Pet Washing Machine: A Damper on Animal Care?

| Print | By Jo Singer | March 24, 2009 10:21 AM

For most folks, the idea of bathing a cat can be exasperating to even consider. While some breeds, such as the Sphynx, need regular bathing, for the most part bathing a cat does not have to be included in a regular grooming routine. While some kitties don't mind that occasional shampoo, I can safely say that the majority of felines would give this dampening experience a resounding "paws down."

A pretty normal feline response to a bath
24-Cat Hates Water.jpg

This being said, about a year ago I learned of a company that actually invented a "washing machine" to shampoo cats and dogs. I ran across an advertisement for this product the other day and was reminded about my strong negative reaction to it back then. With claims that this product alleviates stress for both the pet and their caretakers, the promoters tout their product to be completely safe and one that should be considered an option for pet owners. Visit their website to view this contraption.
http://www.petspausa.com/

At one time a video existed on YouTube featuring the "washing machine; but it has since been removed as inappropriate material for the website I give a round of apaws to YouTube, for taking action.

Interestingly one pet grooming service responded to the video in document format, giving the "spa" high marks claiming, "The time of the bath is usually reduced in half compared to traditional bathing, and lower stress on pets compared to traditional bathing, due to the fact that we do not use a restraining system. There is no stranger restraining or holding the pet. The Cabin eliminates the need for punishment or sedatives when washing nervous or aggressive cats and dogs." You can read more by visiting this document file at: http://www.bubblespetspa.com/PetSpaFacts_2.doc

The manufacturer of the "spa's" website additionally claims that their machine is safe, according to the "Board of Veterinary Medicine". I made an extensive search for the BVM website, but for some strange reason, this board's title is so vague that no website was found. I found it equally interesting that the manufacturer's Web site also states "that their machine has been "featured in" various publications", but actually provides no links to them. Could this mean that they purchased advertising to get publicity?

I don't know about you, but this seems to me to be a really bad idea. It borders on animal cruelty as far as I am concerned, and I still see "red" when I read about it a year later.

Have you heard of this thing? What do you think? Good idea -- or animal abuse?

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (262) , Care (5) , Grooming (5)



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Comments (8)

Ruth from England March 24, 2009 12:11 PM

I'd never heard of this contraption and it wouldn't be allowed in our country. How can some people be so stupid and unkind as to put a cat or a dog in the thing ? It's bad enough people thinking cats have to be bathed,when we know they don't, unless too dirty to clean themselves,but to subject them to being shut in that is beyond comprehension,the poor creatures must be absolutely terrified ! Yes I agree, it borders on animal cruelty and it's made me see RED too !When will everyone realise animals are living feeling beings, and not just possessions !

fran March 24, 2009 12:21 PM

What ever next will the dingbats think of to put animals through even more discomfort and horror all for the sake of god knows what! RED! I see every colour of the spectrum when I think how stupid some people are. Ye Gods, where will it all end?

Vicki March 24, 2009 12:53 PM

I have never heard of this, but i do not like the idea at all. I will stick to my old tried and true method. Something like this should be outlawed.

Amy March 24, 2009 1:02 PM

There is no way any animal of mine would have to be subjected to this. I think having a hands on groomer or doing it yourself makes it easier to notice any difference in the animals skin, such as lumps cuts or other things hidden under the pets coat.

Barbara March 24, 2009 1:54 PM

That is one of the most disgusting things I've seen in a long time! It's nothing less than a torture chamber, just imagine how frightened a dog would be shut in there, and then multiply it a thousandfold for how terrified a cat would be, being imprisoned and water sprayed on them would make them feel as though they were going to be drowned. And I take great exception to this statement: "The Cabin eliminates the need for punishment or sedatives when washing nervous or aggressive cats and dogs" Punishment? PUNISHMENT?? This place wants closing down! I see there's a contact email address info@petspausa.com I'm going to give them a piece of my mind right now.

Martin March 24, 2009 2:02 PM

I must join the other commentors in their appraisal of this totally inhumane "chamber". It looks like a torture chamber to me. What makes me even more angry to suggest that an anxious animal needs punishment? I, along with Barbara feels the company that manufactures this product deserve the "punishment" that they suggest. Get the product off the market once and for all.

Donna March 24, 2009 5:43 PM

I totally disagree with bathing a cat unless it's gotten into something toxic or gooey that must be removed...I've had Pirate almost 15 years, Wheez 10, Toey 9, Chester 5 and Mouse 3 and none of them have seen the inside of a bathtub...unless they're sitting in it begging for me to let the water drip. Cats, for the most part are self cleaning. What moron doesnt know that?

Aaron Jones October 7, 2009 6:47 PM

i think that cats are really funny!! i have a cat that loves water! she likes to swim in the back people!!

rollyboy January 13, 2010 10:27 PM
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hmmm, i not really agree with this but im not also against about it. cats are self cleaning pet, however maybe if they are been to canal or you just pick them up in the streets maybe they too need washing from their owner,,..Check

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animal lover March 17, 2010 7:12 AM
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What a great idea!

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