Unless your kitten desperately needs a bath, take the time to acclimate them to water. It’s helpful to start before you need to bathe them. If your kitten gets upset, stop and move them away from the water. Calm them down, and then try again. If you start bathing your cat as a kitten, they should get used to taking baths. Use a damp cloth to wipe down your kitten if you can’t get it into a bath. [3] X Research source
You could have your helper hand you things you need, like the shampoo. Alternatively, your helper might catch the kitten if they wriggle away from you.
Your kitty isn’t trying to hurt you. At the same time, they may scratch you or try to climb up your arm out of instinct.
Since Dawn dish detergent can be drying, only use it if your cat is extremely muddy, greasy, or has fleas. [6] X Research source Warm your towels in the dryer before giving your kitten a bath to help keep them warm. [7] X Research source
You can also use a heat pad to warm the kitten once it’s wrapped in a towel after the bath. Simply wrap the towel around your kitten, and then set it on the heating pad.
Make sure you’re cradling the bottom of your kitten the entire time. You don’t want the cat’s entire weight to be hanging from the scruff because your cat could feel some discomfort. Since scruffing only works on kittens, only do it while your cat is young. [10] X Research source
Your kitten’s face probably won’t be very dirty. However, they may have food bits or dried milk around their mouth.
If your kitten is 4 weeks old or younger, you might rinse just the dirty area of the kitten. For instance, your kitty might just need a butt bath after toileting. [13] X Research source
If your cat tries to come back, gently place it back into the tub.
You can always change out the water if it gets too dirty.
If you have questions about shampoo, talk to your vet and follow their advice.
If you have a helper, they can hold the kitten while you apply the shampoo.
If you’re using a tub, the water is going to be sudsy. That’s okay as long as you don’t see suds on your kitty.
If the kitten is 4 weeks old or younger, use a heating pad to keep it warm. Turn the heating pad on low, and then lay the kitten on the pad. [22] X Research source
Dawn dish detergent prevents the fleas from escaping the water so that they drown. It’s not safe to use flea products on kittens that are younger than 8 weeks old. [24] X Research source Make sure you also wash your kitten’s blankets and bedding to kill fleas.
If you have kitten treats, offer your fur baby a snack or two as a special reward. They’ll enjoy baths a lot more if they associate them with treats.
Make sure you don’t direct the hair dryer at one spot for more than a second or two because it could burn your kitty’s skin. Always use the lowest heat setting so your kitten doesn’t get too hot.
