claws out when jumping into or out of lap

"Meghan Noecker" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 14 Feb 2004 04:37:32 GMT, Laura R.
wrote:

circa 13 Feb 2004 07:50:39 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, Meghan
Noecker ) said,

I found that I could hold my left arm out straight, and she would
stand up in the sink with her front feet holding onto my arm (no
claws), and I could wash her with me right hand. As long as my arm was
there for her to hold, she stood calmly and let me do it. No
struggling at all. A huge difference from the panic and attack of
everything else within reach.

I was really impressed. One, that she would trust me even when I was
the one doing it to her. She obviously calmed down and let me do it.
But also that she would intentionally retract her claws for me.

I've only had to bathe her twice, so it doesn't come up much, but it
left quite an impression on me, and not a bloody one

Maynard will do the same thing too, but he isn't bothered by water
unless it is on his head. So, it isn't as impressive with him. He is
waterproof.

I can't even imagine. I think the last time I gave a cat a bath was
when Jacob was a couple of months old. He's 16 now. G


Kira has had two baths. First was probably about 8 months old. The
second one was probably in the next year. She is 11 now. Maynard has
had 3 or 4 over the years, back when we used to do flea dips. We
started treating the floors about 10 or 12 years ago, so we don't do
those anymore. He's 17 1/2. And Chase is 3, no baths for him yet. We
only do them when they are dirty and really do need a bath.


I used to have to bathe our part persian, Fluffernutter, from time to time.
He had a really smooth tongue that just didn't quite do the job without
occasional help. He'd be fine until he got to the shower doors. Then he'd
grab the door and hang on for dear life (picturing brer rabbit "please don't
throw me in that briar patch"). Once I got him in the tub and turned on the
water he'd be fine until it was time to dry him off. Man was he gorgeous
when it was done though.

W.