Bathing Your Cat

With their built-in grooming tools (tongue and teeth), your fastidious feline is well-equipped to tackle their own hair care needs. But if they are very dirty or get into something sticky or smelly, you may need to bath them. 

Follow these steps to ensure minimal stress and maximum efficiency:

1. Place a rubber bath mat in the sink or tub where you’ll be bathing your cat so they won’t slip. Fill with three to four inches of lukewarm water (avoid using hot or boiling water please).
2. Gently massage your pet with a solution of one part cat shampoo (avoid human shampoo as it can dry out their skin) to five parts water, working from head to tail, in the direction of hair growth. Take care to avoid the face, ears and eyes.
3. Thoroughly rinse the shampoo off your cat with a spray hose or pitcher; again, be sure the water is lukewarm. Take good care that all residue has been removed, as it can irritate the skin and act as a magnet for dirt.
4. Use a washcloth to carefully wipe your pet’s face. Plain water is fine unless their face is very dirty—in which case, we recommend using an extra-diluted solution of shampoo, being very cautious around their ears and eyes.
5. Wrap your cat in a large towel and dry them with it in a warm place, away from drafts.
6. Reward your cat with endless praise—and their favorite treat—for a successful bathing session.