Can you bath cats?

[minniemoo]

I have a 2-year old really fluffy black and white cat and a Ragdoll kitten who is cream. Tonight they both got up the chimney and, well, you can imagine, they are covered in soot which they have managed to rub into their fur by rolling all over the floor - yep, we've had a great night. Can I bath (wash) them tomorrow and if so do I need a special cat shampoo? Thanks all.

[tiggerblue10]

Good luck Minniemoo, you'll need lots of it. The last time I attempted to wash a cat it ended in a blood bath. My blood, not the cats!! Lol

[minniemoo]

Oh right LOL ! Thanks tiggerblue. They look like 2 strays. My husband has said he'll do it so I think I'll leave it t him LOL. Thanks again.

[tiggerblue10]

Tell him to put thick gloves on and thick clothing. Actually tell him to put a space suit on. Lol

[lindapinda]

My little angel loves coal,and regularly rolls in it!! He always manages to return himself to his pristine black and white without too much bother! Maybe just leave them to see what happens?...A bath can be soo traumatic for everyone ;-)

[minniemoo]

LOL at tiggerblue.

Lindapinda, you're probably right - I'll see how they are tomorrow. Thanks.

[taichiperson]

I read some hilarious (and painful) accounts of how to wash a cat on the web a while ago. The latest recommended putting puss in the loo with shampoo and flushing, being careful to leave a clear path to the outside when lifting the lid!! I laughed till I cried...... Sorry if that sounds cruel, it is not something I would do.

[minniemoo]

OMG taichiperson I do think that's so cruel but must admit I can't stop laughing at the thought.

[Eve]

Can you take them outside and brush a load of it out of them?

I'm sure they'd love that and I don't fancy your chances bathing them :)

[minniemoo]

I got in from work tonight and got in the shower. The kitten always sits on the edge of the bath when I'm in there and tonight it was if she knew she was dirty and needed washing because she jumped into the bath. I took the opportunity of washing her and she loved it. She is a Ragdoll kitten though and they do love to be pampered and they are so docile. She is now washed and looking gorgeous again. It's the other one I'm bothered about, she got the most soot on her and she is a scruffy thing at the best of times, I think she likes being dirty because she hasn't even started to wash herself. She will be an absolute nightmare !!

[mccfluff]

i got in the shower with mine, it was traumatic for both of us but she still oves me!

[hau kola]

i need a suit of armour to bath mine.

[ruthann58]

oh dear i can imagine the mess but i had to laugh we had a squirrel come down the chimney once he then went round the room a great speed putting soot every where ended up sitting on the mantle piece i was so amazed that i got the camera and took a photo of him cheeky little devil

[snailrancher]

I have a friend who regularly bathes one of her cats. He's long haired and has been bathed since he was a kitten though, so that probably makes a difference. I guess it depends on how docile your other cat is - if she's a fiesty thing I really wouldn't risk it. Maybe you could soak a towel and try rubbing her with that instead?

[minniemoo]

Thanks to you all for taking the time to respond.