22 April

The Bedlam Cat Salon. Communing With Zip, Brushing Him For Spring. Poor Zip.

by Jon Katz

Zip hasn’t been abused for several days, and I miss the sheriff coming to see if he should find a nicer home.

So, I decided to get to work today and catch up. I’m sure there is an animal rights warrior somewhere—maybe everywhere—who thinks brushing cats is cruel. The sheriff has my address.

Perhaps I should take Zip to a cat hair studio.

I need to catch up. He is shedding his winter coat, and we need to go a few more rounds.

Photos by Maria Wulf.

Zip LOVES being brushed for about 10-15 minutes; then, like me, he gets easily distracted. We have that in common. But I love brushing my dogs and now my cat. There’s a nurturing gene in there somewhere.

First, a scratching session. Then, a thorough brushing. Then he starts flirting with me, hoping for more brushing today. But I had to get back to work.

Poor Zip. Somehow, he has survived us and his rough life on the farm.

Caring for Zip has been good for me; it’s healing and makes me feel great. “You look gorgeous, darling,” I gushed. As usual, he looked pretty pleased with himself. He will be rolling in something gross shortly. Zinnia is teaching him. His coat looks great. He’s starting to flirt with the sheep.

The Katz Salon.

9 Comments

  1. I am appalled that it has been several days since you abused Zip. It seems you just don’t care any more. Poor Zip

  2. love that Zip enjoys his brushing (in short increments, of course, how kingly of him). Our last barnie *Lily* loved her brushing as well….also in short increments……. it was always a joy! I am so enjoying your Zip time……and still missing our dear Lily…….. (she was taken by a coyote, darn it all). Just haven’t found the perfect barnie to replace her as of yet, but I keep my eyes and ears open in my network of neighbors and rural friends
    Susan M

  3. Brushing or grooming an animal feels so calming. Years ago, when caring for my sil’s horse, brushing her was my favorite part of the day. She seemed to rather like it too, and would chew and chortle in appreciation. She allowed me to braid her mane and tail, and I made many fun hair “dos” for her and sent pics to her delighted mom. Currently, we are caring for my bil’s 2 cats while he’s in a nursing rehab, and I brush them every day. When they feel they’re done, one cat will simply jump down, but the other likes to give me a sassy swat to say “Enough!” Fine, my liege.

  4. I’ve gotten behind on my reading. Today I saw the Katz salon and realized I never saw the play on words- ‘Katz with his cat’ 😊

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