Lessons from Cat Bathing

1. Face cloths are essential. They are small, so easy to handle. They are absorbent, so they get a lot of water off a cat quickly. They can be readily tossed to one side when saturated, and easily grabbed when a fresh one is needed. They wrap around tiny legs and tails without a lot of excess cloth getting in the way. And there are always plenty of old face cloths in the back of the linen closet if extras are needed.

2. It might be the middle of the summer, but cats get cold quickly, especially when they are wet and half their hair is missing. Have several large towels on hand to wrap them in as soon as they come out of the tub and the excess water is removed.

3. A cat harness might be the easiest way to control the cat. Unless they have been trained wear a harness since kittenhood, most cats immediately plop down and refuse to move when you put a harness on them. While this may thwart any ambitions you may harbor of taking your cat for a walk in the park, it’s perfect for subduing a cat that you need to bathe.

4. That diffuser attachment thingy that came with your hairdryer actually has a use. The instructions that were tucked into the package with your hairdryer should have explained that the diffuser was for drying cats without frightening the hell out of them.

5. Get everything set up for the bath before you get the cat. Work from a checklist. You might think you don’t need a check list, but it is a pain to realize that the cup you need for rinsing your cat is on the other side of the room when aforesaid cat is already immersed in soapy water. Things that could be on the check list include:

• Wash cloths/towels within reach
• Shampoo within reach, and top loosened or opened
• Comb within reach (a comb can be the easiest way to work shampoo in and rinse the last traces of shampoo out
• Hair dryer plugged in and ready to go (if out of reach of water) or set up unplugged but close to outlet
• Clock or timer where you can easily see or access if the shampoo or medication needs to sit for a period of time
• E-collar at the ready
• Treats in easy reach to reward cat for being good or bribe cat to stay put

6. It goes faster if you consider it quality bonding time with your cat rather than necessary hygienic cat care. You might actually find yourself falling in love with your cat all over again when it rests its head on your on your knee while you warm and dry it.