Hervey Foundation

Ready

Pam Barret at the Edmonton Cat Fanciers Show.

You’ve decided that entering your precious feline in a Cat Show is something you’d like to do. Preparing your cat for this adventure begins long before the show date - and a cat’s self grooming technique isn’t good enough for this job!

Your cat must be in good health with a glossy coat, which means regular visits to the Veterinarian for vaccinations and a thorough check-up. Heed your vet’s advice regarding proper nutrition. The cat’s weight should be in proportion to its bone structure. Always feed a balanced premium food formulated for cats. Ensure that your cat has access to ample fresh water (change daily and don’t forget to wash the dish).

Every cat (LH or SH) requires regular grooming. The most successful way to introduce your cat to this process is to begin when the animal is young. A kitten can be handled and groomed regularly to accustom it to the routine. Claw-clipping should also be commenced at an early age.

The regular grooming session can conclude with a special treat or toy, so that the cat begins to associate grooming with something pleasurable. Depending on the type of coat, grooming sessions can range from daily to once or twice a week. You and your cat should enjoy these sessions; they are also a good opportunity to gently massage her/him and to identify any unusual scratches, rashes, lumps, or tender spots. (Check these out with your vet.) Use the right tool for the job - there are many types and sizes of combs designed to remove dead hair and keep the coat sleek and shiny. Brushing may be done after thorough combing, but only serves to smooth the top layer of fur.

Examine your cat’s ears and eyes on a regular basis. Clean the outer area of the ear using a soft cloth or a quilted cotton pad. (Don’t probe into the ear canal with anything sharp.) Wipe away any debris from the inside corners of the eyes with a moistened cloth or cotton ball. If you notice anything unusual about your cat’s eyes or ears, consult your vet.

It is essential that your cat be bathed (by you) in order to look its very best. Before beginning the bath, ensure that all claws are clipped. Gather all of the necessary equipment (halter for the cat, shampoo,plastic jug, rinse agents, lots of towels, hair dryer) and set it up, preferably in a confined space. (A frightened, soapy cat is very difficult to corral.) Some owners use the family’s regular bathtub; others find that a portable laundry tub set inside the bathtub is easier to manage. In any case, the use of an adjustable hand-held shower device allows for thorough washing and rinsing. Another asset is a human helper to provide the very useful “second pair of hands. Dress for the occasion in comfortable clothing that won’t be ruined if soaked.

The bath can be as elaborate as necessary depending on the cat’s coat colour, type, and length. Fill the washtub one-third full with warm water before bringing the cat to the tub. (Many cats are startled by vigorously flowing water.) With your helper assisting, lower the cat slowly into the water. Have your helper hold the cat’s front legs on the bottom of the tub - this discourages jumping out or a soapy climb over the shoulder. Wet the cat thoroughly using a plastic jug and ensure that all fur is dampened. Depending on the coat condition (greasy or very dirty), you may need to use a degreaser or deep cleaner product such as dish soap (e.g. Sunlight or Dawn) either full strength or diluted.

Rinse thoroughly with the hand-held shower, first ensuring that the water is warm (always pre-test to avoid water that is too hot). Using a good quality pet shampoo, repeat the wash procedure and again rinse thoroughly. A specially formulated coloured shampoo may be used next, if desired. In any case, thorough rinsing is the secret to a good bath. A clean cat which is not adequately rinsed will display a sticky coat that rapidly attracts dust and dirt. A vinegar rinse (one-half cup per one gallon of water) helps with removing soap residue.

Squeeze excess water from the coat and scoop your cat out of the tub, using a large absorbent towel. Pat or blot the fur dry (Don’t rub.)

Shorthair cats can usually be towel-dried, then gently combed as the coat dries. Medium or longhair cats will look their very best if they are dried using a blower of some type. A groomer’s dryer will provide cool to warm air with lots of force, but reduced noise. A human’s hand-held hair dryer can be used, but these are usually noisy and can get hot very quickly. If using one of these, keep moving the dryer and lower the heat setting.

Another method of drying is to place the cat on a dry towel in a large crate. Cover the sides with more towels, leaving one end uncovered to direct the dryer and the other end uncovered for ventilation. A forced-air heater (on low heat) can be placed at one end, with the flow directed into the crate. Cats can overheat rapidly, so take the cat out every ten minutes to comb and fluff the coat. Never leave the cat unattended with a dryer in place.

Complete the bathing process by giving your cat a special treat, then relax. You’ve survived your first practice bath. Do it again and you’ll soon feel comfortable with the process.

More details regarding products and procedures can be obtained by contacting the writer at kbyram@interbaun.com

Kathy Byram, President
Edmonton Cat Fanciers Club
(with the assistance of Karen Olsen)

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