Cats do not usually need bathing in fact, most hate being wet at all, so you may never, in fact, have a need to bath your cat unless:-

  1. You are preparing for a show.
  2. The coat has become very soiled or contaminated with chemicals or oil.
  3. The cat needs shampooing with a fungicidal or insecticidal wash for veterinary reasons in which case you should wear protective plastic gloves.

Always use a specially formulated cat shampoo and coat conditioner – never products intended for use on human hair, as these may prove harmful if absorbed through the cat’s skin or accidentally ingested.

You will probably need an assistant while bathing your pet, even if he has been accustomed to the procedure since kittenhood. It is easiest to bathe the cat in the kitchen sink.

  • Quarter-fill the sink with lukewarm water comfortable to the elbow-touch test and place the cat in it.
  • Ladle water over the body, until the fur is saturated.
  • Use your hands to carefully wet the cat’s face.
  • Massage in the shampoo, but do not get any on the face or near the eyes.
  • Refill the sink with clean lukewarm water or use a spray attachment and rinse all the shampoo out of the coat You will probably have to replace the water several times to ensure no soap traces remain.
  • If using a separate conditioner, massage this into the coat; leave for the recommended time, then repeat the rinsing process.
  • Gently dry the cat as much as you can with a thick, warm, soft towel.
  • Place the cat in a warm room to dry off thoroughly, so that he does not become cold.
  • Once dry, groom the coat into place.
Sanja Zagorc, Veterinary Surgeon, London
Sanja Zagorc
Veterinary Surgeon, London at Blue Cross UK | + posts

A London based Veterinary surgeon, Sanja is also an avid writer and pet advocate.