Do Cats Need Baths? 10 Steps to Give Your Cat A Bath

A cat bath sounds like a bad time doesn’t it? Scratches, crying, escape attempts, stress for your cat – and you. If you’re lucky, you have a cat that likes water, or is a kitten. If you’re unlucky, you need to know how to give an adult cat a bath for the first time.

If you’re of the opinion that cats do not need baths, you’re mostly correct. Cats (especially my cat Arlo) are usually very good at washing and cleaning themselves.

How often do you see them cleaning, preening, and licking? A lot. For the most part, your cat can clean himself.

But sometimes life throws you a curveball.

And now you need to know how to wash your cat. Great.

It could be a skin infection, fleas, or something stuck in her fur. Either way – this cat needs a bath and you want to make it as easy on you and the cat as possible.

Reasons to Bathe Your Cat

• Skin infections
  • Ringworm
  • Feline acne
  • Folliculitis, etc
  • Follow vet instructions!
• Bugs!
  • Yuck.
  • Lice
  • Fleas
  • Mites, etc.
  • Again, follow the vet’s instructions.
• Something on their coat
  • Glue, gum, sap – something sticky
  • Some types of flea killers need to be washed off after use.
  • Toxic things that would hurt your cat if he cleaned himself
• Fat Cats
  • If you have an obese cat he may need to be bathed if he can’t reach everywhere
  • Put him on a diet!
• Old Cats
  • Cats with arthritis sometimes have a lot of trouble cleaning themselves. A warm bath and a nice massage can be a treat for your old pal.

What You’ll Need To Give Your Cat A Bath

• A suitable tub
  • Cats (and dogs) do not like surfaces that they slip around on. Make sure you either buy a tub like this one, or have a non-slip bathmat. A less stressed cat is an easier cat to bathe.
  • Having a tub or non-slip mat may make it easier for your cat to escape, but he shouldn’t use your arm for traction if he has other options.
  • Remember – a slippery surface will make your cat very uncomfortable.
• Your cat’s favourite treats
  • You’ll need these to reward good behaviour. And to distract him!
  • I always recommend all meat, no grain treats.
• Towels
  • One towel to dry her off and couple towels for wiping and cleaning during the bath.
• A jug
  • I prefer using a jug to a showerhead because a jug makes very little noise. Less stressful for your cat.
• Shampoo
  • Depending on your situation your vet may have provided you with a specific shampoo. Otherwise I recommend Espree Aloe Vera (smells amazing).
• Oven Mitts
  • It depends on your cat. My cat doesn’t scratch me when I bathe him so I don’t need the protection.
• Brush
  • If you have a long haired cat you may need a specific type of brush called a Detangling Comb.

Now that you’ve got everything you need, get it all set up wherever you’re giving your cat a bath. Now its time to get our poor, dirty cat, ready for his bath.

How To Give Your Cat A Bath

1. Get your bathing area all set up with the above-listed items.
2. Fill the tub 2-4 inches deep with warm water.
3. Brush your cat to remove any knots or mats.
   • Getting knots and mats wet will make them more difficult to remove.
4. Ask for help.
   • A friend can bribe your cat with treats, help hold him, and make the entire environment less stressful.
5. Bring your cat to the tub and gently place him in.
6. While holding your cat in the water, use the jug to gently pour water over his back.
   • Avoid getting the cat’s head wet
   • This is a good time to break out the treats
7. Once your cat is good and wet, apply the cat-specific shampoo as per the product’s or vet’s instructions.
8. After the shampoo has been thoroughly applied and worked in, begin gently washing it out with the jug
   • Don’t use the water already in the tub – it’s dirty and has soap in it!
9. Once your cat is clean of the shampoo, take him out of the tub and gently dry him and let him go!
10. Be prepared for a little bit of an attitude.
    • It may be time for some more treats