Sunday, April 17, 2011

CAT WASH REVISITED

Back in 2009 I put up a post about bathing our cat, Thomas.  As I stated then, my past experience with cats and water has been one of panic and hysteria for all involved.  Then Thomas moved in and took over.  He doesn’t do much hunting, he doesn’t like to jump.  His foremost task at our house is to serve as a speed bump.

His heritage as a Maine Coon cat gives him thick wooly fur which over time becomes itchy and hot.  Shedding is a problem even when the knots in his wool are combed out.  So in desperation a few years ago I put him in a sink of water and scrubbed him down.

To everyone’s amazement he seemed to enjoy the process.  
He stands patiently as he gets a shampoo and rinse in warm water.

By the time we get to toweling off he is getting cranky but he deals with it.

I’d love to help him with my hair dryer, but 
anything that makes that kind of noise sends him running.

So I make sure he can recover in a spot of warm sun.

He’s got way too much fur to handle with just a tongue.

 Way, way too much wet fur.  
But after a few hours of air dry and some combing …

 He starts to look pretty spiffy…

 …and is now a very handsome speed bump.

10 comments:

Sarah said...

That's so funny! Thomas looks super smart now! I don't think any of mine would tolerate a shower, though Cassie and Tiger both seem fascinated with the bath, and sit on the edge. They don't seem to even notice when their tails dip in!

Jill said...

That's some cat - there is one thing for sure - you couldn't wash a cat unless it was happy for you to do so!

TALON said...

Thomas is gorgeous! And how neat that he tolerates the bath. He probably feels so much better afterwards. He's certainly the cutest speedbump I've ever seen, Leenie :)

We once had to bathe Stripey when he met up with a skunk and that is an experience I do not EVER want to repeat - lol!

Linda Sue said...

Thomas looks a bit miffed after- when his fur coat is still soppy...he is such an elegant Mister!

Anonymous said...

He's beautiful! Husband and I went to our first ever cat show yesterday out of curiosity and for a bit of a laugh at all the fuss and bother. Instead we had a great time! A bit like grandchildren - you can admire them,make a big fuss, then hand them back for someone else to do all the hard work. Your boy really does look lovely.

Anonymous said...

I'm still laughing at the photos of the poor soggy cat!

Pearl said...

Aww! Good kitty!!

He looks so glossy and content sitting there in the sun. I wish someone would give ME a bath...

:-)

Pearl

DayPhoto said...

He is just beautiful!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Buttons Thoughts said...

He is so clean I love that he likes the water that is rare in a cat. B

susan m hinckley said...

A cat as a speed bump is something I'm going to have to jot down immediately, Leenie! That idea is a whole day's worth of goodness before 9am. Always deeper in your debt, ma'am.