A cat is usually a vain creature completely self-absorbed unabashedly lost in self-love spending most its time grooming and cleaning itself. So do not impose a bath on your cat unless it is absolutely necessary.

A bath is recommended only in the following situations:

• If your cat has a flea/tick problem and needs to be given a medicated bath.
• If your cat's coat appears to be greasy and dirty.
• If your cat has got his fur in a tangle with mats and knots.
• If your cat needs to wash away toxic matter from its fur.

It is most difficult dealing with a cat that has developed matted fur problems. This can cause much pain to the cat and eventually even damage the delicate and tender skin under his fur. However if the matting is not too extensive you may like to begin by trouble shooting the fur-balls with some initial grooming .

Getting Down To Bathing Garfield:

• Bathe your cat in the sink rather than a large bathtub. This is more manageable and less threatening to the cat.
• Place an old towel at the edge of the sink and around your forearms. This will give your cat something to dig his nails into prevent him from slipping and help reassure it.
• Do not dip your cat into a sink already filled with water. That might shock him. Instead begin filling the sink after keeping the cat in it.
• Try to prevent water entering the cat's eyes and ears.
• Be careful to use only a shampoo meant for cats; some dog products are lethal to cats.
• Lather the shampoo well into the cats fur and wash it thoroughly.
• Dry your cat using a soft towel.
• Follow this up with combing or brushing the cat.
• Try to keep talking and reassuring you cat as you bathe him. It would not make the experience pleasant for the cat but at least it might help soothe his nerves.