the water is completely clear and shows no sign of bubbles or soap. [9] X Research source
- If your cat has dry skin or a long coat, you might want to apply a cat-safe conditioner after rinsing out the shampoo. Be sure you rinse the conditioner thoroughly, as well.
- Alternatively, wash and rinse your cat in 2 buckets: one for washing and one for rinsing. Apply the shampoo in the first, then dip your cat in the second to rinse the soap off. [10] X Research source
-
Wash your kitty’s face with damp washcloth. There’s no need to take the risk of upsetting and hurting your cat by getting shampoo or soap in their eyes. Take a wet washcloth and gently run it along their face, brushing the fur away from their eyes and nose, until their head, face, and ears are nice and clean. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
- You can also use a grooming wipe to clean their face and an ear cleaner for their ears. Just be sure to follow all directions carefully.
- If the bath was unsuccessful or particularly stressful to your cat, consider leaving this step for another time.
- Never force a cat’s face underwater. This is guaranteed to make them panic.
-
Blot your cat's fur with a fluffy towel to dry it off. Take a towel and gently press as much water as you can from the fur, as if you’re massaging your cat. Then, wrap your cat in the towel and rub gently. When the towel gets too wet to be effective, switch to another dry towel. If they won’t allow you to keep drying with the towels, respect that and stop. Give your cat a heat source, like a space heater or warm air vent, and a dry towel to sit on to finish drying themselves. [12] X Research source
- Consider warming the towels in the dryer first, as many cats find this comforting.
- If your cat is not scared of a hair dryer , you can use one on a low, cool setting to finish drying them from a distance. Avoid using other heat settings since those can easily burn them.
- With long-haired cats, you need a comb and more towels. Long hairs mat more easily when wet, so you might want to comb the coat until it's completely dry.
-
Reward your cat with a treat. This is a must. If you want your cat to ever want to take a bath again, you must give them a positive association with the process. Give them their favorite wet food , catnip , or other treats. Give them an even more indulgent treat that you save for exceptionally rare occasions. If they associate bathing with receiving delicious treats, your cat will be clamoring for another go in the bathtub in no time at all.
- Be sure to praise your cat by petting them, telling them what a good kitty they are, and giving them lots of attention when the bath is over. They’re likely to feel vulnerable and scared if they don’t feel loved, so your affection will make a big difference.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow do I wash my cat without getting scratched?Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.You can also create positive associations with baths by offering your cat its favorite treat before and after bathing or by giving it gentle head or belly scratches as you wash it.
-
QuestionWhat if my cat hates baths?Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.If bathing your cat is too much of an ordeal for both of you, consider talking to your veterinarian to see if they can prescribe a small amount of kitty Xanax to make the process safer and easier for you.
-
QuestionWhat can I use as shampoo for my cat?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.It's best to purchase a shampoo that is marketed for cats. Look for brands that are low in artificial fragrances and colors, and contain natural ingredients rather than sulphates and phthalates.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Reader Videos
Tips
- The earlier you start bathing your cat, the easier it will be. Over time, the cat will grow familiar with the routine and fight back less.Thanks
- Bathing the cat in the sink can be less scary for them. You can use the squirter to bathe the animal gently with warm water.Thanks
- Consider having someone help you. It's easier to bathe your cat if there are two people involved, especially if your cat can kick and wriggle its way out of your hands. One person can restrain the cat while the other bathes it.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- A few days before a bath, wet your hand with some warm water and apply it to your cat's head. Everyday, work your way down until you can get the cat's whole body wet without it being stressed.
- Singing to your cat may calm them down quite a bit, and it has saved my arms from being bloody messes.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- If you don't know how to properly hold a cat by the scruff, don't do it. Your cat may choke.Thanks
- Avoid bathing your pet more than once a month. Excessive bathing may remove protective oils from its fur, which will make it dull and reduce its natural efficiency against the elements.Thanks
- Very young, very old, or very thin cats do not regulate their own temperatures well. Be sure to dry the cat completely and keep them warm to avoid hypothermia (low body temperature).Thanks
- Make sure the temperature is over 70 °F (21 °C) with low humidity. Keep a cat indoors and warm for 12 hours after a bath.Thanks
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
- Cat shampoo
- Cat conditioner (optional)
- 2 or more bath towels
- A cat brush or comb
- A tub or sink
- Warm water
- Cat ear cleaner (optional)
- Pet wipes (optional)
- A cup or pitcher
- A long sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, or rubber gloves
- Cat treats
- Cat toys (optional)
References
- ↑ https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/pets/training-your-cat-get-used-to-water-tips
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/bathing-your-cat
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/bathing-your-cat
- ↑ https://www.advancedcareanimalclinic.com/site/blog/2022/05/15/bathe-cat
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/bathing-your-cat
- ↑ https://www.advancedcareanimalclinic.com/site/blog/2022/05/15/bathe-cat
- ↑ https://anicira.org/resources/cat-bathing/
- ↑ https://anicira.org/resources/cat-bathing/
- ↑ https://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/blog/animal-career-advice/grooming/bathing-your-cat/
- ↑ https://dermcare.com.au/news/tips-for-bathing-your-cat/#:~:text=Bathing%20in%20a%20bucket%20of,a%20sudden%20change%20in%20temperature .
- ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/bathing-your-cat
- ↑ https://anicira.org/resources/cat-bathing/
- ↑ https://www.rover.com/blog/are-pet-wipes-safe/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/LfR1Wnr_Cc8?t=14
- ↑ https://www.legacyamc.com/site/blog/2023/02/15/heart-murmur-cats-copy#:~:text=If%20you%20find%20mats%20on,mat%20and%20brush%20it%20through .
- ↑ https://anicira.org/resources/cat-bathing/
- ↑ https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/cat-baths/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To bathe your cat, start by brushing it to get rid of any knots and tangles, which will be easier to get out before your cat is wet. Next, bring your cat into the bathroom and close the bathroom door in case your cat tries to escape. Then, fill up the tub with a few inches of warm water and place your cat inside of it. Wash your cat from the neck down with cat shampoo and water, and try not to get any shampoo in your cat's eyes, nose, mouth, or ears. When you're finished, wrap a towel around your cat and rub gently to dry it off. To learn alternative ways you can bathe your cat if it really hates water, scroll down!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,903,285 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Very helpful in answering my questions regarding how often to bathe kitty, what to use, and your steps on how to introduce kitty to water. Have allergy issues and allergy doctor has recommended getting kitty out of my house and placing her with another parent. NOT going to happen! So, thanks for your helpful insights." ..." more
Advertisement
100%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"Very helpful in answering my questions regarding how often to bathe kitty, what to use, and your steps on how to introduce kitty to water. Have allergy issues and allergy doctor has recommended getting kitty out of my house and placing her with another parent. NOT going to happen! So, thanks for your helpful insights."
..."
more
"Bravo! Great step-by-step guide to bathe your kitten or cat with your beloved pet's stress and anxiety levels down. This guide is extremely helpful for cat owners and animal lovers alike, it's ideal for new pet owners. Great piece, thanks so much."
..."
more
"My cat gets a bath only when sprayed by a skunk, about once every other year. It's been very stressful for him every time. Now I know to get the water ready first and only to use cat shampoo. I appreciate that you shared all this information."
..."
more
"My older cat (20) is very skittish. Not a fan of bathing, but needs help with grooming now. Many of the handling tips shared are very useful. Loves being brushed after the bath as the final post-towel treatment."
..."
more
"This was a great step to step guide.There is no way of getting him into a tub (sink) even when I fetch a glass of water he makes a run for it. However, he's always grooming and his fur is gorgeous. "
..."
more
