6 Easy Steps to Bathe Your Reluctant Cat

Cats are known for being excellent self-groomers, rarely needing human assistance to stay clean. However, there are moments when your feline friend may require a bath—whether it’s due to an unfortunate encounter with something smelly, a case of fleas, or a medical need.

Bathing a cat can be a daunting task, as most cats aren’t fans of water. But with the right preparation and a calm approach, the process can be smoother than you might expect.

Follow these six easy steps to make bath time less stressful for both you and your kitty!

1. Get Your Supplies and Bathroom Ready

Preparation is key. Gather everything you’ll need ahead of time:

• A pet-safe shampoo made specifically for cats or a mild baby shampoo (never use human shampoo or dog shampoo).

• A conditioner if your cat has medium or long fur.

• A towel or two.

• A long-sleeve shirt or sweatshirt and rubber gloves to protect yourself from scratches.

• A non-slip mat for the tub to prevent your cat from slipping.

• Fill the tub or sink with a few inches of lukewarm water. Avoid making the water too deep—it only needs to reach your cat’s belly.

2. Brush Your Kitty (Most Cats Love This!)

Before you begin, give your cat a thorough brushing. This helps remove loose fur, dust, and debris, making the bathing process easier. For longhaired cats, brushing is particularly important to detangle knots and prevent matting.

Wet tangles are much harder to deal with than dry ones, and mats can trap soap residue, leading to itchy skin.

Take your time with this step—brushing is a great way to calm your cat and make your cat feel relaxed before the bath.

3. Catch Your Kitty by Surprise (Calmly)

Approach your cat calmly and naturally, as though it’s just another routine part of their day. Pet your kitty gently, pick her or him up, and head to the bathroom. Once inside, close the door to make sure that your cat can’t make an escape.

This step is similar to getting your cat into their carrier for a vet visit: staying calm and confident will help ease their nerves.

4. Make It Quick & Efficient

When it’s time to bathe your cat, efficiency is your best friend. Start by gently wetting your kitty’s fur with a cup or handheld sprayer. Avoid their face for now—this can be cleaned separately with a damp cloth.

Apply shampoo and lather it in, working quickly but thoroughly. Once you’re done, rinse immediately. The faster you can get through this step, the better for both of you. Cats don’t enjoy being wet, so minimizing the time they spend in the water is key.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Rinsing is arguably the most important step, as any leftover shampoo can irritate your cat’s sensitive skin. Use lukewarm water to rinse your cat’s body and make sure that all the soap is removed.

Be prepared: a wet cat can be surprisingly slippery! Hold your cat gently but securely to prevent any escape. If you’re bathing your cat in a shower with glass doors, this can act as a helpful barrier if they attempt to dash away.

6. Drying Your Cat

The hard part is over! Now, wrap your cat in a soft, absorbent towel and gently pat them dry. Focus on removing water from their legs, belly, and tail. If your cat tolerates it, you can use a hair dryer on a low, warm setting, but many cats prefer to air dry.

Once your cat is mostly dry, let your cat retreat to a cozy spot to groom themselves. Offer plenty of praise and a few tasty treats to reward them for their patience.

While bathing a cat might never become your cat’s favorite activity, with the right preparation and approach, it can be a pleasant experience for both of you.

By keeping calm, being efficient, and rewarding your cat afterward, it can make the experience smoother. Plus, you’ll be rewarded with a clean (albeit possibly grumpy) kitty who’s back to their usual antics in no time at all!