How to bathe a cat and clean cat ears naturally.

Cats are superior creatures in many ways. They’re cute, they (sometimes) like to cuddle, they bring us dead animals as gifts, and they’re exceptional at grooming themselves — more than we can say for some people we know.

In the event your precious baby kitters gets so filthy or flea-ridden that someone needs a bath, we’ve got tips.

Never had the pleasure of being owned by a cat before? Check out our guide on adopting a cat for everything you need to know about these mysterious and wonderful creatures.

Bathing a cat may seem hard because cats historically hate water. But here are some steps to follow to get the job done.

Step 1: Brush your cat before bath time

Step 2: Lay a towel in front of the tub to kneel on

Step 3: Fill the tub 4 to 6 inches deep with lukewarm water before you put your cat in

Place a third towel in the water — this gives your cat something to grip when they get nervous.

Step 4: Close the door to prevent escape, then carefully place your feline friend in the tub

Tell your cat how precious he is. Tell her she’s the only thing you’ll ever truly love. Serenade him with songs that you make up on the spot. Give her all the praise in the world, because she deserves it — she’s letting you bathe her.

Step 5: Get your cat wet from head to tail with the cup

Add the shampoo, and gently work it into the fur, starting at the neck and working toward the tail — back, chest, belly, legs, and precious little paws! Use a damp washcloth to clean your cat’s handsome, lovable face.

Step 6: Rinse ‘til all the soap is gone

Leftover soap residue may irritate your cat’s tender feline skin.

Step 7: Towel dry your cat

Absorb as much water as possible so your cat doesn’t shake it all over you and the house once you set them free.

Step 8: Spend the next month making it up to your cat

Ply them with yummy catnip treats, a can of the good wet food stuff, or a new toy. Give them rubs and scratches, and pledge your eternal devotion. It probably won’t be enough — but at least you tried.

To make your life easier, here’s a super cute and helpful video on how to bathe your cat — watch and learn before your lil’ baby’s feet ever hit the water.

Most cats can clean their ears themselves, but sometimes, material gets trapped deep within their ear canal and has a difficult time finding its way out. This trapped material can lead to itchiness and ear infections.

Clean your cat’s ears with these steps:

Step 1: Swaddle your cat in a towel to help keep them calm

Step 2: Gently grab the tip of the ear flap, and pull it back slightly to straighten out the ear canal

Then squeeze some feline ear cleaning solution or coconut oil into your cat’s ear.

Step 3: Continue to hold the ear flap with one hand, and gently massage the base of the ear

Massage the ear below the opening for 30 seconds with the hand not holding the ear flap to help the cleaning solution break up the debris.

Step 4: Gently wipe away whatever comes out of the ear with a cotton ball or gauze

Allow your cat to shake their head to dislodge more stuff.

Step 6: Remove any remaining debris and solution from the ear canal

Then repeat the process with the other ear.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has some pro tips on how to properly clean your cat’s ears. Watch:

Give fleas the finger — naturally. We’ve got quick tips to get rid of these pesky bloodsuckers ASAP .

Signs your cat has fleas

• Itching and scratching
• Red pimples, bumps, or lesions
• Hair loss
• Dry skin and/or skin infection
• Lethargy

For more tips and tricks to getting rid of fleas naturally, check out our complete guide on the best natural flea prevention methods for cats and dogs.