How To Safely Bathe Your Cat
Posted By: Stacyh; Category: Pets; December 3, 2008
Author StacyH;
Only bathe your cat if it is necessary to remove fleas or ticks or if it noticeably dirty. Here's a method for bathing a cat with less trauma and chance of injury.
1
Bathe the cat in a small, secure room or use a safe restraint. A harness for cats or a leash that can be looped around the neck and under one front leg will help you restrain the cat without injuring its neck. Make sure the nearby area is clear of objects, curtains, or anything the cat could grab and cling to.
2
Prepare shampoo and warm water for rinsing ahead of time if possible. Either mix shampoo and warm water in a small squeezable bottle (like a sports bottle or plastic ketchup bottle) to apply to cat, or slowly pour warm water from a large cup or pitcher over the cat's back. Put the cat in a sink or basin but do not run the water in the cat's presence.

Do not wet the cat's head. Start at the neck and work around and back.
3
Rub the shampoo in gently. Apply a small amount of shampoo suds to the top of the cat's head and under its chin with your hands.
4
Take it slow and soothe your kitty. Keep your hand on its neck or back to keep it in the sink or tub, but don't get your hands in front in the way of teeth or claws.
5
Rinse in by pouring water over the cat slowly and gently and pushing out the shampoo with your hands. If necessary, put your sudsy cat in a carrier out of the way while you prepare your warm water for rinsing. Don't pour water over the cat's head. Use a little water in cupped hands or a wash cloth to wash off shampoo on his head.
6
Make sure you have rinsed the cat thoroughly and gently towel dry.
7
Find kitty a warm, sunny spot to finish the job herself.
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