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Cleaning
Most cats enjoy water, or at least tolerate it .Start them at an early age with the routine so they get used to bathing. Bathing should be done in warm water; use your elbow or wrist to sample the water temperature before immersing the cat. It should feel just a bit warmer than you would prefer. A mat at the base of the tub or sink is a good idea as the cat will feel more secure when standing. Turn off the water before you place your cat in the bath. They tend not to like the sound of the running water.
First, place the cat in the water and wet all the skin, avoiding getting water in the ears.
Then remove the cat from the bath and apply pet shampoo made for cats, NOT HUMAN shampoo or a shampoo with Tar, which is toxic to cats. If your cat is comfortable in the water apply the shampoo with a sponge in the bath. Place the cat back in the bath if you have shampooed him out of the sink/tub and rinse off all the shampoo. Make the final rinse a clean water rinse. When all of the shampoo is removed take the cat out of the water and wrap in a warm towel. You can put a few drops of ear dry in each ear and gently clean the ears with a soft Q-tip, or use a little shampoo to clean the ear and wipe it out with a clean wet cotton ball. Be very careful to not insert the Q-tip deeply into the ear, only into the folds to clean any wax you see. A cotton ball is a much better choice with less risk of damaging your cats’ ears. (Your vet or I can demonstrate for you) You can use a few household items to clean their ears. A vinegar solution, one part vinegar mixed with two parts water, will clean excess earwax and additional dirt. A few drops of coconut oil in each ear on a cotton ball will help lubricate and clean it effectively. Add a few drops of your chosen cleaning solution to each ear, massage the base of the ear to loosen the built-up dirt, and use a cotton ball to wipe it clean. You will find the best combination of products and technique that works for your cats personality. Be sure to gently clean your cat’s eyelids daily as they do not have lashes. Since the Donskoy lacks eyelashes, dirt can more easily get in. Clean the eye gently with a cotton pad, cotton makeup removers work well. Eyes cleaning should be done every 1-2 days. Occasionally condition the skin with grape seed oil or coconut oil, apply then wipe off the skin. Allerderm, by Virbac can be applied after a bath. It is an exclusive blend of ceramides and fatty acids similar to those found in normal healthy skin.
Nail Cleaning
It is easiest to wrap your cat gently in a towel until he becomes comfortable with nail trimming and sit on your lap without trying to escape. Take the paw out from the towel and clean each toenail bed with a soft cloth, makeup pads work well here too, taking care to be gentle, as the nails are sensitive. Trim nails, avoiding the quick, and clean the toes removing built up dirt and yeast. Repeat for all four paws. (Your Veterinarian or I can demonstrate nail clipping, as well.)
Be sure to clean the face with a soft cloth, washing all the wrinkles. This breed requires no brushing, but regular cleaning with a damp face cloth or unscented cat wipe is necessary. Remember the ears/eyes have no hair around them to trap dust and dirt, again, remember they will also need occasional cleaning in between baths.
Teeth Cleaning
Daily brushing with a Veterinarian approved toothpaste will help avoid future periodontal disease and tooth decay. http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/ten-steps-dental-health
WHEN USING ANYTHING CHEMICAL (SHAMPOO, EAR CLEANING SOLUTION, COMMERCIAL FOOD) IT IS ALWAYS ADVISED TO CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN IN ADVANCE)
Litter Boxes
You should have one more litter box than the number of cats you own. Cats prefer an unscented litter. We use the Breeze system with our cats, but there are many choices of litter boxes on the market: our favorites:
• http://www.tidycats.com/products/breeze
• http://www.litter-robot.com/ self cleaning
Robot Cat Litter Box information & discount code: