Removing Dried Insulation from Your Cat's Fur

• 1). Prepare by running a warm water bath for your cat. Ideally this should be in a bathroom where you can close the cat in to dry after you are done. But a large sink will work, as well. You want the water to be about chest deep on the cat. The water needs to be warm, but not too hot.
  
  
• 2). Lay out the Dawn soap next to the tub or sink. Also lay extra towels out where you can reach them. Place one washcloth in the water and keep the others handy.
  
  
• 3). Practice scruffing your cat gently a couple of times. Scruffing is when you mimic, with your hand, the grip a mother cat takes on her kittens by getting a firm hold of the loose skin on the scruff of the neck and lifting the cat. It should react by submitting and allowing you to pick it up, curling into a fetal position when you lift it.
  
  
• 4). Pet your cat and relax him with a treat, then restrain him by scruffing him and wrapping him tightly in a thick towel. You want to make sure all his paws are firmly restrained in the towel. The towel needs to be tight enough to keep the cat from moving or clawing, but not so tight that the cat cannot breathe.
  
  
• 5). Carry the cat into the bathroom and submerge it into the water. Be prepared for the cat to struggle. Do not release the cat from the towel until it submits. Most cats will struggle until they are totally soaked, and then usually submit. Keep hold of the scruff, and remove the towel in the water.
  
  
• 6). Using your free hand, apply the Dawn soap to the cat's fur, paying particular attention to the areas where the insulation has dried into the coat. Rinse and repeat until the worst has been washed out. Use a washcloth for stubborn areas.
  
  
• 7). Rinse the fur thoroughly, as any soap left on will dry and irritate the cat's skin. Finally, using the scruff of the neck and a dry towel to pin the feet close to the body, remove the cat and towel dry on the floor.
  
  
• 8). Make sure the cat is in an enclosed place, like a small bathroom, and turn him loose. Allow him to air dry for several hours and be sure to praise and pet him while you are waiting.
  
  
• 9). Once the cat is dry, brush the coat thoroughly, paying close attention to any areas that might still have some insulation on them. Whatever is left should brush out easily.
  
  
• 10
  
  Pet and praise your cat, and allow him out of confinement.