Bath Time for My Cats
My pets are brushed every single day, but they are all very active and need regular bathing as well - every couple weeks for the dogs, and about once a month for my cats.
One afternoon last week, in preparation for a photo shoot, it was bath time for my pair of dominant calico Persians, Princess Peony and Empress Tang. Although cats are remarkably clean, well-groomed animals, I've always been a firm believer in regular brushing, combing, and bathing. These cats, as well as Blackie, my greenhouse kitty, all enjoy their grooming routines and the added attention.
Enjoy these photos.
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- Many of you have seen my pets on television, in my magazines, and in other media appearances from my home. I enjoy including my pets in these events, but first they must have a good bath and grooming to look their best. First up – Princess Peony. Peony is the one with orange markings on the front of her head.
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- Bath time takes place in the big laundry room in my Winter House basement. I have two large, deep enameled sinks there, which are good for soaping and rinsing. Here’s Enma making sure the water temperature is just right.
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- Enma is very careful not to get the face wet. Cats do not like getting water in their ears or nasal passages. Carlos places some cotton in the outer ear to keep water out. In general, cats are skittish about water. The key is to make it a gentle and positive experience. Carlos and Enma talk to the cats throughout the entire process. It’s also good to schedule baths when the cat is most relaxed.
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- Enma soaps Peony and then runs a comb gently through her coat. Cats have built-in grooming tools and do a lot of self-grooming. Longhaired cats require a bit more grooming care than shorthaired cats. My cats are longhaired, and very active, so bathing is a necessity. Always use a good quality shampoo specifically made for pets.
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- Here, Enma checks Peony’s feet to see if there is any dirt stuck in between or around the nails. She uses a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt.
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- After cleaning one area at a time, including tail and legs, Peony is moved to the other sink so she can be rinsed in fresh lukewarm water. Removing all traces of shampoo is crucial to prevent skin irritation.
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- After her bath, Peony is wrapped in a large terry towel for drying. Be sure to dry in an area free from drafts. Peony is very affectionate, and loves being swaddled, held, and petted.
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- Enma uses the towel to gently wipe Peony’s face.
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- Enma also checks and wipes Peony’s ears. Her ears are very clean. Once a week, we clean the ears using a cosmetic pad and a bit of solution specially formulated for cats.
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- And then, with the dryer on the lowest heat setting, Peony is dried and combed thoroughly. It’s always good to look for and remove any matted fur. This is important because collected mats can cause irritation and hairballs. Peony and Tang have been brushed since they were kittens, so they are very relaxed during grooming time. Enma brushes as Carlos blows the coat dry – it is always helpful to have two sets of hands.
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- A good, durable comb is a must-have for grooming. Always be sure to introduce the cat to new tools before using them, so they never shy away from grooming time.
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- We use a variety of combs and pin brushes to remove any knots or tangles. This is my 2-in-1 detangle comb. The dual sided comb is so light and easy to use, and gets out tangles and dander, and makes grooming quick. It’s great for cats and dogs.
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- Peony is actually beginning to fall asleep.
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- It is important to brush down to the skin to ensure any mats that have formed are completely removed.
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- My comb and grooming brushes are available on my shop on Amazon, including my massage brush and my multipurpose brush in two sizes.
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- After her bath, Enma checks to see if any of Peony’s nails need trimming. Pet nails grow quickly, so it is important to check them often and trim whenever needed. And only cut the white part of the nail – never the pink part, which is called the quick – this is where the nerve and blood vessels are located.
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- Empress Tang is bathed in the same way, with lukewarm water and special pet shampoo.
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- Tang also enjoys being brushed and stays still for much of her grooming session. Here she is on her side while her tail is combed.
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- It is important to also dry their undersides. Many cats do not like their bellies touched, but Tang seems very content for the moment.
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- Grooming time is not only a good opportunity to get your pets looking clean and beautiful – it’s also a wonderful time to bond with them and check for any other possible abnormalities to the coat and skin.
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- And in less than an hour, Tang is free. Here she is on my enclosed porch, and perhaps on her way to a favorite spot on the stairwell landing.
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- Peony is already napping in her bed under the laundry table. My cats definitely like their routines – they like to eat and go out at the same times and they like to sleep and lounge in the same places. Peony and Tang are very healthy and happy.
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- And you all know Blackie, my greenhouse cat. He is extremely friendly. Hi Blackie – I think you’re next. Ready for grooming?
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