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I have 2 Abys that have each had only 1 bath in the 13 years I've had them. I showed them once as kittens and recall climbing IN the bathtub (clothed ) to try to bathe them and it was a fiasco. My ragdoll comes home in 10 days - and I'm realizing now, maybe he'll need regular baths?

Does everyone here bathe their ragdoll regularly (not counting before a show - I won't be showing mine) How often? If it does need to be done, can anyone point me to a good "how to" to make the process as easy as possible on me and him? I get nervous just thinking about it!

Also, what shampoo or conditioner would I need? (not sure if conditioner is necessary?) I don't want to overbuy - just be prepared. I've got a great nail clippers, a zoom groom and a greyhound comb. Are there other "essential" grooming supplies I should have one hand?

Thanks for all the help and advice!
We never bathe the Ragdolls except for shows, special occasions or if they get into something, which usually is not a full bath. If you do not plan to bathe the kitten, then you are probably best just having some original Dawn dishwashing liquid on hand to do an emergency bath - and you can use it to do dishes. For just a dirty foot or something, you can use soap from a bar of soap - or nothing. Just rinse it off.
I usually wash them during heavy shedding time, so twice a year (this year more as Diwan has been shedding like a madman). I had giardiasis recently so I had to wash them too in order to make the meds more efficient and rid them from those nasty beasts.
I have baby cat shampoo (French brand) and then F1R2 all season. The boys like them and Diwan isn't allergic to them which is always a big concern here.
A rubber mat at the bottom of the tub or sink is helpful and an extra set of hands might be helpful as well. Comb hair and clip nails before you begin. Also, try to do it in a room where you can close the door. I also like the F1R2 shampoo and purchased a nice little dryer that I could dry them in their cage. I've only done it one time though. It can be quite the process. Smile
Here are 2 methods I've tried (I bathe mine about once a month). Both methods involve using the bathtub since it helps to do it in a room where the door can be closed. Both methods also involve getting into the tub with them (standing/crouching), and closing the shower door or shower curtain. It helps to either be undressed (if at home alone) or in a bathing suit (if not) so that you don't have to worry about getting your clothes wet. For both methods I dilute the kitty shampoo with warm water in a plastic cup beforehand and keep that handy, as well as keeping the bottle of kitty shampoo handy in case you need more. In both methods, I let the cat wander around the bathtub, but gently restrain him from jumping out of the tub... though inevitably that will happen, so when that happens I just pick him up and bring him back into the tub. Oh, also, be careful to not get water in your cat's ears (I generally stop at the neck and then afterwards use a wet washcloth with only water to clean his head and face)
DISCLAIMER: these methods are probably limited to cats who don't bite or scratch while being bathed, so first try it just with a water-only bath (so that if it doesn't go well you don't have to worry about rinsing off shampoo).

Method 1: I bought a cheap spray attachment for my tub faucet. In this method, I use the spray attachment to wet them down a little (I set it up and turn it on BEFORE bringing the cat into the bathroom), and then pour the diluted shampoo on their back, sides and tail and then use my hands to spread the shampoo to their underside and to lather them up. I then use the sprayer to rinse them very thoroughly (very important to rinse thoroughly). I don't turn off the tap in between the initial wetting stage and the rinsing stage, because it's too hard to get the water temperature right while also controlling the cat!
Method 2: I don't use the spray attachment for this one. For this method, I first fill the tub with a couple of inches of comfortably warm water, and also fill a couple of empty gallon bottles with warm water (I use gallon bottles of water from the supermarket which I have emptied and kept for this purpose). I also have a plastic cup with diluted shampoo. I bring the cat into the tub, and pour the diluted shampoo on him. I then use the cup to scoop up water from the tub to pour on him, to wet the fur enough to be able to spread and lather the shampoo. Then, after lathering, I do a preliminary rinse using cupfulls of water from the tub. But since this water now has shampoo in it, I drain the tub (while continuing to rinse) and then when the tub is drained I take the gallon bottles filled with warm water and pour that on them to really rinse their coat. Be sure to lift the cat's front up a little to be able to rinse his underside. I just started using this method the last few baths, and it seems to be easier (maybe because there isn't any running water so it's less stressful for them???).

Drying: In both methods, I then pick up the cat and cuddle him while using my hands to try to gently squeeze excess water out of his fur while comforting him. Then I use a towel to dry him, wrapping him up like a little kitty burrito. I don't blow dry (I don't even own a blow dryer, having curly hair which I never straighten!), so I always make sure that the temperature in the apartment is at least 70 degrees before I bathe them. As their fur dries, I use a comb to comb out their fur, but this is often done only one or two strokes at a time because by this point they're pretty annoyed with me and walk away Smile
does anyone use (or like) coat conditioners? i read somewhere about a product called Miracle Coat that can be used weekly when you comb them out. of course I have no idea if that's a good idea or not?

thank you all so much for the tips on washing! i have to see where i can find a spray attachment that can be used in the bathtub. i didn't know such a thing existed!
We found a cheap spray attachment at KMart, it slips over the tub nozzle. I try to pick a dry, warm day for Sage's occasional bath. You'll be surprised how long it takes a ragdoll to dry!
will most pet shampoos be fine to use? is baby shampoo (johnson's no more tears in the US) also a good choice?

i really appreciate all the help and patience with my questions!
In choosing shampoos, conditioners, etc., just use what you know about those products for yourself. All pet shampoos should be safe. You may find some that work better. Conditioner use depends on the condition of the coat, just as with human hair.
Well I used a conditioner once and Diwan had an allergic reaction to it and I had to wash him again just alleviate the symptoms. So now I am very careful. I don't show them so I think shampoo is enough with mine Smile
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