How can I wash my Dolly

[EachandEveryone]

She was out for hours two days ago. She’s come back looking awful. She doesn’t smell. Her belly and legs are all matted It’s horrible I didn’t realise their legs are so skinny under all that fur. I’ll try and show you, brushing isn’t helping it just looks worse. Like she’s sat it a pan of chip fat.

I think you need to bite the bullet and wash her in the bath/shower. Or places like pets at home do those shampoos that you don't have to wash out.. maybe give that a go and comb her after? I know it'll be an absolute mission though, my cats would cause hell if they were being dunked in the bath 😭

Very pretty cat though 😻

Its some kind of grease she keeps coming to me to be brushed but then runs im exhauted chasing her

I had to wash one of mine in the bath when he came home with his long fur covered in engine oil. I used ordinary shampoo in about an inch or two of warm water in the bottom of the bath. He actually didn't mind being washed and hated the hair dryer more. The shampoo got out the worst of the oil and I rinsed him thoroughly. He smelt of raspberries for a few days.

Damp microfiber cloth?

Never managed to get my cat into water - he bounces off it, about 1 inch above the surface.

Definitely in the bath, with shampoo. I make it quite deep and it seems to help to make them give in to it (but of course it all very much depends on the cat).

Oh Dolly! If it's grease sounds like a bath is the best option. Am guessing it isn't just the ends of her fur which you could trim (tho a wriggly cat and scissors may not be sensible).

No its like shes been laid flat on it. Shes not attempting to clean herself at all.

Oh, god! You have my deepest sympathy, OP! Under any other circumstances, I'd say "take her to a professional - less horrible for you and hopefully for her, too".

Is trying to just brush her out and letting the grooming take care of the rest an option (depends on substance, I suppose)? Wet microfibre cloth?

I've only ever tried to bathe a cat not accustomed to it once in my life. It was traumatizing for both of us and I still have a scratch scar a decade later. Cat in question was normally docile bordering on lazy.

In that sense: if there's no way around bathing the poor thing, I'd recommend two adults, 1st aid kit on stand-by and a stiff drink straight after!

One of my cats has to have a bath every week/10 days (she has a few issues & this is under vet guidance).

I fill the sink with warm water & also fill the washing up bowl with warm water & put it on the draining board with a jug.

Lift cat into sink, I used to have to restrain her holding the scruff (gently) but now only have to rest my hand on the back of her neck & she stays still.

Get her wet, rub shampoo in & rinse, a bit at a time then pull the plug out & rinse with the clean water from the bowl on the draining board.

Wrap in a towel & keep her in until properly dry. Ply with treats!!!

Face her sideways or away from you in the sink to minimise scratching/escaping.

Baths are very calm these days, she 'talks' to me during it but used to hiss/swear.

Bloody hell shall I put them both in together

I think cats hate the cold. So make sure it's warm enough. Wrap her in a towel and shampoo her through the towel. The towel will get soaked of course so have another for drying.

thecatsite.com/c/how-to-safely-bathe-a-cat-the-complete-guide/

Snorg doesn't mind a bath

Snorg doesn't mind a bath

Oh, that looks hilariously pitiful!

I gave a kitten a bath once to rid her of fleas and I prayed I'd never have to do it again. When my longhaired cat gets a bit mucky, I use scent-free wet wipes to clean her.

I'm hoping you're ok @EachandEveryone if you had to bathe her.
I had to bath our old girl once as she got wet fence paint on her paws. It came off but there was lots of scrabbling, swearing and orangey/brown splatters all up the bathroom walls. DP and DD arrived home at the end of it all; I let DP clean up whilst I finished the fence.

I was more worried when she took herself off soaking wet and hid behind the telly. It wasn’t so bad I washed her with Crabtree and Evelyn lavender soap I soaked a flannel and held her over the bath. I stood her in at the end but that’s when she legged it. It’s still not completely dry or it is and still looks abit oily, I don’t know if I’m forgiven.

*I washed her with Crabtree and Evelyn lavender soap.
*
Nothing but the best!

Well she'll smell nice if nothing else
If you follow the centre you adopted her from on social media they are doing rehoming success stories you could send her photos in post bath! Our lad has already appeared

Oh i will look as i can never see where to add photos

If you email them they will pick it up. It then depends which staff member does the post as to the blurb-ours was in cat speak.