TO: sasvermont and Edwina's secretary....the answer to bathing a cat is the same as it would be for bathing a dog or even a person. They get dirty. Even though they lick themselves, they will be licking off whatever they got into....dust, pollen, dirt (if they go outside) and just plain pollution. And if you've never had your cat bathed you cannot know the wondrful scent and silky softness that comes after a bath. My favorite shampoo is named Fresh N' Clean. the maker is Lambet Kay, and if you can find it, it is well worth it. I am HIGHLY sensitive to perfumes, but this smells SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good you just want to bury your nose in the fur and inhale. Actually, my entire house smells good after bathing even just one cat in this. So try it (or send kitty to the proffessionals) you'll like it.