Bathing Pepsi (she hates water)

Pepsi is 1 year and 1 month old and she has decided that water is her enemy. Fifi, her older sister, does not care at all, she just walks into the bathtub like it is a spa. Pepsi screams like I am killing her.

Here is what has worked for us in Santitham, after several attempts. First, I stopped trying in the bathroom. The bathroom is where the bad things happen, so she gets nervous the moment she sees the door. Now I do it at the kitchen sink, with a towel on the counter, and the water only lukewarm.

Second, I use a damp cloth for most of the time. Cats do not need a full bath unless they roll in something bad. Pepsi rolled in something bad on the balcony in September, and that was the only real bath she got this year.

Third, treats. Not many, but a lickable treat after she stops, so she associates it with something. A cat groomer in town once told me that the cat will forgive you faster than you think. I did not believe that until last month.

Last thing: let her dry in the sun on the windowsill if it is warm. Chiang Mai nights are cool now, so do it in the morning.