Have you ever tried bathing a cat? It's not for the squeamish. 

Cats don't normally need a bath as they are really good at keeping themselves clean. But sometimes they require one for medical reasons and you need to persevere or have it done by a groomer. Of course, it's always best to start giving your cat baths when she's a kitten. The earlier in life your cat is exposed to the sink for a bath, the easier it will be to give her a bath as she grows up. If that time has passed and you decide to take on the challenge later in life, here are some tips.

First, have all the supplies you need at the ready. If you're bathing because of a skin condition, be sure you use a shampoo that's recommended by your veterinarian.

As we all know, cats love warmth so try and make the room warm. Also, use of a pheromone emitter that plugs in helps to allay your cat's anxiety.  Whether you're bathing in a sink or a tub, it's a smart move to place a rubber mat on the bottom so your cat doesn't slip around. It's stressful enough on your cat without you having to keep her upright while bathing. If you bathe your cat in the sink, use of a hand sprayer is best. If you bathe your cat in the tub, a removable shower head works best. If you don't have either of these, then a large plastic cup will do.

If you have two people for the task then one can gently hold the cat at the neck while the other one bathes. If there's only you, then use of a harness helps. Just attach a leash to the harness and wrap it around the faucet leaving a foot or so lead so your cat doesn't jump out. You never want to leave your cat alone in a harness. If you're doing this task alone and don't have a harness, be sure to close off the room. Otherwise, you might have a sopping cat running through your house. It's also important to dress appropriately. You're going to get wet and potentially scratched or bitten. Use of rubber gloves helps protect you.

Now for the actual bath. Get the water to a warm temperature and then put your cat in. Distribute the shampoo starting with the head and going all the way to the tail. Then start lathering in the same direction. Some shampoos say to leave them on for a period of time before rinsing, so be sure to read the directions first. Be sure all the shampoo is rinsed out thoroughly. Shampoo left on the skin can cause skin irritations or be ingested when your cat licks her fur.

To dry your cat, first squeeze all the water you can from her hair and then use a warm fluffy towel to wrap her in. Most cats don't tolerate a blow dryer. It scares them unless you've pre-conditioned them its' sound and feel. Even then, not all cats will get accustomed to it. Try to comb your cats hair out while still damp if you can. If not, use a comb once she's calmed down.

About the Author

Debbie Foster is the owner of http://petbedsunlimited.com where you'll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, large dog beds, cat beds, cat carriers, pet strollers and more.