Sweet natured and independent at heart, it seems nothing can break the cool, calm and collected essence of our feline friends. When it comes to cats and bath-time, though, nothing brings out the claws quicker.

Avoid the risk of getting scratched by an unhappy or scared kitty by taking care of sharp claws. Clipping your cat's nails can be easily done at home with the proper tools. If you’re unsure about at home trimming, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian or a professional groomer. To be extra safe, make sure to wear long sleeve clothing as an added scratch preventative.

Schedule a play session before bath time. Feather teasers, toy mice or lasers, just grab a variety of your cat’s favorite toys and play away. By exhausting as much energy as possible, your cat will be less likely to lash out or make a fuss. If the sound of running water frightens your cat, make sure you fill the tub and rinse buckets or cups with water prior to placing your cat in the tub. Only fill the tub with enough water to bathe your cat, ensuring that your cat is not submerged in water. Place a rubber mat or towel at the bottom of the tub. This will help ensure stability for your four-legged friend, helping your cat feel more at ease. Always remember to bring plenty of treats with you to reward your cat for staying still. When pouring clean water over your cat, do it quickly while taking care to not get any in his/her ears or eyes. Move your hand over his/her coat, from the head toward the tail, to remove any excess water. Do this a few times until all the soap has been removed. When you've finished rinsing, wrap a large towel around your cat and gently pat him/her dry. Avoid any rapid motions, as they will likely excite and irritate him/her. Instead, make this step a relaxing time, allowing him/her to slow down and return to a calm state. Maintaining a sense of calm during your cat's bath time can turn a potentially chaotic event into a positive and productive experience for both you and your pet. Most importantly, always remember to listen to your pet and respond to his/her needs with patience and care. To avoid irritation, steer clear of human shampoo and body wash, as it can be toxic, and harmful to your pet's health and skin. Now, we are facing a serious danger, which is a watery cat that is scared from dryers. Put a long sleeved jacket on and place a thick towel on your lap for safety. Afterward, sit on a chair next to where the dryer is plugged in, and grab the cat try to run away. Then place the cat on the lap. Hold your cat’s two front paws before turning on the dryer. While the cat is kicking a jacketed arm, dry the cat. It’s much better to get someone help holding the dryer and you hold the cat and dry it with towels. As soon as the fur is almost dry, let it go and take a deep breath.

It’s not that difficult to give a healthy bath to a cat. The real problem is the sharp claws; most cat owners have experience scratches during the process. However, after a few times of bathing, most people will be aware of cats’ paws and be smart to keep away from that weapon.