Should you bath your cat?

Cats don't usually need a bath - nor do they usually want one! However, on rare occasions such as if your cat gets very dirty or gets too close to something it shouldn't (toxic sprays or oils, for example), or needs to be bathed for medical reasons, there are ways to make the experience more comfortable for both of you.

• Buy a specialist cat or kitten shampoo, ensuring it is a mild all-rounder with no harsh chemicals or perfumes. Never use human shampoo, which is unsuitable for cat hair and skin due to the difference in pH levels.
• Use a large plastic bucket, the sink or a bath lined with a non-slip floor mat. Fill the tub with just enough warm (not hot) water to wash your cat. Don’t fill the bath/sink too full or this will make the experience more frightening for the cat.
• If cats find bathing frightening, they may bite or scratch. Cat bites/scratches can be serious so stop trying if he/she gets very distressed as your vet may be able to bath the cat for you to prevent you being bitten. Be careful and gentle and always ask your veterinary practice for help.
• Offer plenty of praise and reassurance throughout. Food treats can make a useful distraction, as can another person holding the cat’s head and providing reassurance.
• Apply a small amount of shampoo, making sure none gets in your cat's ears or eyes. If there is only a small area of contamination then only wash this area rather than the whole cat. If required then lather up, right down to the tail, not forgetting the underside and neck. You may find it helps to take your cat out the water and onto a towel while you do this. Some medicated shampoos need a certain contact time.
• Rinse thoroughly with a shower nozzle or jug of warm, clean water, avoiding the eyes and inner ears. Use your hands to help the soap run off.
• After soaping and rinsing, your cat will want to vigorously shake off the excess water.
• Then rub your cat from head to toe with a towel and remove from the tub.
• If you have more than one cat, this may be a time when inter-cat conflict breaks out. Separate your bathed cats until they are calm, then rub all cats with the same towel to distribute the scents.
• Dry your cat or cats in a warm room and don't let them go outside until they are completely dry. Most cats will be frightened of hairdryers unless used to them from an early age (show cats).