Do you have a reason to give your cat a bath beyond shedding? I have a friend that does it because even though she loves cats she has cat allergies. The combo of baths, regular thoroughly cleaning her house, and allergy medicine keeps it from being an issue.
If the main reason you are giving your cat baths is just because you dislike shedding, I'd recommend investing in several different brushes that get at different parts of his coat, and vacuuming more instead of forcing him to deal with his trauma. The right brushes can be very effective and cats keep themselves really clean anyways. If you only have a basic type of brush, try getting a de-shedding tool.
If you really really want to do baths, the only advice I can come up with is to reintroduce it like you are teaching him from scratch. Slowly, gently, and with lots of treats and positive reinforcement. But I really recommend trying the de-shedding tools first.
To me, the shedding isnt really that bad most of the time. they do shed all year round though and blow an entire layer of their double coat twice a year though which is pretty intense. the fur will literally come off in clumps if you tug on it lightly and youll find little tumbleweeds around the house currently im using furminator deshedding shampoo which my friends say is working! and ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M5DS0Z7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_vZWbGb0Q4N51V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 ) this brush! i also own a roomba that goes around the house every morning because we have 3 dogs, but my friend with just one dog (also a corgi) keeps her house spotless with just the occasional vacuum and mop or swiffer! the fur really doesnt bother me too much because it doesnt stick to anything unlike cat fur, it doesnt cling to my clothes, we dont have carpet, and the couches are leather. the car is a different story though i see fur blowing everywhere and it ends up getting stuck around the edges of the floor mat, but i just live with it and vacuum occasionally. my car has leather seats as well so im sure that makes a huge difference too. im sorry if this wasnt very helpful! but i think since you have experience with dogs already the fur wont be that crazy to you! none of my corgi owning friends have ever really complained about the fur tbh. you should definitely get a corgi, i never expected that i would love the breed so much but i think theyre now my favorite! their personalities are extremely weird and funny and they bring a lot of life to your household
I got this over a year ago and it works really good on my long haired ragdoll who she’s a ton. Pulls clumps off and keeps the fur looking good. I’ve also used on my lab and long haired dachshund!
We’ve found that regular brushing is the only thing that slows down the shedding.
I'd personally look to cut those matted areas (if too thick to brush). Brush, I use something similar to this every week or so: https://www.amazon.ca/Pet-Neat-Grooming-Effectively-Professional/dp/B01M5DS0Z7
Brushing at home would be best in terms of less anxiety.
What kind of furminator do you have, is it the one for short coats? I bought a cheapie furminator-type brush for short coats on Amazon and it has turned out to work remarkably well on my ACDx.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M5DS0Z7/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_fb-9EbTFKC173
Yes!!! I just got thishere a month ago and it’s the best I’ve used on my Sib. Soooo much fur.
I use this one, it was recommended specifically for basenjis:
https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Grooming-Effectively-Professional-Deshedding/dp/B01M5DS0Z7
Here’s the site that recommended it:
https://www.dogproductpicker.com/best-basenji-essentials-accessories-toys/
This would be a cheaper alternative too, if you can't afford the furminator & have amazon in your area!
We like the Pet Neat brush! Pet Neat Pet Grooming Brush Effectively Reduces Shedding by Up to 95% Professional Deshedding Tool for Dogs and Cats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M5DS0Z7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_GQ6DXFDVAE0FHNX7QD05
My pei is a horse coat and this brush works amazingly even on her short hair. Pet Grooming Brush Effectively Reduces Shedding By Up To 95% Professional Deshedding Tool For Dogs And Cats (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M5DS0Z7?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf