Bathing a cat is recommended for reducing dust, dander and the FelD1 found in the saliva of cats that causes most allergies to cats. Also, occasionally cats get into motor oil or some other substance that requires your assistance in cleaning. Otherwise cats generally keep themselves very clean and you shouldn’t need to bathe a cat on a regular basis.

Organization and planning and remaining quiet and calm are the keys to successful cat bathing. We recommend GOLD MEDAL PETS CAT SHAMPOO for all types of coat or ALLERGEN SHAMPOO if your family has allergies. If you know you have a particularly difficult cat to bathe, we recommend using the services of a professional groomer.

Before bathing, clip the cat’s nails, pressing gently on the pad to unsheathe the nails. Be careful not to clip too close to the “quick.” (See diagram – Groomer Tip Week #28) In case of accidental bleeding, always have Cardinal Stop Bleeding Styptic Powder handy when you clip pet nails.

If you know your cat will be difficult to bathe, but has to be cleaned, consider using GOLD MEDAL PETS UNICOAT, a grooming spray that cleans, detangles, deodorizes and removes static. Cats do not generally like to hear the noise of a spray or be sprayed – so use a sponge to apply Unicoat. It’s not necessary to rinse this product out, but it is vital to rub dry with a towel and that will remove most of the product from the fur, leaving the coat clean and shiny.

For general bathing, gather all your needs by the sink, along with several extra towels. Do not fill the sink with water. You are not actually going to immerse the cat in water but it does help to contain the cat and it’s easier for you to work when they are lower than the counter top. You could also do this on a table.

Put a small amount of warm water into a separate bowl, add shampoo and sponge the solution on the cat and massage into the coat. Work quickly. Make the bath time as short as possible. Using a clean sponge, rinse. I you think your cat will tolerate it, rinse well with warm water poured from a container or gentle water pressure from a faucet. Wrap the cat in a towel and dry thoroughly. The entire procedure should be done while reassuring the cat in a calm, steady voice. If you think it will be difficult to contain your cat while you are bathing it, have someone help hold the cat or consider using one of the commercial bathing restraints. Again, if this is the case, we recommend taking your cat to a professional groomer.

Most cats do not “hate water” and if you are not immersing them in water, they tolerate the bathing process. If you get a new kitten used to this procedure on a regular basis you can reduce dust and dander that might cause allergic reaction by family members. You can also use a damp cloth to help reduce allergens if you wipe them down every couple of days.