Not all cats can stand to be bathed in the sink. They have to be rubbed with premoistened wipes formulated especially for felines with appropriate conditioners and antibacterials — or with a dry cat shampoo that comes in powdered form. But for cats who can handle a regular bath, here are some tips for making it easier for them.
- Put a rubber mat on the bottom of the sink so your cat feels grounded and doesn’t slip and slide.
- The sink should have no more than 4 inches of water. It’s a bath, not a submersion.
- Make sure the water is lukewarm, never hot or cold.
- If your cat can take it, put cotton balls in his ears to keep out water.
- Dilute the cat shampoo to five parts water, one part shampoo.
- Work the mixture from the back of his neck to his tail area, keeping the strokes in line with the direction of your pet’s hair growth.
- Steer clear of the face and ears, which can be cleaned with a lukewarm washcloth.
- Rinse the suds thoroughly with a handheld pitcher or hose.
- Wrap your pet in a warm towel to dry him. Some cats don’t mind a blowdryer on a low setting.
