Brush the cat to remove loose fur and tangles
Choose a quiet, warm room with non-slip footing
Use a cat-safe shampoo and gather towels, cotton balls, and a cup or sprayer
Trim nails if needed and place a towel where you can reach it quickly
Place cotton balls gently in the ears (optional)
Fill a tub or sink with a few inches of lukewarm water
Place the cat in the water slowly and support the body firmly
Wet the fur gradually, avoiding the face and ears
Apply a small amount of cat shampoo and lather gently
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until no shampoo remains
Avoid getting water in the eyes, nose, and ears
Lift the cat out and wrap in a towel immediately
Pat dry with towels; use a low, cool blow dryer only if the cat tolerates it
Remove cotton balls from the ears if used
Reward with treats and offer calm reassurance
Keep the cat indoors and warm until fully dry