Browse ›
A grandma with a silver braid gently bathes a soaked black Maine Coon cat in a galvanized metal tub in the backyard. 21 / 24

Grandma Nell Filled the Old Washtub. Onyx Did Not Agree to This.

AI imagemaine coonbath timebackyard

The old galvanized washtub has been dragged out into the backyard and filled with a few inches of soapy water. Nell kneels beside it in her denim shirt, sleeves damp, cradling Onyx gently around the middle with both hands as she works the suds through his coat. Without all his usual fluff, he looks surprisingly sleek and a bit smaller, his wet black fur clinging to his body in dripping spikes. His golden eyes peer up over the rim of the tub with an expression that is equal parts patience and deep personal offense. A folded towel waits nearby on the edge of a planter, ready for the moment he is released.

Most cats groom themselves well and rarely need full baths, but long-haired breeds like Maine Coons sometimes need one if they get into something sticky or their coat becomes greasy or matted. When bathing a cat, use lukewarm water, a shampoo made specifically for cats, and keep water and soap away from the eyes and ears. Work calmly and quickly, rinse thoroughly, since leftover shampoo can irritate the skin, and dry the cat well with towels in a warm room afterward. A thick Maine Coon coat can take a long time to dry. If your cat becomes very stressed, ask your vet or a professional groomer for help.

Onyx will survive this indignity, though he may give Nell the cold shoulder for an hour or two. Once he is dry, brushed, and fluffier than ever, all will be forgiven, especially if a treat is involved.

More from this collection

All 24 →
A grandma with a silver braid holds a damp black Maine Coon wrapped in a chunky cream knit blanket by a rainy doorway.The Rain Came Down Hard on the Walk Home, and Grandma Nell Had a PlanA grandma with a silver braid holds out a vanilla ice cream cone as a black Maine Coon cat sniffs and licks the scoop.It Was Too Hot to Do Anything Except Eat Ice Cream, So Grandma Nell Shared
A grandma with a silver braid does a crossword at the breakfast table while a black Maine Coon sits on the table beside her.Grandma Nell Was Stuck on Seven Down. Onyx Looks Like He Knows the Answer.A grandma with a long silver braid sips lemonade on a shaded porch beside a fluffy black Maine Coon cat.Grandma Nell Poured a Glass of Lemonade. Then Onyx Joined Her on the Bench.A grandma with a silver braid flips pancakes in a skillet while a black Maine Coon cat sits on the counter beside the stove.Grandma Nell Was Flipping Pancakes When She Realized She Had an AudienceA grandma with a silver braid sprinkles grain for brown hens while a black Maine Coon cat watches with its tail raised.Three Hungry Hens, One Handful of Grain, and a Maine Coon Who Wanted In