So I have to give my oldest cat a bath once a week related to one of his medical conditions (trust me, it's not for fun). I didn't hear what she was saying, if there was a reason for this bath (because my same cat does NOT like hearing other cats freak out on tv/the Internet, so I had to turn the sound down), but she was definitely not doing a great job. I don't make mine sit in water like that.

Anyway, after my cat freaked out the first 3 or 4 times (which I don't think I was helping with because I was shaking...I felt so bad and was trying not to cry), we have both calmed down and now he is quiet the whole time and doesn't try to escape.

I have actually assisted the vet tech before in giving my cat a bath and seen my cat close his eyes like he does when he sleeps and I could tell his muscles were completely relaxed at the time, so I think he likes the massage and/or warm water ...but they have better cat washing facilities, of course.
So I think that is part of why he is quiet...he is not that miserable now since he knows what to expect when he gets plopped in the tub, although giving up control for a cat is hard anyway.

Mine just decides to turn into drama cat when being dried; then he cries while I am drying him off...which is ridiculous. I am towel drying him as best as I can (and he ADORES being petting) so this can't be that bad, esp. since he gets to shake water all over me. I want to use the hair dryer, but even with a super cool cat, I figure it's best not to push it.

Then he tries to climb into my lap (or onto my computer) still very damp, ha.