Access to a bathtub or a large plastic tub and hot water

A non-toxic lather-and-rinse pet shampoo--this can be found at any good pet store

A large-size toenail clippers, or you can buy special pet claw cutters

A towel you don't mind using on your cat (to dry it off)

A pet brush

5-90 minutes, depending on the fur (long or short) and the amount of grooming you'll be performing

2torial #0885: Learn2 Groom a Cat There's more than one way to groom a cat! Is Kitty looking a little mangy? Has it shredded your couch with its long and sharp claws? Tried brushing it before, only to receive unsightly scratch wounds on your arms? Here's your salvation--a 2torial that explains the best methods for cleaning Kitty yourself, instead of spending money for a pet groomer. What is grooming? There are three main areas: claw clipping, bathing, and brushing. If you're concerned about the relationship between your cat and your furniture, just clip their claws. (Four out of five cats strongly recommend claw-clipping over declawing.) Bathing is a good idea for outdoor cats who may roll in pesticides, fight with other cats, or become infested with fleas and ticks. Brushing ensures a healthy coat and a strong emotional bond with the owner. Cats should be brushed frequently: daily brushing is commendable, but not realistic in every owner's schedule. A minimum of twice a week is sufficient for most cats--unless yours is an outdoor long-hair that likes roll around in the dirt and collect burrs. To prevent your couch becoming a regular scratching post, their claws can be clipped about once per month or so. A bath can happen once every six to eight weeks; in summertime, when lawn and garden pesticide use is higher, it may be wise to bathe an outdoor cat more frequently, say, once a month. It's a good idea do a just a little grooming at a time. Most owners have observed that cats hate water; a bath will make them very upset. If a bath is given roughly and at the wrong time, it can be a traumatic experience for everyone involved. If you're giving your cat a dry grooming (not bathing it), begin your venture while your cat is asleep, which should not be hard considering cats sleep 16-18 hours a day. While your cat is groggy, it'll be more agreeable to grooming than if it's alert and playful. Have all materials ready; for example, have the clippers open and ready to clip--you don't want fumble with any items. If your cat senses you're frantic or hurried, it'll get upset too. Part 1