Re: Bathing cats

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/12/00 8:42:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

gingertree@... writes:

<< OK - I now know everyone will think I'm totally off my rocker, but I had

two cats who absolutely loved water - one would climb in the bathtub

with me, the other doesn't mind having a " shower " under running water. >>

Kathleen,

Amazing! I've heard of it, but never witnessed it. This past summer, my

daughter spilled a can of paint in the garage. When I came out and noticed

it, I went back inside to get her. When we came back out, we saw that one of

our kitties had walked through it, making tracks all over the driveway and

sidewalk. Then he put his mouth to the paint and couldn't get it off, so we

had to hose him down. It took 3 of us to hold the cat and one to hose him.

(How many humans does it take to hose a cat?) Once we finished and let go of

him, he streaked away to parts unknown for a few hours before he decided to

forgive us. :-) My gut feeling was that he didn't like the water--with or

without eo's.

We had periwinkle paw prints for the rest of the summer.

Beth

[Guest guest]

Years ago I had a cat that was a tad odd. She liked to lay in the tub on

hot days. I would fill the one end with a bit of water and she would sort of

lay in it to keep cool. She never LOVED water but she did fall in the tub

once while I was in it and she just paddled around in it until she figured

out how to get out. She had another odd habit as well. She figured out how

to tap the end of the faucet to get water to drip out. She did the same with

the tub only there she would tap the shower toggle on the top of the faucet

which would cause pent up water to fall out. She would always stick her head

under and lick at the falling water. Odd cat. Smart, but odd.

Sioned

[Guest guest]

Hello,

One of my four cats hates water so much that if he gets even a single spot

of rain on him he goes beserk. I wouldn't even try to bathe him if I wanted

to. IMHO I don't really think it necessary to bathe cats at all under normal

circumstances. Fortunately he is a very fussy about grooming (sort of an

anal retentive cat) and cleans himself always. I brush all the cats everyday

though it takes quite a time and use a spot flea program in the summer. They

all look very spiffy. - Natasha

Kamakura Garden - It's Only Natural - Japan

http://www.kamakura-garden.com

Aroma Herbal Body Beauty & Skin Care Secrets

[Guest guest]

Hi ES,

When you have time could you come bathe my kitties? <grin> lol!

You seem to be such a gentle & caring soul... my kitties would love

it if you could give them a bath! I promise... I could clip their

toenails beforehand...

Hoping things are constantly improving for you.

Hugs,

Trly

>

> Long-sleeved denim is good if it's the first time. Also clipping the

> claws the day before. Staying calm and focused is also critical.

>

> I prefer a sink to the tub or shower, as standing up and using a

basin

> gives the bather more control. Strategy is to grasp firmly by the

skin

> at the back of the neck with one hand and hold and shampoo the body

with

> the other. Okay, that has sometimes meant abruptly holding a wet cat

> against my body, but the idea is to overcome their desperation and

> terror by just keeping a steady (and dominating) hold and speaking

> soothingly the whole time. Don't let go; don't panic; and don't

give up.

>

> Then, after a quick rubdown, wrap your clean wet kittycat in a big

towel

> and hold it close, keeping up the soothing kitty-talk (too

embarrassing

> to quote, of course, but mainly involving what an extremely good

kitty

> he/she is, etc.) I've usually laughed myself to tears by this time.

> After 5 minutes in the towel, release. Kitty will be very busy

licking

> him/herself dry and forget all about the terrible experience.

Treats are

> good at this point.

>

> ES

>