Expert: Norman Auspitz - 8/4/2009

Question
Norm, I've entered a few cat shows with my Maine coon female and see a world of difference between some of the cats' coats and mine. I think not enough rinsing is part of my problem as is using too many shampoos. My girl is brown tabby with white and 9 months old.  What do you recommend for a bath regime and in particular the brands of shampoos? Shall I try all natural products -- I'd like a silken, shiny coat that doesn't look so frizzy on the undertail.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Marlene,

The biggest problem people have is not rinsing enough between each shampoo.  This is absolutely necessary!!!!!!!!!!!  After you think you have rinsed enough, you need to rinse some more until the coat is squeaky clean.

Normally, we start with Groomer's Goop especially behind the ears, top and bottom of the tail, between the front legs and the back legs and some on the back and belly. This is a basic degreaser. Rinse thoroughly!

Next we use a clarifying shampoo, like Suave or Pantene, to strip the coat and make it wetter than wet. Suds it well and rinse thoroughly.

Next, for the brown tabby portions, we use Tomlins Fiery Bronze, work it in and then rinse thoroughly.

After the brown tabby part is done, on to the white.

For the white, about once or twice a month we use EZ-Groom Crystal White diluted 1-1.  We heat it in the microwave until it is warm, but not hot. We work it into the white and let it sit a few minutes.  Rinse thoroughly.

For the white, we use Tomlins Sno Sho, work it into the white let it sit a minute or two and rinse thoroughly.

We have taken so much out of the coat, it is now time to add something back.  We take a good conditioning shampoo for fine hair, dilute it 1-1 and use that for a finishing rinse.  Again, you must rinse thoroughly.

We use German chamois cloths for drying and blow dry until the cat is still slightly damp. We use a Metro Air Commander dryer (lots of velocity, not so much heat).

I hope this is helpful.

Best regards... Norm.