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The Painless Way to Bathe a Cat

Cats are usually experts at grooming themselves, but even the best of grooms will need a little help once in a while. As a good owner it is up to you to take care of all their needs and brushing and bathing is included in the description of "pet care."

Cats need to be combed or brushed on a regular basis, depending on the length of their coat, that could be monthly, weekly or daily. Occasionally a cat may need a bath. Just like humans, cats can have over productive sebaceous glands and their coats can build up an excess of oil and dirt. In turn their skin can become irritated. Bathing will soothe the skin and return the coat to its original luster.

As a former pet groomer, I will let you in on some secrets of the trade that will help you to bathe your cat without getting scratched, and without stressing out your cat.

First it is highly important to spend some time combing out your cat before the bath. If your cat has long hair, getting any tangles wet will result in the formation of large mats that will be extremely painful and difficult to get out, so you want to make sure you comb your cat out thoroughly first.

After the comb-out, gather some towels, a good quality pet shampoo, (not human shampoo for it will dry out their coat) and a spray nozzle with a long hose that can be attached to the faucet. Choose your place where you will bath the cat. The best place is at a raised kitchen or bathroom sink. It can be very hard on the back to bend over in the bathtub and the cat will also have the advantage over you. You want to elevate the cat to put it on an even level with you where you will have better control over it.

So once you have your little station set up at the sink and everything within reach, its time to attach the extendable shower head to the facet or better yet, use the vegetable sprayer if you happen to have a good quality one.

The most important thing is how you hold the cat. Through years of daily experience, I've found the best way is to hold the cat by the scruff of the neck and always point the kitty's face (and claws) away from you. Never turn the cat to face you. You will not have good control over their twisting and they will use your shoulders as a tree to climb up and away from you. If you hold the cat with one hand pointed ahead of you and wash with the other, there will be no way you will lose your grip. Be firm but gentle.

Now pick up your cat, with one hand on the scruff and the other supporting the back legs

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