I'm afraid its time for Samuel's first bath.

I don't think he's ever HAD a bath before, and I've never had to bathe a cat.

Lucky for me, I have a nice large tub. I also have a few questions.

What soap should I use? I know they make special shampoo for kitties, but I don't know which brands are reputable.
How do I protect myself against his imminent rage? Sammypie will not like this, I am certain.
What temperature should the water be at?
Is there anything else I need to know?

I'm so nervous. He's going to hate me forever.

May I ask why you are bathing him? Most cats don't need baths unless they get into something nasty or for some reason they can't keep themselves clean, like being old or sick or very long haired.

If you have to bathe him, use a large bucket or container rather than the whole tub. The tub will be slippery when he's wet, which will freak him out even more. In a plastic bucket, kitty can get at least feel like he has a little traction. Besides, with a smaller container, you stand a better chance of controlling him.

For shampoos, just make double, extra sure that it does NOT contain any Tea Tree Oil. Tea Tree Oil is extremely toxic to cats, although some companies still include it in products for cats. I know of at least one member's cat who died when a groomer used a sample shampoo that contained Tea Tree Oil, which got into kitty's mouth when he was thrashing about in the soapy water.

Originally Posted by jennyranson

May I ask why you are bathing him? Most cats don't need baths unless they get into something nasty or for some reason they can't keep themselves clean, like being old or sick or very long haired.

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While i was gone the other day he knocked over a jar of grease I was saving to throw out once it solidified, if that makes sense. he got a lot of it on his feet and some on his belly. I tried to wipe him down but its not working, and he's attracting dust and dirt from the floor and getting grosser..not to mention everything he lies down on gets dirty.

For something like that you could also try using Dawn liquid dish soap since it is grease that you're trying to remove.

haha, thank you!

I'm sure this is going to be an adventure. Poor guy. Maybe I can work it so I don't have to get ALL of him wet.

He won't hate you forever, just until his fur drys

First clip ALL nails. Then put a mat or towel in the bottom of the tub. If you can get a 2nd person to help, all the better (one holds the cat, one washes him).

I use regular people shampoo and conditioner (Nexxus) on mine. Fill the tub up about 3-4 inches deep with very warm water. I test the water with my hand - should be comfortable and not too hot or cold. Remember the cat will be wet and wet fur is chilling, so you don't want it too cool.

Use a washcloth to help wet him down (from neck down - not the head/ears). Have someone hold him and then put a small amount of shampoo on his back and work it thru the fur, legs, belly.

Rinse about 2 times and then rinse again. You want to be sure you get all the soap out of the coat.

If a shorthair, just towel dry. If a long hair, you will have to have towel, and blowdryer - you have to comb and blow dry a long hair to avoid mats.

Have 2 towels ready (first one will be pretty soaked). It helps to warm the drying towels in the dryer first

I bathe my cats regularly. The first time or two they weren't crazy about it but they got used to it quickly. While I recommend using a shampoo for cats/kittens, Dawn dish washing liquid will work in a pinch. I use it as a pre-wash on one of mine that has a naturally greasy coat so it would probably be a good choice for you. Also for the rinse, put a couple gallons of warm water in a plastic tub, or the other sink and mix 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar with it. Rinsing with this after washing helps to remove soap residue, restores ph balance and will help minimize drying out the skin and making it itchy. Keep kitty nice and warm until he dries. Turn the heat up temporarily will help!

I would use Johnsons Baby Shampoo. Its very mild and if its ok for a Human Baby it will be safe for cats. Id be careful using dish soap. Its to harsh and if its gets into your cats eyes you could have a problem.