 Purred: Sun Oct 26, '08 12:43am PST |
 | |  | | This is how I got Arias used to the bath:
-put a washcloth in the sink so his feet don't slip
-put out all the accessories (shampoo, cups, cloths, etc)
-DO NOT FILL BATH YET
-Say "bath" pick up cat, put him in sink, give treat, put him back on the ground
-Repeat several times
-you can do this daily until "bath day" or right before. I did it right before
-the reason for all the accessories being out is that he got used to them, so there was nothing "new" sprung upon him
-20 minutes before bath, put towel in dryer to warm up
-fill bath with water (Arias like it warmer than luke, but make sure water isn't too warm. once I cooled the water temp down a little, Arias liked the bath better)
-say "bath" pick up cat, and put him in
-give a treat if he'll take it. I also put a few treats on the side of the sink to distract him
-pour water over his body, soap him up, and then rinse (I use EarthBath's all natural shampoo b/c if any residue is left, it has no harmful ingredients that he could lick off. Human soaps, even the most gentle, can cause irritation b/c cats have different skin than us)
-As I am finishing, my husband grabs the towel out of the dryer, and I wrap up Arias
-then i clean his ears and nails (I use a baby wipe for the nails). He is all cozy in a warm towel, so he doesn't mind. Plus, he is wrapped up so it is difficult to move, even if he wanted (he doesn't--the towel feels too good!)
He doesn't love the bath, but I am no longer trying to pry a cat off my shoulder every time and I get a clean kitty now! I had to do the whole no-water-treat-thing before every bath for about a month until he got more used to it. Hope this helps!Edited by author Sun Oct 26, '08 12:44am PST
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y cat does the same thing. Clings to me,on my shoulder.Oh well,stinky or not,Sphynxes are still wonderfur-the fur!