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An older man in denim overalls bathes a spotted brown Bengal cat in a sudsy galvanized tub in a cluttered backyard. 1 / 37

Grandpa Hank Filled the Old Washtub for Ziggy. The Bengal Had Thoughts.

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Out in the backyard, between the clay flower pots and a stack of weathered boards, Hank has dragged out the old galvanized washtub for a job most cat owners would rather avoid. Ziggy, his spotted Bengal, sits chest-deep in sudsy water with his front paws hooked over the rim, ears pricked and eyes wide, looking more curious than outraged. Hank leans in close in his denim overalls and faded work shirt, one big weathered hand cupped gently under the cat's belly, grinning like a man who knows he got lucky this time.

The surprising part is that Ziggy may actually be fine with it. Bengals have a reputation for being unusually comfortable around water compared with many cats, and plenty of them will bat at a dripping faucet or dip a paw into a water bowl just to see what happens. Still, most cats keep themselves clean and rarely need a full bath. When one is needed, use lukewarm water, a shampoo made for cats, and keep the face dry. Have a warm towel ready, keep the session short, and let the cat finish drying somewhere draft-free. If a cat seems very stressed by bathing, talk to your vet about gentler options like spot cleaning.

Judging by the look on Hank's face, this was less of a chore and more of an adventure for both of them. Ziggy will probably spend the next hour grooming every hair back into place, acting as though none of it ever happened.

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