Giving your kitty treats as a reward for getting their nails trimmed will always make them feel better and calmer.
Sometimes you can even brush your cat as a way to distract them enough to allow their nails to be trimmed. This is a great way of killing two birds with one stone, but you’ll need another person to help you.
You may want a washcloth for massaging the shampoo onto your cat’s body, but your hands may actually be better for this.
Put some cat toys in the empty tub. Place your cat in it and play for a few minutes. Then stop and add a little water before playing again. By doing so, you’ll get your cat used to the tub and water. Bath time will soon be associated with something pleasant and non-threatening. You could also have a special toy just for bath time, such as a mouse on a string or something that floats. Only allow your cat to play with this toy in the tub and it will inspire him to look forward to bathing, instead of fearing it.
If your cat has never been in the bathroom before, you might want to get him used to the area. Also, if the bathroom has a toilet, keep the toilet seat down at all times. Your cat might jump into the toilet in a complete panic! Likewise, if you have a litter box in the same room as you are bathing the cat, remove it. If your cat escapes from the bath, it may make a beeline to the litter box and make a huge mess.
You can also place a small cooling rack or oven rack in the tub to give the cat something to hold on to. This reduces the chance of you being scratched and makes the cat feel more secure.
Do not use the overhead shower head or faucet to bathe your kitty. This will make the water pour down too hard and can overwhelm your cat. The bath should be as gentle and soothing as possible and shouldn’t feel like a water attack. You won’t have time to run out for anything while your cat is in the bath, so you’ll need to have everything ready. Be prepared and calm.
It is also a good idea to wear clothing that isn’t new and that you don’t mind getting wet.
Using a well-fitting harness is recommended to safely hold your cat in the bathtub. A harness allows you to hold them in the bath tub by holding onto the harness instead of the scruff their neck or collar, which could hurt your cat. It’s easier to bathe your cat if there are two people involved, especially if your cat is rather strong and can kick and wriggle its way out of your hands. One person can restrain by the scruff and the other bathes the cat. You should plan to be done as quickly as possible without rushing. Be sure your cat can breathe comfortably while restrained.
If you’re nervous or excited about the process, your kitty will know and respond by being nervous too.
If you are giving your cat a flea bath, wet the area around its neck first. Fleas will try to escape to the dry areas of the cat, which can mean a mass exodus of fleas to the head and face while you are bathing. A wet neck will keep them off the head, and in contact with the water and flea shampoo.
Diluting your shampoo before you get started will help prevent using too much soap or detergent that will need extra rinsing later. If your cat has a long, thick coat, this process will take even longer.
You may want to consider leaving this for another time and call it quits after getting the bath done unsuccessfully. Don’t ever force your cat’s face under water. This is guaranteed to make them panic.
Be easy on your cat for his first bath. Don’t do anything that will greatly upset them and make him dread the next bath. It’s better to take things slowly so you can try again next time.
Instead of a washcloth, you can also use a sprayer to clean your cat rather than dunking it into a bath. [5] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMCat Behavior Trainer Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.
When you blot the water from your kitty, do it in a gentle motion, as if you’re massaging them. Also consider warming the towels in the dryer first, as many cats find this comforting. Again, work with your cat. If they won’t allow you to keep drying with the towels, respect that and stop.
If your cat is not scared of a hair dryer, you can use a dryer set on warm, not hot, to finish drying your cat from a distance. Avoid using a hot blow dryer on any cat as it may burn them and cause more trauma. You can also gently brush your kitty’s fur to get rid of any knots or tangles. This can be especially helpful for a long-haired cat.
You should also praise your kitty by petting them, telling them what a good kitty they are, and giving lots of attention when the bath is over. They are likely to feel vulnerable and scared if not loved, so your affection will make a big difference.
You may need a second rinse bucket with clean water to make sure that all the soap is gone from your kitty’s coat. This technique can be done outside if the weather is warm and sunny. Two people will be needed, since your cat will most likely try to escape. This technique is not recommended for indoor-only cats who are not used to being outside.
Note that some cats seem to love being in the shower and may not mind this approach, but many cats find the sound of running water frightening. This technique may result in someone getting injured, including the cat. You can buy a hose adapter for your bathroom sink and a hose long enough to reach over the shower door and back down to the shower floor. Or get a hand-held spray shower and a Y-adapter to connect to your regular shower head.
This can work with a larger kitty who likes small spaces, too. Put a terrycloth towel in the bottom of your tub, so your cat can feel secure by sinking their claws into something that remains steady. You can also apply light to medium pressure to your cat’s back and use a calming tone to relieve anxiety.
This technique is far less traumatic than using water, but should not be used to wash off anything poisonous that your cat has gotten onto his fur.
