What's the best way to bath a cat?

Question

My cat hates baths as I assume most cats do. He loves playing with water but hates getting wet. I've tried warm water, cold water, the shower. He won't take any of it without screaming bloody murder and clawing up my arms to get away.
After the bath he will try his hardest to hide from me when I want to dry him off.
Is there a way that has worked for any of you people? Anything to make it a less painful experience for me and more enjoyable for him? Both of us will appreciate your answers.

Sometimes I must bath my cat.
He jumped into the toilet one time and turned blue, not pretty.
Another time he had stomach problems and didn't make it to the litter box. That was messy.
They are the only 2 times I've bathed him and I'm not looking forward to ever having to do it again.

Answer 1

I have two cats myself, and they're complete opposites. My oldest one hates the bath, but she just sits there & takes it now. Of course, she still does her share of complaining, but my husband & I usually do it together. It makes it much easier. We usually put a few inches of lukewarm water in the sink so we don't have to keep turning the water on. We also keep a plastic cup handy for when it's time to rinse. Then we just basically talk to her the whole time & one of us gently restrains her from trying to escape while the other does all the washing & rinsing. I don't think any cat would ever actually enjoy taking a bath, but the more you do it, the more they'll "get used" to it. Just have patience with him/her & don't give up. If you are able to find someone to help you, it would probably make the experience easier on both of you. The good thing is, a cat only needs a bath every few months or so. You should also have the towel ready beforehand so it'll be within easy reach, that way once you drain the water you can make a quick grab for the towel & wrap your cat up in it to keep him/her from catching a chill and also to give you the chance to try & soak up the excess water before you let him/her finish it off. My husband & I also brush our cats once we've finished towel drying them to avoid tangles. We also give them treats afterwards, to help ease the stress of the whole experience. Just a tidbit of knowledge for you, too: the reason a cat doesn't like to be wet is because it embarasses them. I learned that from a friend who knows a lot about cats. Who knew? Hope it helps!!!! Good luck!!!!

Answer 2

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1391&articleid=1059

Though cat owners may want to depend on a cat to clean herself, there may be a time when you will want to give your cat a bath. The following tips will help you and your cat have a more pleasant experience.

Prior to the bath, you will want to groom your cat. Use a grooming glove, fine-toothed comb, or soft brush for shorthaired breeds and a wide toothed comb and a soft slicker brush for longhaired breeds. Brush your cat thoroughly being especially gentle on the skin because it is thin and sensitive. Also, make sure to brush out any mats you may find - they are much harder to remove from wet hair. This is also a good time to check for sores, abscesses, lumps, and other skin problems. Clean your cat's ears and look for any excess wax or debris in the ears. You will also want to clip your cat's nails at this time. If your cat does not enjoy any of these procedures, wait until your cat has calmed down before starting the bath.

Assemble all the materials you will need before you get the cat. Include a soft towel, soft brush, and shampoos and conditioners formulated especially for cats. If the shampoo is very thick, it is sometimes helpful to dilute it with some water before applying it to the cat. Just prior to the bath, place cotton balls in the ears and apply ophthalmic ointment to protect the eyes. Place a towel in the bottom of the sink or tub you are going to use to prevent slipping. Be sure the area where you give the bath is warm, and your cat will have a warm place to dry off.

Remember that cats do not like to be restrained, so the less it feels like you are controlling her, the better. Speak in soft tones and try to appear calm, since your cat will become more nervous if she senses you are apprehensive. Signs that your cat is anxious include flattening of the ears or whiskers, tail thumping, loud vocalizations, and open mouth panting.

Use lukewarm water. Cats generally dislike sprays, so it is often better to pour water over the cat rather than spraying. If you must spray, avoid hard sprays and spraying near your cat's face. You may want to wrap your cat in a thin towel and wet the coat through the towel, and then apply the shampoo. After shampooing, rinse your cat thoroughly. Rinsing is the most important step. The old adage is: 'Once you think you've rinsed your cat thoroughly, rinse her again.'

Dry your cat gently with a towel. 'Blotting' is better than rubbing, especially in longhaired breeds. Longhaired breeds will also benefit from an additional brush out and a blow dryer on no-heat setting (if your cat will tolerate the noise).

If your cat absolutely cannot tolerate being wet, try using a waterless or powder shampoo, pre-moistened bath towelettes for pets, which have recently become available, or give your cat a 'sponge bath' with a damp towel.

Remember, the younger a cat is when you begin to bathe her, the more likely it will be that she will come to enjoy an occasional bath.

Answer 3

Well you should not give your cat a bath unless he really needs it. Cats clean will clean theirselfs on their own. If he really needs a bath then fill the tub with about 2 inches of warm water, and hold your cat by the scruff of the neck, slowly put your cat in and then take it from there, use a shower head or a cup to rince the cat off. Dont run the water hard or it will scare the cat. But again you should not give your cat a bath unless he got mud on him or if he needs a flea bath.

Answer 4

There is a contraption in the pet store I found for dogs but it works with my cats. It has a suction cup on it that attaches to the tub. You put a harness on the cat and it holds it in place. You don't have to hold the cat or can just move so you don't get scratch. I only have to use one half not the two of them. with your cat you may want to use two. My cats just want away from the water. They have been given baths since they were baby's.
Baby wipes. Long hair cats with messy bums. Baby wipes work great. You do not have to give them baths.

Answer 5

very carfully, i still have scars from the last time i bathed my cats.. so heres the SAFE way
1)you can ether let them be for thay will normly do a fine job of keeping clean themselves
2) you can buy the dry bath stuff from the petstore
3) thay also make wipes that you can use to clean there fur
4) you can also order a grooming bag , you zip the cat up in the bag and its made so that you can safely wash and trim the nails on you cat. its nice becuse your cats head is out side the bag, and you can unzip just the fron paws or just the back paws so thay can scrach you.

hope that helps

Answer 6

My cats do the exact same thing. I suggest first getting the cat wet enough to soap up, then fill those disposable bathroom cups with warm water and slowly pouring it over the cat. They still meow extremely loud, but it isn't nearly as bad as dunking them under water or turning the shower on them.

Answer 7

at the grooming salon i worked at we had a wire mesh cage that the cat went in and then we could bath them. as long as the water wasnt running you can put soap on them and then close the door and rinse. you could do that and then transfer the cage to where you can gently blowdry the cat. or get those gloves that bird trainers use they save the trainers arms from sharp talons i would imagine they would do the same for kitty claws. good luck.

Answer 8

Have some warm water running in the sink and when you put him in HOLD him--NOT LIFT him--by the scruff very firmly while you wet him down, lather, etc. When you turn off the water and the sink has drained, wrap the towel around him before you let go of the scruff. He won't like it any better, but it is do-able.

Answer 9

I am a vet tech and at our clinc, we bathe cats all the time. We have what is called a "cat bag". All it is is a mesh laundry bag. You put the cat's body in but leave his head out and secure the string. This not only calms them, but it protects your arms from those claws. Good luck! If all else fails.....take him to a groomer!

Answer 10

Rubber gloves and valium works for me. No really if you have to bath the cat take it to a groomer. Less stress for everyone.