Grooming Time for My Cats

August 13, 2019

It's time to groom my precious cats.

Whenever I go to Maine, I always take my dogs with me - they adore Skylands and hiking around Acadia National Park. During these times, my cats stay home at my Bedford, New York farm. My dogs and cats get along just fine, but my two dominant calico Persians Empress Tang and Princess Peony, definitely enjoy the short-term peace and quiet in my Winter House when their doggie friends are away. Yesterday, Tang and Peony got some extra attention - an afternoon of grooming. Although cats are remarkably clean, I've always been a firm believer in regular brushing, combing, and bathing.

Enjoy these photos.

: This is Empress Tang. Tang loves to lounge, especially in this giant mortar on my kitchen counter. I often call her my “cat-o-mole”. My cats are brushed every day, but on this day, it was time for a bath.

: I have a hydraulic grooming table in the basement of my Winter house where all the dogs and cats are groomed. This one also has a durable rubber surface, so the animals don’t slip while standing.

: First, Sanu cleans Tang’s face with a slightly damp cotton pad – especially in between the creases. This helps to prevent possible tear staining.

: Next, Sanu cleans Tang’s ears using another cosmetic pad and a bit of solution specially formulated for ear cleaning. This is done about once a week.

: Bath time takes place on the other side of the room. I have two large, deep enameled sinks there, which are good for soaping and rinsing. In general, cats are skittish about water. The key is to make it a gentle and positive experience.

: Cats have built-in “cleaning” tools and do a lot of self-grooming. Longhaired cats require a bit more grooming care than shorthaired cats. These cats are longhaired and very active, so regular bathing is a necessity.

: Always use a good quality shampoo specifically made for pets. The shampoo should be diluted in a container of warm water. Enma gently combs Tang’s head and is careful not to get the face wet. Cats do not like getting water in their nasal passages. After cleaning one area at a time, including tail and legs, fresh lukewarm water is poured over Tang’s body to remove all the shampoo. Removing all traces of shampoo is crucial to prevent skin irritation.

: After her bath, Tang is wrapped in a large terry towel for drying. Be sure to dry in an area free from drafts. Tang is very affectionate and loves being rubbed and petted.

: Here she is all bundled up in Enma’s arms – just like a baby.

: Not all cats will tolerate a blow-dryer, but Empress Tang is very accustomed to them. Always use the lowest heat setting to dry the coat. Here, Enma blow dries while Sanu brushes – it’s always nice to have two sets of hands.

: Here, her back is getting a good brushing. It’s always good to look for and remove any matted fur. This is important because collected mats can cause irritation and hair balls.

: Finally, Sanu checks to see if any of Tang’s nails need trimming.

: She trims Tang’s nails using a regular nail clipper for humans – pet nails grow very quickly.

: All done, Tang – you look so pretty.

: This is my Princess Peony, who is quite used to having a bath, as she’s been receiving them her entire life. However, on this day, she doesn’t look entirely pleased with the idea.

: Don’t worry, Peony is just fine. Peony is bathed in the same way, with lukewarm water and special pet shampoo.

: After her bath, Peony is quickly wrapped in a large towel to absorb more water.

: It appears Peony prefers being brushed over being washed.

: Almost instantly, Peony starts to fall asleep.

: Hi Peony, are you enjoying all this attention?

: After Peony’s bath, Sanu held her up for this quick photo.

: Blackie is my greenhouse cat. He is so friendly. Blackie loves people and is always ready for a rub or some play time. He is also very fond of being brushed.

: Blackie is shorthaired, so Ryan brushes his coat once a week and checks it for ticks and burs every day. Blackie loves brushing so much, he often purs whenever he is groomed.