How Is This Kitten Even Real?!

Today we are grooming Fennec, a 12-week-old Persian kitten who is here to begin his lifelong relationship with shampoo, blow dryers, and having someone inspect his butt. Do you like two? Mr. Fennec? Fennec, do you like it? He's always like two. Okay, I don't need to clip his nails because they've already been clipped. I'm going to try to shave his butt. Let's see. Can we distract you over here? I'm going to shave your butt. I'm also going to shave your groin because you have some pee-pee. Good boy. Finish your tube, buddy, and then I have to shave your paws. Well, actually, maybe I shouldn't let him finish his tube for that. Can you see your paw? I had a feeling. You have some really hairy Grinch feet. Sorry. Are you done with tube? I'm sorry. Don't get your whiskers in the way. Okay. Oh, you're so cute. Mr. Fennec. We're going to be calm and zen. No panicking. Don't look on his face. No escaping, sir. Good boy. Good boy, Mr. Fennec. He has a constant worried look on his face. Looks more worried. Don't go backwards. You're going to fall into the tub. Don't be upset, sir. You're being a really good boy. We're going to go for a rinse. Okay, let's go. The one thing about long-haired cats is that they are high maintenance, and unfortunately, even as tiny, adorable kittens, they are notorious for one particularly glamorous problem, poopy butts. With all that long, fluffy hair back there, sometimes things don't make a clean exit. I'm going to get a towel dry. Go for a little blow dry. Goodness. Goodness gracious. My favorite part about grooming cats has to be the wet cat dance. I'm going to go for a blow dry now. Poor little Fennec. It's for your best interest, Fennie. Trust me. You don't like it, buddy? You want me to take it off? I'll take it off. Okay. Is that better? Okay. Whatever you want. It's so important that grooming is introduced to long-haired kittens at a very young age. Brushing, bathing, nail trims, blow drying, and sanitary trims are all the things Fennec will likely experience throughout his life. So the earlier he learns that grooming is just a part of the routine, the better. Persian cats are known for their luxurious coats, laid-back personalities, and of course, their very distinctive faces. Over time, Persians have been bred to have increasingly flat faces, but some breeders are working with the more traditional, less extreme facial structure, just like Fennec's. You're so photogenic. You ready for your little combing? And I have to say, it is refreshing to groom a Persian who appears to have arrived with a fully functioning nose. Because as adorable as these cats are, being able to breathe comfortably should probably remain fairly high on the list of desirable features. Oh, you have to clean? I did a bad job. Are you purring? You're a purry boy. Hi buddy. You need some too? Hurry up, it's dripping. So if you're considering bringing a Persian into your family, just remember that this beautiful coat comes with a commitment. Regular brushing, bathing, eye and face care, sanitary maintenance, and professional grooming may all be necessary to keep them comfortable and healthy. Go in your house, go. Thank you. Please come again.