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Whether it is because they slept under the car and became covered in grease, or because they rolled in something noxious and they smell bad, cats do occasionally need a bath. This doesn't mean you need to drag out the full length welding gloves. You can give your cat a bath with very little trouble.
Start by getting everything you will need in one place, the kitchen sink is probably the most convenient, but anything that is at a comfortable level to work at, and can hold water and a cat is good. Make sure you have several towels handy, along with a shampoo designed for cats. Other shampoos can dry your cats skin out, and cause problems.
Put everything on the same side, left side if you are left handed and right if you are right handed. Make sure the cap is off, or open on the shampoo. Make sure the towels are laid flat, you don't want to grab a towel and snap it open when your cat is already unhappy.
Run about 2 or 3 inches of water into the sink; make sure it is body temperature. Check it with your elbow or wrist, just as you would for a baby. You might find it easier to have a small cup available to pour water with.
Pick your cat up, and cuddle him close for a moment or two, if possible get him purring and content while in your arms. Grasp him firmly behind the neck, but don't pull the skin tight, this could choke your cat. Place him in the sink on his feet. Maintain a firm grasp of his neck with one hand while wetting him with the other hand. Talk continuously to him, the sound of your voice will help keep him calm.
Never let go of your cat, if possible rest your forearm along his back, applying a slight pressure downward. Apply shampoo and work it in as per the instructions on the container. Some require you leave in for 5 minutes. When shampooing be careful not to get shampoo in the cats eyes or ears.
Rinse completely, if needed empty the sink and again add just a few inches of warm water to rinse completely. Now drop a towel over your cat's back, wrap your cat firmly in the towel and gently rub dry. Your cat will probably run around after you release them. If they go outside, now is not a good time to let them out, wait several hours, or even a full day before letting them out again.
You shouldn't need to give your cat a bath more than once a month or so. Eventually your cat will become resigned to having a bath, he will probably not enjoy it, but he shouldn't fight you about it.
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