Browse ›
Elderly couple gently bathing a wet grey Russian Blue cat in a sudsy galvanized metal tub in the backyard at dusk. 25 / 31

It Was Bath Time in the Old Washtub. Misty Was Surprisingly Patient.

AI imagerussian bluegrandparentsbath time

Dusk is settling over the backyard, and a single string light glows above the shed. On the ground sits an old galvanized washtub filled with warm, sudsy water, and in it stands one very damp, very patient Russian Blue. Grandma, in a green cardigan, holds Misty steady with gentle hands and a soft, focused expression. Grandpa, in a brown jacket, carefully squeezes a washcloth over her back. Misty's fur is plastered flat and spiky, her ears are tipped sideways, and her green eyes say she is tolerating this only because she loves them.

Most cats keep themselves clean through grooming and rarely need a full bath. Baths may be helpful if a cat gets into something sticky or dirty, or if a vet recommends one for a skin condition. When a bath is needed, use lukewarm water, a shampoo made specifically for cats, and keep the water shallow so the cat feels secure. Avoid getting water in the ears and eyes. Working calmly and quickly, with two people to help, makes the process much easier. Afterward, towel-dry thoroughly and let the cat warm up somewhere cozy. Bathing outdoors in cool evening air can chill a cat, so a warm bathroom is usually a better choice.

A good scrub, a warm towel, and a lot of gentle reassurance. Misty may not thank them out loud, but later tonight she will be curled up in their laps, soft, fluffy, and smelling wonderful.

More from this collection

All 31 →
Elderly couple snuggled under a green patchwork quilt by a stone fireplace, a grey Russian Blue cat lying on their laps.A Crackling Fire, a Patchwork Quilt, and Misty Melted Right on TopElderly couple eating breakfast at a garden table with fruit and a croissant while a grey Russian Blue cat sits on the table.Grandma and Grandpa Took Breakfast Outside. Misty Came as Guest of Honor.
Elderly couple washing a silver car in the driveway as a grey Russian Blue cat rears up to paw at the spray from the hose.Grandpa Was Washing the Old Car. Then Misty Saw the Hose.Elderly couple sprinkling grain to mallard ducks in a small pond while a grey Russian Blue cat sits beside them on the edge.Grandma and Grandpa Were Feeding the Ducks. Misty Was Trying Very Hard.Grey Russian Blue cat pawing at a fresh snowbank in the foreground while an elderly couple shovels snow on a driveway.Grandma and Grandpa Were Shoveling Snow. Misty Was Having Way More Fun.Elderly couple rolling dough and mixing cookie batter at a kitchen table while a grey Russian Blue cat sits beside them.Grandma and Grandpa Were Baking Cookies. Misty Was Watching Every Bowl.