How to Give a Cat a Bath

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| Print | By Jo Singer | April 3, 2009 2:16 PM

While most cats are fastidiously clean, there are those times when having to give them a bath is the only option. While rare, cats do manage to get into "stinky" things now and again, and may get into contact with something that is dangerous to them. Many folks are aghast at the concept of bathing a cat, since they have a reputation of almost being "allergic" to water. Of course this is not true, but if most cats had their prefurance, they would not opt for a dip in the bathtub.

Many jokes have been made about cats and baths. There are a variety of humorous articles giving instructions on how to bathe a cat. One educational ditty was even attributed to the pen of a clever canine.

How to Bathe the Cat

1. Thoroughly clean the toilet.

2. Add the required amount of shampoo to the toilet water and have both lids lifted.

3. Obtain the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.

4. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids (you may need to stand on the lid so that he cannot escape). CAUTION: Do not get any part of your body too close to the edge, as his paws will be reaching out for anything they can find. The cat will self-agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from your toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.

5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "power wash and rinse" which I found to be quite effective.

6. Have someone open the door to the outside and ensure that there are no people between the toilet and the outside door.

7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can and quickly lift both lids.

8. The now-clean cat will rocket out of the toilet and run outside where he will dry himself.

Sincerely,
The Dog

But not all cats detest water. In fact, not only the Turkish Van, famous for being the breed of feline that loves to wallow in water, is the only kind of cat who happily will paddle around in a sink or bathtub.

So purrhaps the Sphynx featured in this entertaining video, created by gomuchang, may be in training for the next Summer Olympics on the United States swimming team. What do you think?

Do your cats enjoy water sports? Leave a comment and let us know!

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (262) , Cats (117) , Fun (22) , Grooming (5)

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Vicki April 3, 2009 3:31 PM

If that isn't the darndest thing! One time on American's funniest videos, the had somebody giving a cat a bath. It was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. But the poor cat didn't think so. It really was a hoot!

Amy April 3, 2009 3:42 PM

Now that is funny.

Barb April 3, 2009 6:39 PM

Maybe he's trying to figure out how to turn on the jets.

intencity September 26, 2009 5:23 AM

I think that it is very unsanitary to put a cat in a bathroom bowl to give it a bath.. Don't you know that feces and urine are in bowls and even if you think you cleaned the bowl good there are always little specks that get away especially at the top of the bowl underneath where you can't see. Would you put your hands and face in a toliet and wash them and say that you are nice clean. Plus your not being humane and you are torturing the cat and putting the cat under undue stress. I wouldn't want to ever go near a cat that was washed in a bowl where urine and feces go. Whoever cleans there cat in toliet bowl is a dirty person.

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