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An elderly couple in cream sweaters bathes a wet, soapy grey cat in a galvanized metal tub in a garden. 10 / 37

Frank and Dot Filled the Old Metal Tub. Misha Knew Exactly What It Meant.

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Not every day in this household is glamorous. Out in the garden, Frank and Dot kneel over an old galvanized metal tub, sleeves pushed up on their cream sweaters, giving Misha a rare bath. Dot steadies the cat with gentle hands while Frank pours a small cup of water over her back, both of them grinning at the absurdity of it. Misha's normally plush blue-grey coat is slicked flat and foamy, her ears pinned a little to the side, and her expression is pure long-suffering patience. Garden tools lean against the fence, and a towel waits nearby on a basket.

Most cats rarely need baths, since they're thorough self-groomers. A bath makes sense when a cat gets into something sticky or smelly, or if your vet recommends it for a skin issue. When you do bathe a cat, use lukewarm water and a shampoo made specifically for cats, because some products for people or dogs can irritate feline skin, and a few ingredients can be harmful. Keep water out of the ears and eyes, work quickly, and rinse thoroughly, since leftover soap will be licked off during grooming. Indoors is usually better than outside, where a slippery, startled cat could dart away, and a warm, draft-free room helps a dense coat like the Russian Blue's dry properly. Wrap her in a towel afterward and let her finish drying somewhere cozy. If baths seem to cause real distress, ask your vet or a groomer about alternatives.

Misha may not have chosen this afternoon's activity, but she's taking it with a dignity few cats could manage. A warm towel and a treat seem well deserved.

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