Browse ›
A smiling grandpa in suspenders bathes a wet, sudsy white Persian cat in a galvanized metal tub in the yard at dusk. 4 / 36

Grandpa Filled the Old Metal Tub With Bubbles. Pearl's Expression Says Everything.

AI imagepersian catbath timebackyard

Dusk has settled over the backyard, a porch light glowing warm against the fence, and Pearl is not having her finest hour. The white Persian stands in a galvanized metal tub full of bubbles, her famous fluff flattened into wet spikes, wearing the long-suffering look only a cat in a bath can manage. Grandpa Gus kneels beside the tub with his plaid sleeves rolled up, gently supporting her with both hands and smiling like he's trying hard not to laugh. Fallen leaves dot the grass, potted plants line the yard, and a coiled garden hose waits nearby for the rinse.

Most cats keep themselves clean without help, but long-haired breeds like Persians sometimes need an occasional bath, especially if their coat gets greasy or soiled. A few basics make it easier on everyone. Use lukewarm water, never hot or cold, and choose a shampoo made specifically for cats, since many products for people or dogs can irritate feline skin. Keep water away from the eyes and ears, and rinse thoroughly so no residue is left behind. A thick Persian coat takes a long time to dry, so towel off well and keep the cat somewhere warm and draft-free afterward. Outdoor baths are best saved for mild weather. If your cat seems extremely stressed by bathing, ask your vet or a professional groomer for advice.

Pearl may be plotting her revenge, but in an hour she'll be warm, dry, and fluffier than ever. Gus, meanwhile, will probably need a towel of his own.

More from this collection

All 36 →
An older man with a grey beard tucks a cream knit blanket around a white Persian cat lying in a round grey pet bed.Every Night Grandpa Has One Last Job Before Bed. It Involves a Very Small Blanket.A grey-bearded grandpa in suspenders holds a large fluffy white Persian cat in his arms at the bottom of wooden porch steps.They Made It All the Way Home From the Walk. Then Pearl Refused the Last Few Steps.
A bearded grandpa in glasses and suspenders sits in an armchair with a sleeping white Persian cat curled on his newspaper.Grandpa Opened the Evening Paper to Catch Up on the News. He Got About Two Lines In.A smiling grandpa in glasses sets out a tray of cookies as a white Persian cat with flour on its face watches closely.Grandpa Baked a Fresh Batch of Cookies. One Little Face Gave Away Who'd Been Helping.A grandpa in glasses and suspenders sits on a wooden dock with bare feet in the lake beside a white Persian cat at sunset.Grandpa Rolled Up His Pants and Put His Feet in the Lake. Pearl Had Her Own Opinion.A grandpa in glasses hand-stitches a patchwork quilt at a table while a white Persian cat sleeps on a pile of fabric.Grandpa Spent All Week Cutting Quilt Squares. Then the Best Pile Got Taken.