How can I bathe my dirty cat without him going crazy?

Preparation is the key to washing your cat. Collect everything you will need so that you don't have to abandon the operation part way through and risk the cat escaping up the nearest tree. Essential supplies are two large, absorbent towels, shampoo and conditioner especially formulated for animals, a sponge and a shower attachment, if you don't have one built in. Failing the shower, use a mug or jug for rinsing with clean water. A non-slip mat is also a good idea.

The bathroom basin is probably the best place to wash your cat as keeping the cat contained in a bath will be more difficult and will mean you either kneeling or bending over in a very uncomfortable position.

Close the bathroom door to prevent escape and put the non-slip mat in the bottom of the basin. Run a few inches of warm water and gently put your cat in it. Stroke the cat and talk quietly and reassuringly, waiting for him to be calm before you begin the actual washing part. When you think it's appropriate, start to wet the cat either with the shower attachment or if that seems to be frightening the cat, use the jug or mug instead. Do not pour water on the cat's head, ears or face - we'll deal with that later.

When the cat's fur is damp, apply the shampoo according to the instructions on the bottle. Gently massage the shampoo into the fur and if the cat can forget that he's soaking wet, he may actually enjoy it.

When the shampoo has lathered up, rinse it off very thoroughly, taking great care that it is all removed. Any residue may cause severe skin irritation.

When you're absolutely sure that the shampoo is rinsed out of your cat's fur, apply the conditioner in the quantity stated on the container and rinse it out thoroughly. The use of conditioner isn't strictly necessary with a short-haired cat but if he submits to being bathed with good grace, you may as well use it.

If you still have skin on your arms when you've finished cleaning your cat's body, gently wipe his face, particularly around the eyes but do be careful not to get water or soap in them.

To finish, wrap the cat in one of the towels and very gently rub his fur to remove most of the water. Using the second, dry, towel, continue to dry his fur until the towel is quite damp. By this time, the cat should be able to complete the job himself. If the cat is long-haired, you can try using a hair dryer on the lowest setting, if he will tolerate it. You must keep the dryer moving or you risk burning the cat's skin.

I assume you have a white cat. So I recommend the Synergy Groomer's Blend Pet Shampoo, Ultra White. It is ideal for your cat and you can find it in the link below.

Ok so this is defiantly something to do with your significant other. Get into some old p.j's and fill the tub half full with warm water. Get your significant other to had you the cat. Hold him close and talk gently to him while you both lather him up with cat shampoo. Rinse with lots of water and hand the cat to your significant other to dry with a towel...never a hair dryer. This is only if your cat is really dirty. For touch ups just use pet wipes. Good luck!

firstly, get yourself a confident helper.

i found the best way to wash cats is NOT to immerse them in water, but to have one bowl of soapy (no tears) water and another bowl with clean water to rinse the cat off afterwards.

basically, put a towel on the dining table and have both bowls close but not so close that the cat can kick it. wet a sponge and give your cat a sponge bath. once you have your cat lathered up just rinse the sponge and use the water from the other bowl to rinse the suds off.

the person who is holding your cat whilst you do the sponging should have a hold of the cats scruff of the neck because it is easier to control a cat when held like this.

the other good thing about this method is that you can just give her paws and legs a wash as she is keeping her own belly and back clean

Bath wipes and waterless shampoos are usually pretty common and should be easy to find at a pet supply store or the pet supply department of your local grocery. I would be a bit more worried about why your cat isn't cleaning himself though. That's pretty odd behavior, it seems. I know a lot of kittens don't wash themselves well or really at all when they're a few weeks old but after their mom bathes them a few times they usually start. If your kitten didn't get that from its mom, you might have to be a bit of a surrogate and wash and comb him regularly to get this habit going.

Whenever I have to bathe one of my cats make sure there is you and someone else. It's easier with two people. That way, one can hold the cat and the other can do the actual washing. Also, holding the cat by the scruff of the neck is really helpful, they can't move around as much and have less chance of scratching or biting you. With my one cat, we have to hold her by the scruff of the neck almost the whole time or she goes absolutely crazy.

Good Luck!

To minimize your cat's discomfort when you bathe it, avoid the tub all together. Wet a sponge with warm water, putting some cat shampoo (only a little) on the sponge. Wash the cat gently with the sponge, and then use a wash cloth to rinse it. Dry it gently with a hand towel; then allow it to lick itself dry.

Maybe your cat has a medical condition or psychological issue, you should seek advice from your vet. I beleive cleaning is learned from the mother cat so maybe the kitten was taken away too early? I have wiped my cats with a damp cloth when they have been particularly dirty but they did not like it one bit!!

you can buy bathe wipes for cats and easier to use