Answer:

There are probably as many "secrets" to successfully bathing a cat as there are cats. Most healthy cats don't need bathing, but if your cat becomes ill, it's possible he'll need his skin and coat cleaned. And of course, even the best-behaved cat can get into something nasty from time to time - even more critical if it's something toxic, as cats clean themselves with their tongues!

The best way to get your cat to accept being bathed is to start from day one. This is easiest with kittens, but if you've just adopted an adult cat, start getting him used to it from the beginning, when he's still figuring out what his new life will be like.(not sure about this-let’s discuss) He'll be much more likely to accept it if you don't let him get comfortable with his new routine and then spring it on him.

One method some cat owners have found works for them is to bring the cat into the bathroom and close the door. Have several towels ready. Put one folded into the bottom of the sink.

Using a hand-held shower attachment - inexpensive and available at most home supply stores - let the water run until it's just the right temperature to feel warm but not too hot on the skin of your inner wrist. As calmly and swiftly as possible, put your cat in the sink; she'll have the folded towel on the bottom of the sink to dig her claws into, and will feel more secure.

Wrap your arm all the way around her neck, and gently hold the "scruff" of the neck. This is where kittens are held by their mothers, and they often have the instinct to go limp when that skin is being held.

Hold your cat in place while the warm water runs gently onto the towel. Don't let her stand in water; if she seems calm, you can let some of it play over her feet or even her hindquarters. But don't push it the first time. If she's calm, call it a good first experience and, again, swiftly and firmly, lift her out of the sink, wrap her loosely in a towel, and dry her a little.

Repeat every day or few days until you're able to complete the bath, and then give her a bath every month or so, just to keep her from forgetting that it's no big deal. And always use a shampoo formulated for cats! They can react very badly to many products made for humans or dogs, especially those containing certain herbs, essential oils, and pesticides/insecticides.

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