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A grandmother lathers a wet tabby Maine Coon sitting in a metal tub of soapy water in a backyard. 19 / 36

A Big Maine Coon Sits Patiently in the Soap Bubbles, Looking Unimpressed

AI imagemaine cooncat bathbackyard

A big cat in a washtub makes quite a sight. Maple sits in a round metal tub of soapy water, her long brown tabby coat clinging in dark clumps and bubbles dotting her fur. Nora, in her cream cable-knit cardigan, bends over her with a damp cloth, working carefully along the cat's back with a focused smile. Maple gazes into the distance with a patient, put-upon look. The yard behind them is full of pots, a fence, a bucket, garden clogs and a canvas bag.

Maine Coons have long, thick, water-resistant coats that are heavy to wash and slow to dry, so bath day should be planned. Most cats rarely need baths, but a messy accident or a sticky substance can call for one. Use lukewarm water and a shampoo made for cats, never human products. Keep her ears and eyes dry, rinse thoroughly and towel her well. A thick coat can hold moisture against the skin, so make sure she is fully dry before she goes outside, especially if the weather is cool. Brushing before the bath helps remove tangles. If your cat is anxious about bathing, ask your vet or a groomer for help.

Nora works slowly and speaks softly, and Maple endures it like a queen. It's a small act of trust, and one that is rewarded later with a warm towel and a very fluffy, slightly offended cat. By evening she will be curled somewhere dry, her fur softer than ever and her pride quite intact.

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A grandmother washes a car while a large tabby Maine Coon swats at a spray of water from a green hose.Nora Washed the Car While Maple Fought the Hose and WonA grandmother in a cardigan sleeps on a blanket on the grass with a large tabby Maine Coon curled against her.The Porch Light Came On and Both of Them Were Fast Asleep on the Grass
A grandmother looks over vintage black-and-white photos on a wooden table while a large tabby Maine Coon sniffs them.Maple Inspected Each Old Photo Like a Careful Family HistorianA grandmother in a cardigan sews a patchwork quilt while a large tabby Maine Coon sleeps on the fabric beside her.A Quilt in Progress and a Sleeping Maine Coon on the Spare FabricA smiling grandmother leans from a wooden rocking chair toward a large tabby Maine Coon sleeping on a woven rug.Nora Stopped Rocking So She Wouldn't Wake the Sleeping Maine CoonA grandmother paints at an easel in a garden while a large tabby Maine Coon lies in the grass beside her.Nora Set Up Her Easel and Maple Became the Most Patient Model