Classy Cat

By Nora Simmons

While few of us are willing to risk life and limb to give our cat a bath, sometimes she needs a little help keeping up appearances. Lend her a hand (without endangering yours) with these convenient tools.


deBotanica Catnip Bath Wipes
Perfect when kitty has fallen down on her upkeep job and you don’t feel brave enough to give her a good soaking. She’ll tolerate the moist wipe down—reminiscent of her mother’s tongue—and even get a little kooky from the catnip. The organic aloe vera and vitamin E will help keep her coat soft and shiny. $8.95; debotanica.com

Kong Zoom Groom
The soft rubber nubs on this tool give your cat a much-appreciated massage, while it removes loose fur—which your guests will appreciate when they don’t have to de-fuzz their pants after dinner parties. Great for short-haired and sensitive-skinned cats. $7.99; kongcompany.com

Furminator
This ingenious deshedding tool pulls out your kitty’s dead undercoat—along with the loose topcoat—so that you can get rid of excess fur before it takes over your couch. Great for long-haired and mat-prone kitties. $34.95; furminator.com —NS