Grooming longhaired cats for show

Did I post this already? I think I might have, sorry if I did... but I can't find it for some reason. I must sound like a broken record, but I bought some stuff to sue and I want to see if you guys think it's a good idea.

So, I'm giving Tobie his bath tomorrow. I bought some sample-size bottles of the It's Showtime! line of grooming products. I bought the degreaser and a shampoo/conditioner combo called Fiery Bronze (the owner of the website suggested them to bring out the chocolate). I also got a texturizer spray, an anti-static spray, a fine tooth metal comb, a face comb, and a wire brush.

Who here has shown long-haired cats before? Would you use the products I bought? Would you mind giving me step-by-step instructions, including what to do just before he goes into the ring?

Thank you!!!

Our routine:

Clipping of claws and cleaning of ears comes first.

We use Groomers Goop on the underside, around the neck and base of tail. After rinsing we then use Dawn dishwashing soap. After rinsing that we use Shimmering Lights on the white parts. This has to be diluted with water first.
(A breeder once used it full strength and the mitts on her Ragdoll were purple. )

A good thorough brushing while blow drying.

At the show we just use a little powder on the greasy spots if any. Touch up brushing to fluff as much as we can. Check ears and clean if needed.

That's pretty much it.

Thanks! You make it sound so simple!! I never do my own hair, so well... I guess I'm a little unpracticed.

Are you ready Godiva?

(I showed turkish angoras - so know the LH grooming)


Warm 2 towels in the dryer and have them ready on the side.

1. Clip all nails first

2. Do the face/head/ears with a warm washcloth - no soap. Be sure the ears are cleaned out with a q-tip.

3. Comb him completely - making sure there are no tangles/mats, etc. on any part of his body - look especially on the belly/under the legs.

4. Put a mat/towel in the bottom of the sink/tub (mat preferred).

5. Run about 2-3 inches of warm water (not too hot, but you don't want the water to get cold fast).

If he's oily, you might want to use some GOOP on him first, but if not, then just continue.

6. I use a wash cloth to get them completely wet to the skin. It will take a bit of time - you want the cat to be totally wet from NECK down.

7. Use a little of the shampoo down his back. Then work it in good on back/sides/belly. You might need a bit more for the legs/belly so hopefully you will have another person to help you.

8. After you shampoo him, then rinse and rinse again with warm water - this takes the longest time as you want all the soap out - so don't use a lot of soap.

9. Put a light conditioner on the coat - mainly on the back/sides/tail.

10. Let sit about a min. Then rinse, rinse, rinse, and rinse some more.

Be sure you get all shampoo and soap out. If you have a double sink, you can switch to the other sink to rinse. If not, then drain the water out and rinse with clean water - a small hose helps or you'll have to use a cup to help rinse.


After the bath you need to towel dry and get most of the water off. That's why you need 2 towels - first one will get soaked

You are almost finished now. Have a wide-toothed comb and gently blow dry while combing (dryer on low setting) . Do a section at a time. Start with ruff/back/tail - do the tummy last. You must comb and blow dry together or the coat will not be smooth. Do NOT let him air dry.

You might want to confine him to one room afte the bath and until after the show. That way he will not get into things and mess up the coat.

Godiva, I'm so glad you asked this question. One of my cats is a retired show cat and when he first got here he looked so nice and beautiful (he'd been entered into a show that day so he was all puffed and pretty) but as time has gone on he's starting to look more frumpled and wrinkled, especially after his recent bath. So I've been wondering how to make him "pretty" again.

What I would like to know is how you guys keep them still while you're bathing and gooping and brushing and drying and toweling and etc. I KNOW my cat should be used to being groomed by now, but what a nightmare it was the day I had to give him a bath! He didn't try to scratch, but he sure wasn't happy and kept trying to get away. I never even attempted to comb him. In fact, even when I try to comb him while he's dry, he'll get up and walk away from me and I don't want to "force" him to stay, but he is a long haired cat, so I really need to keep him brushed. How do you guys do it???

You take charge - gentle but firm. Grooming should be a routine. YOU decide when to finish - not the cat. Hold him firmly on a table and comb with one hand while holding him with the other - kinda keep pressure on him.

Most times I just make them sit and then start combing - ignoring the protests or saying something like "sit still" in a firm voice.

As far as tummy - I stand them on the back legs and hold them under the front and comb down.

When washing - its best to have 2 people to help unless the cat is cooperative. I've washed most of my cats by myself with little problem. But DH is there (or my son) when I needed an extra hand to give me shampoo or help hold them.

As far as water - same principle applys - firm but gentle. I talk to them the entire time and tell them what a good kitty they are, its almost over, how wonderful they look, etc. Seems to help calm them. Also if the want to get out or hang on to the bar in the tub - I let them - but face them to the back so they think they are climbing out of the water. Many times I've had cats washed with 2 feet in the water, 2 feet on the soap bar

There is a great chamois which I use...I don't think you'll have my brand over there but basically, it's the same material that swimmers and platform divers use to dry off quickly...I tell ya, it's amazing! I used to use 2 large towels just to dry one Aby and with that chammy, it only takes about 1/2 a towel! Can you imagine? And it takes out so much water from your very wet cat that blow drying Dumdum (the Persian) or Lou (the NFO) takes 1/2 the time it used to! I'm sure you can find it at most petshops...

Pet shops around here stink. I went to PetSmart and some local pet stores yesterday, and nobody carries anything except the basic grooming supplies.

He got his bath today. Everything looks really good... I'm actually quite impressed with myself! However, his tail isn't coming out right. It isn't fluffy enough and seems to be a little greasy... I may have to do a tail wash tomorrow. Any tips on doing tails?

Godiva,

With boys, you have to really work on that tail. The best thing I've found is to use Goop. Put the goop on while the hair is still dry. Work it in thoroughly, and then you can get the tail wet. Once wet, keep working the goop through the coat, and then rinse rinse rinse again. I always do at least 2 degreasing shampoos, with the final shampoo being a volumizing shampoo. If you don't have any speciality volumizing shampoos, there are several "people" shampoos you can try. Use your texturing spray on his tail. Start drying his tail, blowing the hair backward (for more fluff), and then when most of the water is out of the hair, spray with the texturizer.

Good luck with the bathing and at your show!

Lynda
LynsGems Persians

With the blow drying backwards; at the show comb backwards and then take the tip and "fluff" it out by shaking it just before you go to the ring