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A white-haired woman in a quilted vest gently bathes a wet blue point Siamese cat in a metal tub outdoors. 1 / 20

Grandma Ruth Filled the Old Tub. Misty Had Opinions.

AI imagesiamesecat bathbackyard

Bath day has arrived, and Misty is taking it with the dignity of a queen who has been asked to wait in line. The blue point Siamese sits in an old metal tub, her pale fur plastered flat, soap bubbles drifting around her paws. Grandma Ruth leans over her with a soft, patient smile, one hand working suds along the cat's side. Behind them the backyard looks wonderfully lived in, with a watering can, a basket, a few clay pots and a pair of gardening gloves resting nearby.

Most cats really don't need regular baths, since they groom themselves well, so a tub day like this is usually for a special reason, such as something sticky or smelly. If you do bathe a cat, a few habits help. Use lukewarm water and a shampoo made for cats, never one made for people. Keep the water shallow, support her body, and avoid the face and ears. Have towels ready and a warm, draft-free room for drying afterward. Many cats tolerate the process better when the person stays calm and moves slowly. If your cat is very stressed, or has skin trouble, talk to your vet or a groomer about the best approach.

Misty keeps her blue eyes fixed on something off to the side, as though she is pretending the whole thing is happening to somebody else. Ruth hums quietly, and the suds keep rising. In a little while there will be a warm towel, a sunny spot and a very fluffy, very offended cat. Both of them know who will get the last word.

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