The Best Way to Give a Kitten a Bath

Sometimes you may find it necessary to give a kitten a bath.  Cats are usually known to be very clean creatures, but the residue from their saliva can build up over time, and is actually the main allergen that people respond to.  Or you may have newborn kittens and have to be a surrogate mother to them.  No matter your reasonings for needing to keep your kittens clean, the best way to give a kitten a bath will help you avoid traumatizing either you or the cat, will drastically cut down on any potential claw injuries, and can help make the bath a pleasant one.

1. If the mother is still around, the first thing you will want to make sure of is to wait to give a kitten a bath until it has weaned from its mother.  The bath could potentially change the kitten's scent, causing the mother to reject it once it has been returned to her.
2. Line the bottom of the sink with a no-slip rubber mat.  This provides traction so the kitten does not slip and so you can maintain control in case of a problem.
3. You may want to consider clipping the kitten's claws.  While not a necessary step, it may make the experience a less painful one should something go wrong.
4. Add a few inches of warm, not hot, water to the sink.  Do not add any soap or shampoo.
5. Very slowly place the kitten in the sink.  When you give a kitten a bath, you will want to gently hold it by the scruff of the neck to make sure it doesn't get away and that it understands that it is supposed to stay still.
6. Slowly scoop up water in a small cup and use it to very gently moisten the kitten's body.  If you get the kitten's head or ears wet, it could become very upset.
7. Use a very tiny amount of baby shampoo or flea shampoo when you give a kitten a bath.  Lightly massage it into the fur.  Your veterinarian will be able to point you in the right direction if you are unsure.
8. Use the cup again to slowly rinse away the shampoo.  Again, do not get the head wet.
9. When you are done, evacuate the kitten from the sink and immediately dry it with a soft, clean towel.  Kittens can catch a chill very easily, so you will not want to wait to dry it off.  Use a small hair dryer if the kitten will allow it, but the best option is to keep it in a warm environment.