DAILY CARE OF THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 31 



needs very little extra grooming at show time. 

 Do not wash the cat. Cats as a rule dislike 

 water, and washing only tends to make them 

 neglect themselves. Light colored cats may be 

 dry-cleaned by first rubbing them lightly with 

 a cloth wet with alcohol; then powdered with 

 cornstarch or talcum; be sure that the powder 

 is all brushed out, v/hich will require several 

 brushings, as powder found on a cat in a show, 

 is the means of disqualifying the entry. For 

 any reason if it becomes absolutely necessary 

 to wash the animal, be sure that a pure soap 

 free from strong acids is used. See that the 

 soap does not get in the eyes, and after rinsing, 

 wrap in a bath towel or sheet, rub gently until 

 nearly dry and then place in a covered basket, 

 over a heater or in front of a fire-place. Be 

 sure the animal is dry and protected from 

 draughts for several hours after bathing. 



