how to clean cat

[old-wos-is-name]

Hi all,
We have a old pure white cat, Arthur, who has now become a real mess. He slides under fences and things and his fur has creosote stuff on the back, his tail looks like it is glued down, all flat and grey, He prefers sleeping outdoors during the day on the compost heap, even in the cold and rain, and He is a real mess. He does not like being handled too much, and is a bit old and frail, so, what can we do to tidy him up a bit? or do you think we should just let Him get on with it.
Don't know His actual age, as He was a stray living on the compost heap in our previous house.
thanks,
alf.

[China Doll]

I'd leave him be unless it's causing him any particular problems. Him not being pure white is probably not too important to him if he likes to sleep on a compost heap!

[firewatch]

sounds like otto von fancy pants my grandparents cats, in the end they left him to it as it was too stressful to A)catch him and B) bath him, the vet would ahve to tranc him every time

[old-wos-is-name]

Hi,
Thanks, I agree, I think He is quite happy looking like a scruff, but my neighbour thinks that because He looks like this that we are mis-treating him, so I though I might try and do something, but I doubt if He would feel any happier, He's just an outdoor loving cat. comes in full of twigs and stuff, eats His dinner then goes back out and lays in the sun or under the leylandi's if it is raining then goes for a drink in the fish pond, a real old Gentleman.
alf.

[firewatch]

just explain to your neighbour that being of an unknown age you would rather let him be as he likes to bex

[nungate]

If you really have to wash the cat, put him inside an old pillowcase leaving his head poking out and wash him through that, rinsing him well. It isn't easy to wash a cat but I had the same problem with creosote on the coat of one of mine, normally I wouldn't wash a cat but under the circumstances this is the only way other than trimming it off his fur. Be prepared it will be messy, and possible painful - for you - if you go down the wash route. Good luck

[ummmm]

I bath my cat.

It is something we have done since he was a kitten though.

[wolf63]

Some cats like water and as ummmm says some people start them young and they get used to it.

We used to have a long haired cat when I was young, he needed to take a bath a couple of times. My back and arms got shredded and he would just stomp off and get dirty again.

Arthur sound like a typical old and grumpy man - long may he live on HIS compost heap.

[jules77]

I would try and clean him up as it will give you a chance to see if he has any lumps, bumps or skin conditions hiding underneath his fur. My father used to bath his cat, I wouldnt like to try it though. There are lots of no rinse shampoos you could use, or I think there are some special bags to put their bodies in to avoid them scratching.

[daisya]

I;d probably go along with Jules, giving Arthur a wash and brush up with not too much pulling about if that's possible. Set him up for the winter maybe and give his coat more of a chance to keep him warm. We always used to bath our cats but then they were used to it.

[boxtops]

when's he next due to go to the vet for his jabs? I'd have a word with them then. Our Black Spot is a long-haired scruff in the summer and brings in all sorts and gets knots and snarls which feel painful to him if they pull, especially round his bottom - the vet shaves the offending parts and he's happy as Larry after that.

[LochNessMonster]

How to wash a cat

This was simply too much of a timesaver not to share it with you.

1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl...


2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.


3. In one smooth movement put the cat in the toilet and close the lid. You may need to stand on the lid.


4. At this point the cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this!

5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a 'Power-Wash' and 'Rinse'.


6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.
7. Stand well back, behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift the lid.

8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.

9. Both the toilet and the cat will be sparkling clean.

Yours Sincerely,

The Dog