Cats are bird-killing vermin that scratch up my seedbeds and lawn and leave little "presents" that ruin my garden. Don't get one, then you won't have to worry about keeping the wretched thing clean.
I know they sell dry shampoo you can use on cats and it would be lot safer. Other than that you may have to send them to the groomers i know bathing cats is hard.
If you must have a cat.....be sure to invest in elbow length leather gloves and maybe a leather apron, protect yourself! Seriously, you might try a spray bottle and mist the cat...use some gentle shampoo, baby shampoo so you don't burn his eyes, but not a lot, then just mist and dry.
Cats have special tongues that they lick them selves with. My cat is doing this right now and he is pretty clean and shiny. He doesn't smell or anything cuz he takes good care of himself and his appearance. So I don't think you are suppose to wash cats!! They just become miserable
I don't think you can give a cat a bath. They will freak out seeing the water.