Browse ›
An elderly couple bathes a wet ruddy Abyssinian cat in a galvanized metal tub in the yard, pouring water from a blue cup. 23 / 38

Ruth Filled the Old Metal Tub, and Saffron Knew Bath Day Had Come

AI imageabyssinianbath timebackyard

Out in the yard, an old galvanized tub has been filled with sudsy water, and bath day is officially underway. Ruth, in a green cardigan and floral blouse, steadies Saffron with one hand, smiling fondly, while Harold, in a green knit beanie and denim jacket, pours a gentle stream of water from a little blue cup. Saffron's copper fur is slicked down and dripping, and her expression says she is tolerating this, barely, out of sheer love. A blue basin, garden tools, a stack of firewood, and autumn leaves fill out the rustic backyard setting.

Most cats keep themselves clean with grooming and rarely need a full bath. A bath can be useful if a cat gets into something sticky or harmful, or if a vet recommends it for a skin condition. When it's necessary, use lukewarm water, a shampoo made specifically for cats, and keep the water shallow so the cat can stand. Avoid getting water in the ears and eyes, rinse thoroughly, and dry your cat with a towel in a warm, draft-free room. Outdoor baths should only happen on warm days. Some Abyssinians are unusually tolerant of water, but every cat is different, so keep it calm and quick.

Saffron may not be thrilled with her spa day, but she's in very gentle hands. Soon enough she'll be dry, fluffed up, and back to strutting around like none of this ever happened.

More from this collection

All 38 →
A ruddy Abyssinian cat sits up and offers a paw to an elderly man on a rug as his wife watches with a cup of tea nearby.Harold Spent a Week Teaching Saffron a Trick. Ruth Was There When It Clicked.A ruddy Abyssinian cat bounds through a pile of autumn leaves on a patio as an elderly couple in jackets holds rakes.Harold and Ruth Spent an Hour Raking the Perfect Leaf Pile
An elderly couple sits close in a wooden rocking chair while a ruddy Abyssinian cat sleeps on a woven rug at their feet.Harold and Ruth Still Share One Rocking Chair. Saffron Has Her Own Spot.A ruddy Abyssinian cat lies on the floor tangled in loops of cream yarn while an elderly couple knits behind it.Ruth and Harold Were Busy Knitting. Nobody Was Watching the Cream Yarn.A close-up of a ruddy Abyssinian cat on a garden patio while an elderly couple shares breakfast at a small wooden table.Harold Set Out Croissants on the Patio. Saffron Got Very, Very Close.An elderly couple sits on the tailgate of a blue pickup by a field while a ruddy Abyssinian cat nuzzles the woman.Harold Dropped the Tailgate to Watch the Fields. Saffron Had Something to Tell Ruth.