How to give a cat a bath with claws

The odds of not getting scratched while bathing your cat are actually in your favor, simply because you probably won’t have to bathe your cat that often. According to Bernadine Cruz, DVM, a Laguna Hills, California veterinarian, cats spend anywhere between 15 to 50 percent of their waking time grooming. That configures up to six hours a day! Yet, there are some occasions when your cat will need your assistance in cleaning up their act. Here’s how to bathe a cat—without getting scratched.

Why bathe a cat?

Cats have a fine-tuned skillset for grooming, so they keep themselves pretty clean. Yet, there are some occasions when a cat parent needs to know how to bathe a cat: Curious cats can get into especially stinky things; older cats can’t clean themselves like they used to due to achy joints from arthritis, and some cats need a bath with medicated flea shampoo. Speaking of fleas, here’s how to get rid of them.

Warm-up to bathing

Before you attempt something scary and nerve-wracking for you and your cat, it’s smart to warm up to the idea before you actually need to know how to bathe a cat. “Get your cat used to the sights, sounds, and smells associated with the bathing process,” says Dr. Cruz. When you’re in the kitchen or bathroom, invite your cat to paw at a trickling of water from the faucet. Let her snuggle on the drying towel on your lap. Practice brushing and trimming nails long before bath time is ever on the calendar. To keep your cat cleaned, happy, and well-fed, know the best diet for your kitten.

Nail this tip down

“Should you put on a shark suit before swimming in Jaws infested waters… Yes!” Dr. Cruz jokes, but she’s right. It’s a natural reaction for your cat to claw her way out of a situation she doesn’t like. “Trim the nails on all four paws. It’s best to do this a day or two before the bathing, so you don’t tip off the kitty,” advises Dr.Cruz. Keep an eye out for these signs that your cat is mad at you.

Regular brushing, especially on longer-hair cats, helps remove loose hair and troublesome mats. If you can’t gently brush through a matt, grab the scissors. “Carefully cut any mats out of the coat before the bath. If they are bad before bathing, a bath only makes them worse,” says Dr. Cruz. After you brush your cat’s hair, gently pop cotton balls in their ears to keep the water out.

Timing is everything

Timing is an essential factor when it comes to how to bathe a cat. If you have a younger cat, consider bathing the cat after a vigorous playtime session and kitty is tuckered out. And if your cat is older, Dr. Cruz suggests nudging kitty from a nap, so that you can introduce your cat to the bath in a calm matter. Remember to do all the bath prep before playtime or naptime, otherwise, you defeat the purpose of cat-readiness.

Be discrete

Discretion is key here. “Don’t let the cat see or hear you make preparations for the bath. They are experts at reading our body language and know something is up even before they see the water,” says Dr. Cruz. “Stay calm yourself. Lower the lights, play classical music, and keep other family members (especially small, loud children) away from the cat. Your cat may hate these things even more than a bath.

Shampoos for humans are made for our hair, not so much for the scalp, while cat shampoos, on the other hand, are made for the scalp, which is more sensitive than the human scalp. Dr. Cruz suggests a mild shampoo, such as baby shampoo, but even baby shampoo can dry out your cat’s skin. Ask your vet for their recommendation, as the type of cat shampoo may vary depending on the reason for bathing. For example, a medicated shampoo is different from a general cleansing shampoo.

stockelements/ShutterstockSafe and secure

It’s difficult to comfort a cat with one hand and properly bathe a cat with the other, especially for cats who really hate the water. That’s why Dr. Cruz recommends bathing and drying your cat with a cat harness on. “A leash attached to the harness which is attached to a sturdy hook on the wall frees your hands to comfort and clean your cat, and allows you to control your cat’s movements better.” You’ll want to get your cat used to a leash and harness first.

Extra help for nervous cats

If your cat is especially anxious, you can help comfort her with the help of pheromones. “A little extra Feliway spray in the room where you are planning on bathing your cat can be beneficial. You can also use Feliway wipes nearby the tub (or sink) in a place that won’t get wet,” says Natalie Marks, DVM, a Chicago-based veterinarian and a spokesperson for Royal Canin. Treats might help keep your cat calmer and motivated to stay still in the bath too. Try spreading a little bit of wet cat food on the sink or tub service for your cat to lick off. Dr. Marks cautions that no more than ten percent of your cat’s total daily calories should be from treats. By the way, these are the best dry cats foods, according to veterinarians.

Draw a bath

Cats love the warmth of a sunny spot on a windowsill and will be more comfortable with a draft-free, warm bath. The kitchen sink is smaller and cozier for the cat, and the waist-height is easier for your back. “Make the water warmer than a baby’s bath temperature, and add a non-slip mat to provide a sense of security,” says Dr.Cruz. Be careful not to make the water too deep; it should be no higher than the half-way point between the paw and elbow area. It’s interesting to note that cats were originally desert-dwelling animals, which is probably one of the reasons’ why cats really hate water.

Bathing method

If you don’t have a cat harness, use one hand to support your cat and the other to bathe. Start bathing from the neck down. Use a washcloth to clean the face. A hand-held faucet attachment might be an acceptable way to rinse for some cats, but others may be less freaked out by the gentle stream of a plastic pitcher or tumbler. Now is a good time to do a quick once over to check for lumps and bumps. “Fur is fabulous for hiding a myriad of issues. Anything out of the ordinary should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention,” says Dr.Cruz. Be sure to look for these other silent signs your cat might be sick.

