How to Bathe a Cat: When to Do It and Step by Step

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Most cats never need a bath. They groom themselves very well, so a bath is for the times when that is not enough: your cat got into something sticky or smelly, or your vet asked you to bathe them. This page covers when a cat needs a bath and when it does not, what to get ready, how to bathe a cat step by step, how to dry them, and when to hand the job to a groomer or your vet.

The short answer: trim the claws and brush out loose hair first, use a few inches of lukewarm water and a cat shampoo (never human shampoo), keep water and suds away from the face, ears and eyes, rinse until no shampoo is left, then towel dry in a warm room. Bathe only when needed, and not more often than every four to six weeks unless your vet says otherwise.

How we wrote this: the steps come from the ASPCA’s cat grooming guide and a PetMD article reviewed by a veterinarian, linked where they are used. It is general care information, not veterinary advice. If your cat has itchy, red, flaky or sore skin, or hair loss, see a vet before you bathe: those are signs to check, not dirt to wash off.

Does your cat need a bath?

Usually not. PetMD says cats are good self-groomers and need a bath only in certain cases, such as when they are dirty from getting into something, or when they have a medical issue such as a skin problem that calls for bathing. One veterinarian quoted there puts it this way: other than cleaning off substances, cats would only need to be bathed at the direction of a veterinarian. The ASPCA agrees that a bath is for a cat that is very dirty or got into something sticky or smelly.

When not to bathe at home

• Skin problems. A skin condition is a reason to see your vet first. If a vet prescribes a medicated shampoo, follow their instructions, not this page.
• If your cat got into something that may be toxic, such as a chemical or oil. Our view, not a quote from the sources: call your vet before you bathe, because they can tell you whether washing is safe and what to watch for.
• If your cat panics. The ASPCA says that if your cat fights grooming and someone could get hurt, book a professional groomer or a veterinarian. PetMD quotes a vet saying the same: leave baths to a vet or professional groomer if they are so upsetting that you or your cat could be injured.
• Too often. PetMD says vets do not recommend frequent baths, in part because they can dry out the skin, and quotes a vet advising no more than every four to six weeks. It also notes that a bath can be stressful for a cat.

What you need

• Cat shampoo. The ASPCA says human shampoo can dry out a cat’s skin. PetMD suggests a moisturizing cat-safe shampoo. One mild, fragrance-free option is Burt’s Bees for Pets Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo, which is made for cats and kittens.
• A non-slip mat for the sink or tub. Both sources list it so your cat does not slip.
• A cup or pitcher for rinsing, or a hand-held sprayer. The ASPCA says an unbreakable cup works well.
• A washcloth for the face.
• A large towel, or two.
• Cotton to place gently in the ears, as the ASPCA suggests, to keep water out.
• A brush or comb to remove loose hair before the bath, such as a rubber brush like the KONG Cat ZoomGroom, and a wide-toothed comb for long hair afterwards.
• Treats for the end.

Before the bath

1. Trim the claws. Both the ASPCA and PetMD recommend it, for your protection. See how to trim a cat’s nails.
2. Brush your cat to remove loose hair and mats, as the ASPCA advises.
3. Pick a calm moment. The ASPCA suggests bathing when your cat is at their most mellow, and says a play session with a wand toy first can help tire out even a frisky cat.
4. Fill the water first. PetMD quotes a vet who fills the tubs ahead of time so running water does not scare the cat. The ASPCA says three to four inches of lukewarm water, not hot.

How to bathe a cat, step by step

These steps follow the ASPCA, with notes from PetMD.

1. Set the mat in the sink or tub and put a little cotton in your cat’s ears.
2. Wet the coat with a sprayer, cup or pitcher of lukewarm water. Do not spray into the ears, eyes or nose. PetMD describes gently lowering the cat into the water in a sink.
3. Shampoo. The ASPCA suggests one part cat shampoo to five parts water, massaged in from head to tail in the direction of hair growth, avoiding the face, ears and eyes. For a very greasy or dirty coat, a cat groomer quoted by PetMD shampoos two or three times.
4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. The ASPCA stresses removing all residue, because leftover shampoo can irritate the skin and attract dirt. A vet quoted by PetMD uses two basins: one to shampoo in and one to rinse in.
5. Wipe the face with a damp washcloth. The ASPCA says plain water is fine unless the face is very dirty, in which case use a very diluted shampoo and be careful around the eyes and ears.

Drying your cat

Wrap your cat in a large towel and dry them in a warm place away from drafts, as the ASPCA advises. If your cat does not mind the noise, a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting is an option. PetMD says it is important to get the coat completely dry, because damp fur can easily mat, and that some groomers let a cat hear the dryer before using it. For long hair, gently work out tangles with a wide-toothed comb. Then praise your cat and give a favorite treat.

Our tips for a calmer bath

Our view, not a quote from the sources:

• Have everything within reach before you bring the cat in. Leaving a wet cat to fetch a towel rarely goes well.
• Close the bathroom door so a soapy cat cannot escape through the house.
• Keep it short. A quick bath with a good rinse beats a long one.
• Brushing a few times a week reduces how often a bath is needed in the first place. Our dog and cat grooming buying guide covers brushes and combs. For which brush to use, see our best cat brushes for shedding.

PetMD also suggests getting cats used to baths when they are young.

Dogs are different

Dogs usually need baths far more often than cats. If you share your home with both, see how often to bathe a dog. Our view: do not use a dog shampoo on your cat unless the label says it is safe for cats.

FAQ

How often should you bathe a cat?

Only when needed. PetMD quotes a vet who advises against bathing more often than every four to six weeks unless your vet directs it, because baths can dry out the skin.

Can I use human shampoo on my cat?

No. The ASPCA says human shampoo can dry out a cat’s skin. Use a shampoo made for cats.

What water temperature is right for a cat bath?

Lukewarm. The ASPCA says lukewarm, not hot, for both washing and rinsing.

Should I get water in my cat’s ears?

No. The ASPCA suggests a little cotton in the ears and keeping water and shampoo away from the face, ears and eyes. Clean the face with a damp washcloth instead.

My cat hates water. What can I do?

Trim the claws, tire your cat out with play first, fill the water before the cat comes in, and keep the bath short. If your cat still fights so hard that someone could get hurt, the ASPCA and PetMD both say to use a professional groomer or your vet.

Does a cat with flaky or itchy skin need a bath?

See a vet first. Flaky, itchy or red skin is something for your vet to look at. PetMD says that apart from cleaning off substances, cats would normally only be bathed at a vet’s direction, for example for a skin problem.