Bathing and Brushing My Cats

February 27, 2020

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love my animals - my dogs, my cats, my birds, and my horses. They're all very special to me and are such wonderful companions. From time to time, I like to share updates on my pets, so you all know how they are doing.

A couple of days ago, 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.

: 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.

: On the other side of the room, I also have a hydraulic grooming table for both the dogs and the cats. This one has a durable rubber surface, so the animals don’t slip while standing.

: Here’s Princess Peony in the kitchen. My cats are brushed every day, but on this day, it was time for a bath.

: And here is Empress Tang. 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.

: In general, cats are skittish about water. The key is to make it a gentle and positive experience. Always use a good quality shampoo specifically made for pets and lukewarm water. Here is Enma gently rinsing all the shampoo from Peony’s coat. She is very careful not to get Peony’s head and face wet. Cats do not like getting water in their nasal passages. Removing all traces of shampoo is crucial to prevent any skin irritation.

: After her bath, Peony is wrapped in a large terry towel for drying. Be sure to dry in an area free from drafts. Peony likes being swaddled and held.

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

: Enma cleans Peony’s ears using a cosmetic pad and a bit of solution specially formulated for ear cleaning. This is done about once a week.

: 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.

: Here, Carlos brushes her head, while Enma blow dries her coat. It is always nice to have two sets of hands.

: Don’t worry, Peony is actually falling asleep on the table.

: It is important to also dry their undersides. Many cats do not like their bellies touched, but Peony seems very content.

: Once done, Peony went straight to her bed under the laundry table and rolled on her back.

: You’re a very good girl, my Princess Peony, and so, so clean.

: Next, it was Empress Tang’s turn. She is placed in the sink of lukewarm water and washed. She enjoys bath time and doesn’t even try to wriggle her way out.

: After her bath, Enma checks to see if any of Tang’s nails need trimming. She is using my Martha Stewart Pets nail trimmer.

: Tang is also very still while being dried.

: Almost done, Empress Tang.

: And in less than an hour, Tang is back in her favorite spot on the stairwell landing for a little afternoon nap.

: Blackie is my greenhouse cat. He is extremely friendly. He loves people and is always ready for a rub or some playtime.

: Blackie will come when called and meow for attention.

: Here he is on top of one of the tables in my head house – perhaps waiting for a treat.

: First, he gets brushed. I wish you could hear him purr. Wendy, one of my gardeners at Skylands, who is helping out at my Bedford, New York farm for a few weeks, gives Blackie a good brushing.