In most cases, a cat would not need to be washed with water. Cats groom themselves as you would expect, so regular brushing is usually enough to keep your pet looking clean and comfortable. But if you need to, here is the best answer for how to give a cat a bath is make it quick and efficient.

How to Give a Cat a Bath — Have These Supplies on Hand

Rubber gloves, even the most easy-going cat may scratch during a bath

Cat shampoo

A large pitcher for rinsing or a gentle spray nozzle

A large towel

Cotton balls to clean the ears

A small cloth to clean the face

How to Give a Cat a Bath — Step by Step

It’s much easier to wash your cat in a kitchen or bathroom sink than bending over a bathtub.

Fill the sink with about 2 or 3 inches of lukewarm water.

Wet the cat from the shoulders to the tail and apply shampoo.

Just like your own hair, lather and rinse thoroughly.

Since most cats really hate having water splashed on their face, use a damp washcloth to gently clean your cat’s head.

Use a cotton ball to clean inside the cat’s ears. Never put any kind of object in your cat’s ear.

After a thorough rinsing, lift your cat onto a large towel and fold it around her.

Rub as much water from her fur as possible.

Longhaired cats may require the use of a blow dryer, but only if the noise does not terrify them. Set it on low and see if the cat will tolerate it.