Grooming Tips

Grooming Tips: Havana Brown

Having bred and exhibited Persians (Himalayans, Solids, Parti-Colors, and Tabbies) and a white Turkish Angora, I want to emphasize that show bathing a shorthair requires almost as much time and effort, but the drying process is another story.

I begin the bathing process by soaking the kitten or cat to the skin in warm water. For the initial shampoo, I usually use a medicated shampoo such as Sebolux which I purchase from my vet or a horse shampoo such as Kentucky Gold. I follow this with Jirmack Shine. This is usually followed up with a brown or bronze shampoo. For Havanas, I like an English shampoo called Marron, but few vendors carry it. I usually follow this with a few drops of Charbon (made by the same company) mixed into a large Iams mug of warm water. I find the large Iams mugs very useful when bathing cats.

After all shampooing is complete, I rinse thoroughly. I usually add a few drops of Jirmack Shine Conditioner to a large Iams mug of warm water and then rinse some more. Too much cream rinse will destroy the effect that I want to achieve.

Occasionally, I use a vinegar rinse but most of the time do not find that it is necessary. The key is to shampoo well and rinse equally well.

Once the bathing process is done, I usually wrap the soaking wet Havana in a warm towel and settle down for a short cuddle. This usually lasts until my victim can escape the towel and begin his/her own grooming agenda.

Of course, nails must be clipped and ears cleaned thoroughly prior to heading for the show hall and this is best done prior to tackling the bath. On show mornings, faces are washed with a soft washcloth that has been soaked in warm water.

Little serious grooming should be required at the showhall. A little Optrex lotion on a cotton swab for eyes, if necessary. Sometimes a drop of Silk or Shine rubbed on the hands or on a doeskin chamois to polish the coat prior to going to a ring.

I like my Havana Browns to have a soft, silky touch with the coat lying tight and shimmering a rich, reddish, mahogany brown tone.

A well groomed cat arrives at the showhall ready for competition.

Text: Brenda Wood 7/99

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