Suggestions, techniques for bathing large, desperate male cat?

Question

Very large and very, very strong male cat who was bathed only once in past (after the mud-pit fight with Black Bart). Cat is now much stronger and bigger. Unbelievable male claws. Never talks much but will groan loudly at slightest prospect of bath, or even water he might touch.

So far, found this one technique that sounds remotely plausibe:
http://www.catscans.com/catbathing.htm

Even that will likely result in my serious injury.

But cat smells, MUST HAVE bath preliminary to vet visit for alteration.

Helpful suggestions, PLEASE?

Thumbs down on Answerer 1, this cat is GOING to get a bath...

Answer 1

Buy a spray nozzle that hooks up to your faucet for that reduces the sound of the running water which scares the kitty. Put a towel in the bottom of the sink for the kitty to have something to dig into...slipping around makes it even more scarier for the cat.
Hold his front paws with one hand while he is standing and get him all wet. Then take him out of the water and add shampoo. Lather him up good and let set for a few minutes to help alleviate fleas and the smell. Then put him back in the sink and rinse.
Talk in a calm tone explaining that he will feel much better after this and that it is really not that bad, is it? Tell him he will get a treat for being such a good kitty.
I would use some Feliway to help keep him calm prior to the bath.
Good luck!

Answer 2

I had a cat like this when I was a kid. He was big, strong, and he beat the snot out of anything else in our neighborhood with four legs and a tail. He also hated to take a bath, and my hands still bear the scars. Preparation is key. Make sure you get a good cat shampoo, ask your vet for a recommendation if you have any questions. Some good things to keep on hand are several dry towels, a plastic dishpan, and a shower sprayer attachment. I would first put lukewarm water in the tub, and get my materials ready. Then I would gently put the oldbastard in the tub, and firmly make him sit down. Keep one hand firmly on the cat's upper shoulders, and work from behind him. After soaping him down, rinse him off with the spray nozzle, and wrap him in some of those towels. Talk to him in a calm, even voice. It also doesn't hurt to have some treats on hand. My old cat liked ham. He may not like it, and you may get bit, but the cat will be clean.

Answer 3

OMG I think that website is about right !

Seriously though I think this will take at least 2 people to succeed.
Don't use the bathroom - use the kitchen sink - that way you are not bending over an irate cat.
Make sure all doors and windows are shut, all breakable items removed and that you have plenty of towels, antiseptic and sticking plasters ready.
Use cat shampoo - not people shampoo and definately cut his claws first.
Use lukewarm water only and use a jug or something similar to pour it over him - even a sponge would do.
Make sure your assistant has a firm grip on the scruff of the cat's neck and bear in mind it will try to launch vertically out of the sink at every opportunity.
Once wet shampoo him quickly and get him rinsed off again ( you can expect to get very wet and to learn a few new cat swear words in the process.
Once you are convinced he is lather free tell your friend to release the cat then you both step back but fast !
Wait till the cat has slowed down ( usually about 3 laps of the room) then wrap him in a very large towel and rub him dry gently.
Treat all injuries with antiseptic and plasters as necessary.
Leave the cat in the wreckage of your kitchen with the towels and escape into another room to dry yourself, get changed and probably have a drink. Don't forget to apologise to your friend !
( Never expect the same friend to volunteer to help again )

Good luck

Answer 4

Proper preparation for the bath is essential. Human shampoos should not be used on cats as they are too strong, although some baby shampoos may be used. Dog shampoos often contain ingredients that can be harmful to cats. Make sure the shampoo is safe for cats. Next, protect yourself. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and a sturdy pair of gloves. Some people even wear goggles for protection. Bath your pet in an enclosed space. Usually a bathroom with the door shut works; escape is always a possibility. Fill up your sink with water warm to the touch. Gently put some cotton loosely in your cat's ears (if possible) to keep the water out. As you start to wet down your cat and shampoo him be especially careful not to get water or shampoo in the eyes or ears. The bath itself is a matter of what works best. You may need a partner to help hold the cat while you wash him, or you may be able to hold and wash him yourself. Make sure your cat is rinsed thoroughly after shampooing. Left over shampoo can dry the skin, causing irritation. Have plenty of towels ready to dry off your cat with after the bath. In some rare cases a cat may tolerate a blow dryer, but usually it is a case of drying him off the best you can with towels.

Answer 5

The person above me is completely wrong. Cats will seldom wash themselves if they are not "forced" to by their owners. =). Dont' put cottons in their ears because if wet.. the cotton can cause problems in its ears. There are specific shampoos for cats at stores like Petco or Costco or Target. After you make sure there is no shampoo ileft on the cat.... don't try to dry him yourself. Leave around big towels and let him dry himself. Here's my ways. Fill bathtub with lukewarm water.... not too cold, not too hot. The depth of it should be enough to cover paws but no more than that. (You might want to trim his claws just in case). Then scoop water in a plastic cup and pour it on to the cat. be sure to avoid the eyes. Give your cat free rein in the bath tub. but don't force him to do anything. And hold on to its neck with one hand gently if it tries or shows signs of trying to escape.

Answer 6

If you're cat keeps attacking you get it into a cage or cat carrier.. then use a hose to wash it. That way it can't run away and can't attack you. Let him sit in there for a while to calm down afterwards so he won't attack you when he comes out.

Answer 7

You're not meant to bath cats!!!
They HATE water!
You could kill it if you get it too wet!!!!!!!!
Please for your LURVELY cat's sake listen to me
let HIM wash himself!
=)
And give him lotsa love, attenttion and HUGS!
:)

Answer 8

Get it drunk first.