[Cagey]

HOW TO BATHE THE CAT

1. Thoroughly clean the toilet.

2. Add the required amount of shampoo to the toilet water, and have both lids lifted.

3. Obtain the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.

4. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids (you may need to stand on the lid so that he cannot escape).

CAUTION: Do not get any part of your body too close to the edge, as his paws will be reaching out for any purchase they can find.

5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "powerwash and rinse" which I have found to be quite effective.

6. Have someone open the door to the outside and ensure that there are no people between the toilet and the outside door.

7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.

8. The now-clean cat will rocket out of the toilet, and run outside where he will dry himself.

Sincerely,

The DOG

[Catspaw]

In my latest AllPets catalog is an item (#191606) entitled, "Minimize Mishaps Created When Bathing or Medicating Cats." It's a "grooming bag [that] securely restrains the animal, preventing jumping and running away. Use while bathing, flea dipping, blow drying, nail clipping and during ear/eye care. Great for cats, rabbits, ferrets and small dogs up to 16 lbs." It costs $10.99. It looks like a mesh laundry sack.

My question: how do you get the cat into the bag in the first place?