Definitely getting a cat used to baths when they are kittens is the way to go. I have Persians, so not having baths are NOT an option.
There are a lot of good ideas in the post, I'd just like to add that if you are going to bathe your cat, CLIP THE NAILS FIRST! Don't put a cat in standing water, use a spray, and if you really feel your cats does need a bath (most cats don't ever really need one, they groom themselves) and you are worried, have a professional do it.
I know at least one lady actually died giving her cat a bath. The cat was not used to it, it was scared, she knocked something off the counter, the noise startled the cat, the cat jumped up onto the woman and the unclipped claws punctured her artery. So no matter what, CLIP THE NAILS FIRST.
It also might help to find someone that is used to bathing cats to help you do it. If you are nervous, the cat will sense it and be nervous too.
