GROOMING TIPS

For Scottish Fold
by Jean Grimm

 Grooming is basically the same for the long-haired and the short-haired varieties of Scottish Fold. The Longhair will naturally require more combing and a longer drying time than the Shorthair. All cats should be conditioned at an early age to tolerate bathing, nail clipping, and ear cleaning. Cleaning the Scottish Fold’s ear is simple, especially if the cat has been accustomed to having its ears handled at an early age. The tip of the ear is held between two fingers and gently drawn upward to reveal the ear opening underneath. The inside of the ear should be wiped out carefully with a cotton swab or a damp cloth. Clean only the outer visible surfaces.

Bathing should start when the cat is still a kitten. A deep sink with a good rubber mat on the bottom can be filled with warm water before the cat is placed in it. Wet the cat and lather it up with a gentle cat shampoo. Rinsing can be done in another sink of water or with a spray attachment. Towel the cat thoroughly and finish with an electric dryer and a comb until the coat is completely dry. Here is a very important hint: Clip the nails before the bath. You will find that the upkeep for the Scottish Fold is easy.

For British Shorthair
by Emily Turner

So you have managed to collect and pack all the things you will need to show your new British Shorthair kitten. Now it's bath time!

You will need the following:

• Nail clippers
• Q-tips
• Cotton balls or cosmetic wipes
• Shampoo (The type will depend on the color and texture of your particular kitten's coat. Start with a good general purpose cat shampoo if the breeder of your kitten hasn't made a suggestion of a certain brand or type).
• Towels and a washcloth.
• A sprayer attachment for your faucet. Sometimes you can find these in the grocery store and at pet stores.

Try to use a laundry or kitchen sink. This will save your back. It's very difficult to hold on to a wet, soapy, wiggling kitten while leaning over a bathtub. I particularly like to use a laundry sink because of the depth of the sink.

THE BATH

• Clip your cat's nails (very important).
• Check ears and clean with a cotton ball dipped in some warm water. You can also use a Q-tip to clean ears but you must be very careful not to insert the Q-tip too deeply into the ear.
• Pull any long hairs at the tip of your cat's ears so that no hairs extend longer then the tip of the ear.
• With the washcloth, carefully wash the cat's face.
• Place the cat in the sink and soak the coat with water. Using the washcloth work the shampoo into the coat. Rinse, being careful to remove all the shampoo. Many times with kittens one shampoo will be enough. If the cat is older and hasn't had a bath in a while you may want to shampoo a second time. Of course, rinse again.
• Towel dry your cat. Comb with a wide tooth comb with the grain of the coat. Carefully back comb (against the grain) to fluff up the coat. Air dry. Do not blow dry the coat. The British Shorthair should have a crisp coat and blow drying tends to soften the coat.

Article can be found on http://www.cfainc.org/