Thread: The shredding

Hi All

I want to start getting Zack used to being bathed as I might have a go at taking him to a show later. Probably started too late at 6 months but thought I would start small by washing his back end in the sink when he stepped in the tray AGAIN.

I got the water just right and only about 2 inches deep and when I lowered him in the fun began. He went berserk!!!

I have approx 9 scratches on my right arm, about 4 on my back / shoulder and one across my neck. I did manage to quickly wash his foot during the tirade and I didnt let go - he calmed down when I removed him and put a towel around him.

I have washed his feet and backside with wet clothes many times before with only one big fight. He puts both front feet in his water bowl and lies in the water in the shower after i leave and splashes so no fear of the water

So

a) - what did I do wrong?

b) - what do I do now

c) - is it a bad idea and too late

Sorry no idea to A,B or C but you are far braver than me!!!

My idea of bathing Hector and Roxy is a handfull of baby wipes when they need their bums doing!!

Hi Heather,never too late to start,if you go into search along the top of the page & put in the words "How do I bath" & then go down the page a little way you will see the replies for the thread "How do I bathe Simba"& could be some ideas that could help you.
Where are you thinking of taking Zack for his first show,wish I lived near you I luv getting them ready.....
Good luck.

I'm thinking gryfn needs a bath... but it's too cold here atm.... so it's not going tohappen soon...

I managed to bath Purdie fine, she wasn't too bothered and it only took 2 of us. Brisca on the other hand was a different matter. Think I got as far as her paws and gave up!

Don't wait until they need a bath for some reason,try to encourage them in while it is empty & play with them,let the cold water trickle from the tap so they play with that & just get used to being in the tub or if they are happier with a shower than get them used to that,like Heathers if it is happy to lay & paddle with the water afterwards would it let you lower the shower & just let the water trickle out of the head a bit & then gradually build up on it,I have a friend who has her cat with her in the shower cubicle & does him in there,ours is over the bath & the first shower we had wasn't too good & I used to chuck gallons of water from a jug over mine to rinse them after a bath but when we had the more powerful shower fixed I just started off by laying the head in the bath a few times & let them play with it,then started water running through & let them play again before I then would pick it up & spray them quickly in fun & just progressed from there & none of mine are a problem with bath or shower.I also find that if you do playtime on your own with them they do not feel threatened & accept more that is fun.If they just freak about going into the bathroom get them playing with a laser mouse at night & then oops it happens to go into bathroom & in tub & out again,what fun,especially if another time it happens to have a bit of water in it....I think we have to accept that some will always hate a bath/shower,Merl would howl so loud the neighbours could hear him but got him used to having a treat afterwards won us with that one {his tummy speaks loud for him} with most of them you should be able to turn their love of water to your advantage,just try play,play,play first to build up confidence.If they fire off trying to hold them can make them worse,when mine have done it & a couple did at the start I just let them go,had a good swear,mopped up water from everywhere,stiff drink,found them toweled them dry had a cuddle,surprising what you can get out of drawers at that point if that is what the problem is & then back to play with fingers crossed that it will get easier.Luckily all of mine will stand with front feet on side of utility room sink with back legs in it for a drawer wash if necessary so that makes things even easier.Now watch this space,next time I have to get a cat ready for a show it will make me eat my words,so if you see a swear thread posted with lots of water splashes & slurry words....