The Fluffiest Cat on the Block Looks Very Different on Bath Day
The fluffiest cat in the neighborhood looks remarkably small when he's wet. Butterscotch sits in a galvanized tub of soapy water in the backyard, his normally glorious ginger coat plastered into damp, spiky strands. His ears are pricked and his amber eyes stare off to the side with an expression of patient suffering. Opal leans over the tub in an olive button-up shirt, her grey curls frizzing in the humidity and her glasses slipping down her nose, gently working a sponge along his back with great care. A blue watering can, a coiled hose, and a pair of garden gloves sit in the yard beside them.
Most cats groom themselves well and rarely need bathing, but longhaired cats sometimes do, especially if their coat becomes greasy, matted, or soiled. If you need to bathe a long-coated cat, brush out tangles first, since water can tighten mats. Use lukewarm water and a cat-specific shampoo, keep their face dry, and rinse very thoroughly, as leftover soap can irritate the skin. A long, thick coat can take a while to dry, so towel off well and keep the cat somewhere warm and draft-free afterward. If your cat has frequent coat or skin issues, it's a good idea to check in with your vet or a professional groomer.
Butterscotch will be back to his full fluffy glory in a few hours, and he'll probably let Opal know exactly how he feels about this. She'll consider it well worth it.
