When you have all supplies ready, fill the bath tub with about four to six inches of warm water. You are now ready to get your cat and begin the bathing process.
Be gentle and soothing, not aggressive. If your cat is hard to handle, you may want to ask someone to help you with the bathing process. One person can hold the cat and try to keep him or her calm, while the other washes the animal.
Bring your cat into the bathroom and close the door. Gently and slowly, place the cat in the tub, feet first. Speak softly and stroke the cat in a reassuring manner. Using the plastic cup, pour water gently over your cat, being careful not to get water in the animal’s face. If your cat is upset and trying to get away, hold him or her in place gently but firmly with one hand at the back of the neck while taking the soap bottle in the other hand and squirting a thin line of soap down the cat’s back. If your cat enjoys water and bathing and is not trying to get away you may squeeze a small amount of soap into one hand, then rub both hands together so a lather forms. With both hands, massage the shampoo into the cat’s fur from the base of its neck to the end of its tail. Gently, lift the cat and rub soap along his or her underside and down each leg. Pay special attention to any matted or heavily soiled areas. Try to work out any knots and/or debris slowly and gently. Carefully, wash the head with your fingers, being sure not to get soap in the animal’s eyes or nose. This can be a very enjoyable head scratch and ear rub for your cat.
If you are bathing a more difficult animal with the help of a friend, one person will hold the cat gently and firmly while the other washes and rinses. It can be much easier to bathe your pet with help because one person can lift and move the cat as necessary while the other has more freedom to concentrate on cleaning any problem areas.
When your cat has been soaped up and cleaned, take the plastic cup, fill it with water, and slowly pour over the animal to rinse. Repeat this until all soap has been thoroughly rinsed from the fur. The water dripping from your cat should be clear, not cloudy when completely rinsed. Remember, any soap that you don’t rinse out, the cat will be licking out of its fur later, so please, rinse thoroughly.
Next, pick up your cat and remove from the bath tub. Gently squeeze excess water from its fur, if you can while still holding the animal over the tub. Then drape a towel over your cat and blot water from his or her fur. Do not rub vigorously as this will most likely aggravate your pet. You may need to use more than one towel. Do not blow dry, most cats won’t tolerate it. As long as your cat stays warm, it is perfectly safe for your pet’s damp fur to air dry.