“After the bath, remove the cotton balls and use a veterinary formulated ear cleanser. Flood the canal with the warmed solution. Allow the cat to shake its head and shake out the excess,” says Dr. Cruz.

After bath care

Drying your cat with a soft, warm towel may win back your cat’s good graces. Gently wrap your cat in the towel to dry her. If you’re feeling especially confident, you can attempt to dry your cat with a blow dryer using a quiet and low setting. If not, dry your cat with a towel and be sure to brush her. “Brushing is especially important for longer-haired cats,otherwise, they will mat. Brushing before and after the bath is important because the hair will naturally tangle after the bath, and brushing loosens it easily rather than leading to additional hairballs and vomiting,” says Dr.Cruz. You can also try these 13 strategies to get your cat to like you.

Originally Published: October 09, 2019

Why oh why would anyone bathe a cat?

It’s true; some cats never need to be bathed. They groom themselves and regular brushing is enough.

However, some cats have bad hygiene despite their natural grooming activities. For example, heavier cats can only clean where they are able to reach, and arthritic cats can have trouble reaching all areas. Those neglected areas can become dirty and irritated, or flakey.

Cats can get into icky things like antifreeze, gasoline or motor oil, leaving their coats greasy or sticky with things they shouldn’t lick. An indoor cat may have issues in the litter box or get into paint or ashes. Every cat is a potential candidate for bathing.

Long-haired cats may not be able to keep up with the grooming requirements of their longer coats. Other cats may need bathing with flea or medicated shampoo, or need medicated baths for ringworm.

Why do cats hate water?

Not all cats hate water. Some domestic cats actually enjoy water, especially those in hot, dry climates. Their big cat relatives in hot climates often enjoy soaking in water. The water is cool and refreshing, so your cat may enjoy soaking in it too. We frequently see cats who enjoy sitting in the sink as cool water drips down on them. Arthritic felines may enjoy a warm-water bath and massage.

In cooler climates, cats may not enjoy the water because it makes them feel cold. It doesn’t help that baths also tend to make them feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.

First, Prepare!

Before even considering running a bath, recruit someone to help you. You’re going to need it! Next, gather your supplies. Your hands will be busy, so have everything within easy reach. We recommend thick rubber gloves, a towel, cat shampoo (available at pet stores or your vet), and a cup, pitcher, or gentle spray nozzle for rinsing. We highly recommend a few treats to reward or bribe your cat. Additional options are a rubber tub, cotton balls for cleaning kitty’s ears and perhaps a smaller cloth for cleaning kitty’s face.

Brush your cat before the bath to remove excess hair, tangles and mats. Then dress in long sleeves in case kitty turns into a mountain lion at first hint of water. Ready? Let’s begin.

Our 10-step method for surviving your cat’s bath

1. Here’s a little secret: help your cat stay calm with Feliway spray or diffuser in the room, or administer a calming natural essence such as Scaredy Cat, or Bach Rescue Remedy. (Is this cheating? No, because everything is fair in bath wars!)
2. Place a non-skid surface, like a wet towel, on the bottom of the sink or rubber tub you will be bathing your cat in. This will make your cat feel more secure. If you’re using a bathtub, we recommend placing a laundry basket or rubber tub inside the tub to help kitty feel more secure.
3. Run 2-3 inches of lukewarm water. Make sure the water is finished running before you bring your cat in, or he or she may get scared by the sound.  
4. Pick up your cat and carry him or her to the bathing area. If you call your cat, then you place them in the bath, they may associate being called with the bath and not come to you next time.

The Nitty Gritty

1. Getting your cat wet – wet your cat starting at the nape of the neck and working your way to the tail. You can do this with a moveable sprayer or a cup or pitcher. Be careful not to get her head wet–cats especially hate a wet face.
2. Use cat-specific shampoo – preferably with no smell – and lather your cat from tail to neck.
3. Rinse with the pitcher, cup or gentle sprayer, being sure NOT to get soap or water on kitty’s face. Don’t forget to rinse those out-of-the-way places, like the belly, under arms, tail and neck.
4. Use a damp washcloth to gently wipe your cat’s face if needed. You may want to use the cotton balls now to clean kitty’s ears (or wait until they’re out of the water).
5. Lift your cat into a towel to dry him or her off (or maybe two towels–one when they’re very wet and a second one to finish). Rub your cat to remove as much water as possible and to ensure that kitty will be warm before you let them out. Warmth is important to cats! Use a blow-dryer for long-haired cats, but only if they’re okay with the noise.  
6. If your cat freaks out – let him or her go. In most cases, don’t force your cat to take a bath. You could get hurt and your cat severely distressed. And please don’t yell at your kitty, no matter how frustrated you will likely get.

Most importantly, prepare for the revenge your cat will be plotting!

OVRS hopes our tips for defying death while bathing your cat are of help. Hopefully, your cat won’t need a bath. If they do, you now have the steps for the most “pleasant” experience possible. If your cat has a medical need for baths and freaks out every time you try, discuss options with your vet.

Or simply drop kitty at your local groomer (or call a mobile groomer) and they will do it all for you.

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