My cat, Sara, HATES baths. So I have to be mighty quick.

I use cat shampoo. First I fill the bath tub so that atleast her tummy can get wet. Then (keeping a firm hold on her scruff lest she escape), I take a cup and pour water all over her back and shoulders. I part the fur on her tummy, and make sure it gets all wet. And I grab a huge amount of shampoo and lather all over, very quicky (as she tried springing from my grasp of course). I pour more water on to wash her off. Then I let go. This is the part where all the towels on the floor come in handy. A long haired wet cat running loose tends to wreak havoc. I chase her around with the blow dryer for a while, lol, wring her fur out good, then let her into my room. I leave her in there for a while, ecouraging her to dry, than I open my window and ket her decide for herself if it's too cold to go out. Most times, she doesn't care, just says "Get me the Heck out of here!!!" lol