A vet tech told me the coolest thing!

I just found out that a friend's wife is a vet tech and works in a no kill shelter in a semi secret location in SC. They don't want people just dropping off cats there.
Anyway, she told me that when they bathe the shelter cats, they throw a collander in the water, and the cats will dig their claws in to hold on. It keeps them from digging their claws into whoever is bathing them. She bathes the cats there often, and is never scratched up.
We stayed at their house over the weekend, and we had the longest conversation we have ever had. I made a new friend, now she is not just a friend's wife. She is a real sweetheart, hopefully we can expect to see her here.

Interesting concept. If it works, great. I've never really had a big battle in bathing cats (mine or others). But will keep it in mind if needed in the future

Yeah, I've read somewhere that if you put something with grip that they can dig their claws into, they're less likely to try and escape and scratch you.

sorry, what is a collander? Is it a kitchen utensil with lots of holes in it??


If so, what sort of colander do they use? colander made of plastic?



the tip is worth a wider spreading!

It is a strainer like for spaghetti and such. I think she uses a plastic one. She bathes cats at the shelter frequently and swears by it.

I've never heard of using a colander, but I have heard of putting a screen in the bottom of the tub or sink.

Of course, what helps the most is to trim those nails before you give the cat a bath.

Ok I have a dumb question....which way does she put it in the water? Seems like upside down would be right but I'm asking anyway!

Interesting, I might try the plastic collander in the sink next time.
See if it does anything. My cat hates baths and tries to climb out digging
nail in all the way, of course I cut first. I wish you could see my in
my rain slicker, thankfully I only bath a couple times a year.

One thing I've always done when I HAD to bathe one of mine is to wear a long-sleeved tshirt that's loose fitting. That way, they catch their claws in the loose fabric and not your skin.

Then again, if you have an aversion to soaking your clothes...lol

Originally Posted by emrldsky

One thing I've always done when I HAD to bathe one of mine is to wear a long-sleeved tshirt that's loose fitting. That way, they catch their claws in the loose fabric and not your skin.

Then again, if you have an aversion to soaking your clothes...lol

Click to expand...

I have done the long sleeve blue jean shirt but I get so wet and she
can still grip on to me. I found out that my rain slicker with a liner
keeps me dry and I dont have scratches of any kind, " no battle scars"
haha.

Yes, you put it upside down.

Hopefully I never have to wash my cats, but that is a great tip!!