🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <C1G2Jt.GL7@wang.com> fitz@wang.com (Tom Fitzgerald) writes:
>rhs@world.std.com (Richard H Schwartz) writes:
>
>> I also recall reading an article that stated that washing your cat once
>> a month can do wonders for your allergies.  Unfortunately, most cats
>> will not take too kindly to this, but the article stated that a kitten
>> can be trained to accept a bath.  Personally, I'd recommend trying this
>> only after de-clawing.
>
>No need - a towel and a firm grip on the cat's shoulder's will make it
>impossible for the cat to get its claws into anything that matters.  Even
>if the cat was more of a gymnast than any of mine have ever been, trimming
>the claws with nail-clippers would do it.
>
>Warm water won't bother it as much, either (cold water will make it
>*angry*).

I used to bathe my cats weekly (for fleas) when they were kittens.  Now 
they usually take care of themselves, but once in a while we do a bath.

Some pointers:  
	Running water is a BAD idea.   If I run about 3" of water 
	into the tub, then turn it OFF, I get less panic.   (I used 
	to be able to use the sprayer on the kitchen sink, but only
	when they were really little!  Now we just use the tub.)

	I stand the cat in the water, with a hand FIRMLY on his shoulder.  
	Keep talking to him, trying to keep him calm.  

	The easiest way to get the back wet is grab the front paws in one 
	hand, then the back paws in the other, and just SWISH him upside 
	down once or twice.  (NOT submerging his head!)
	He's not crazy about this move, but it is the QUICKEST!  
	
	Otherwise, use a cup of water to pour over him (NOT GLASS - 
	They do move fast sometimes!) Do NOT pour water over his head!
	Use a washcloth, dripping wet, and wash his face.  

	I grab the paws again to lift him out of the tub and down onto
	a towel.  Then the towel gets wrapped around him and he gets 
	gets dried off.  Then he goes off to sit on a pile of newspapers
	that I've put in the sunshine (It helps dry him, and is probably
	warmer, too.)  I comb him with a cat flea comb, while he's busy
	licking himself to put his fur back in order.  

	I usually get forgiven in less than an hour...  Kitty treats help!

GOOD LUCK!!!

-- 
lmf@soft.gtech.com          GTECH Corporation        ... But don't blame
                               55 Plan Way           GTECH for my thoughts,
Linda M. Easterbrooks    West Greenwich, RI 02817        (or lack of!)