It is a good idea to get them use to a bath. Cam doesn't mind it at all. She'll hop onto my chest, then I'll sit up & plop her into the water & will just rinse her off.. I don't use soap on her, as she is usually clean. She only smells if she as in the litter box & got excited by me being there & started to roll onto her side... ewww... Even then I only use water to get the bulk & smell off her.. she'll do the cleaning part