What mat do you use for the tub?

Okay, so I need to bathe Felix and I am SO nervous! He is 4 and very vocal, which means he screams if he thinks he is going to slip. I tried a regular bath mat from the store, but it slid around like crazy and he got even more stressed. What non-slip surfaces do you all actually use in the tub? I need something that stays put so I don't have to wrestle him while he is on top of a moving target!

Hi felix_mama. I am so sorry, bathing can be very stressful for everyone. I used to use a suction cup mat, but for Luna it did not work well because she pushes down with her paws. Maybe try a heavy rubberized mat that is designed for showers? It might stay better than a light bath mat. Also, have you seen this thread about holding a cat? It has good tips on using a second person to help keep them steady. Holding a wiggly cat for a bath

I use a thick, high-density non-slip pad that I usually keep in the car for my kids. It is quite heavy and sticks to the tub floor really well. Whiskers is 8 and has CKD, so I am very careful with his balance. I also make sure the water is lukewarm, not cold, because cold water makes them tense up more. You can check out this older thread where we debated the temperature. Is the water too hot?

I am just back from tending my bees, but I will say Copper is 5 and diabetic, so I have to be extra gentle. I use a simple piece of carpet remnant that is too thick to slide. It is not pretty, but it works! I also found that a towel under the mat adds more grip. Have you tried that? I think the suction cups fail because the cat's weight shifts. Bathing a diabetic cat safely

Wait, is it safe to use just any rubber mat? I am worried about chemicals leaching into the water if Bella licks herself. She is 6 and asthmatic, so I am already worried about her breathing in the steam. Are there specific materials that are pet-safe? I cannot find any good info on this. Does anyone know if a textured plastic mat is better than rubber?

@paulr18 That is a really good point! I was not thinking about chemicals at all. Felix is 4 and very vocal, so if the mat smells weird, he will definitely complain. I think I will go with the carpet remnant idea from @CopperOrchard because I have some old pieces in the garage. Do you think a towel underneath will help keep it from sliding on the porcelain?

I think the towel is a great idea for friction. Also, if the anxiety is too high, maybe look at dry options? I know some people use dry shampoo or wipes instead of a full bath. It might save you the struggle of the mat. But if you do bathe him, make sure the mat covers the whole area he will step on. When a bath is too much