marycatherine | ExpatWoman.com
 

marycatherine

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Latest post on 11 March 2011 - 21:19
Drinking or possession of alcohol without a Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal and could result in arrest and/or fines and imprisonment. Alcohol is served at bars in most major hotels but is intended for guests of the hotel. Persons who are not guests of the hotel, and who consume alcohol in the restaurants and bars, technically are required to have their own personal liquor licenses. Liquor licenses are issued only to non-Muslim persons who possess UAE residency permits. Public drunkenness and driving under the influence, regardless of one’s blood alcohol content level, are considered serious offenses. Persons arrested on alcohol-related offenses are often jailed for many days as they await a court hearing. Penalties may include hefty jail sentences and fines and, for Muslims (even those holding U.S. citizenship), lashings. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1050.html - sorry can't find an Emirati source [b'>Alcohol is covered by the Emirate[/b'>, not the Federal Government - I would guess all of the holes in the wall are owned by the local ruling Sheikh (otherwise they would be shut down). He doesn't care if you're pulled over after you leave his patch - no one is going to go after him, not even the Federal council. If someone decides to complain about you and you have alcohol in your possession or your system (whether it's enroute or return or in your home) and you don't have a license, you're going to have a problem if you have an RP and live in an Emirate that issues alcohol permits. Someone mentioned there was a breath alyser (sp?) going into one of the new communities in Dubai a few weeks ago. The Dubai police have been known to set up similar units outside the larger hotels as well. edited by marycatherine on 11/03/2011 2.2. Alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption shall be confined to designated areas (i.e. licensed restaurants and venues that serve alcohol to their clients). Being caught under the effect of alcohol outside these places (even in light doses) can lead to a fine or incarceration. 2.3. Driving and alcohol: The UAE has adopted a zero-tolerance policy in terms of driving under the effect of alcohol. Being caught driving with even the smallest dose of alcohol can lead to a fine, incarceration or deportation. 2.4. Purchasing alcohol: Buying and selling alcohol is controlled by very strict laws. Alcohol is exclusively sold by specialised licensed stores. It can only be bought by holders of an alcohol-purchasing license (this license is only attainable by non-Muslims). Buyers shall respect the local culture by carrying their alcohol in paper bags such that it cannot be seen. This is from the Dubai Code of Conduct http://dubaiinformer.com/769/dubai-code-of-conduct-full-version/ edited by marycatherine on 11/03/2011 <em>edited by marycatherine on 11/03/2011</em>
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Latest post on 11 March 2011 - 16:40
I don't think Qatar law specificially addresses what women can and cannot wear in public. However, they can charge you with indecency should someone complain. And people do complain. Personally, I only know of one instance - the police were not involved, but the offended person (a national) spat on the offendee - wearing shorts out jogging. The police don't go looking for you but don't tick anyone off. It's always better to err on the side of caution. Having your husband with you not only prevents the pervs from getting too close but it gives you an "advocate" who is "responsible" for you should something arise. Confrontation should be avoided at all costs if a complaint is made, just cover up.
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Latest post on 11 March 2011 - 14:07
Don't do it unless you have your husband with you. He can then handle the trolls and the police. However, also wear a conservative 1 piece. I have seen women in 2 pc suits but the "traffic" by arab men in large SUVs as well as local laborers on foot who go to the beach on weekends can get to be quite heavy.
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 21:18
Forgot to add one maid fried my electrical panel by trying to wash down the walls on my patio (where the panel was located). I know what happens when electricity and water mix. I don't expect someone who has never had electricity in er home before knowing this - I'm only thankful she didn't fry herself and that I got home before everything in the fridge/freezer was destroyed.
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 21:13
will have to agree with vp - while somethings get lost in translation (especially in an emergency situation). This lady sounds like she's trying to come up with a story that will get her what she wants (and what will sound "good" to you). Send her home to help her family
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 21:07
In 11 years I have been asked for an advance (I pay monthly) 3 x. One for a natural disaster, one for a death, one for a family emergency. I can afford it, I trust her (a big factor), and there but for the grace of God go I. I am blessed with friends and family I can call on in an emergency, some are not or maybe not for the $$ they need at short notice. I am also a big believer in Karma. "Even" if it's my maid. Maybe I will be taken advantage by her. But I truly believe my good will will be returned by someone someday even if the person I extended my goodwill (and money) to does not. It's interesting - lack of return of favours or failure to come through bothers me almost not at all (if I think of it at all) while people I know are eaten almost alive by it. My life is too short IMHO eta - my employer will give an advance in similar situations to those described above - in fact, since I started full time work in 1984 - every employer I've had had done this. <em>edited by marycatherine on 11/03/2011</em>
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Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 20:57
Be careful, I have had 1 man masturbating in his car at this beach and the only way he left is when I took a picture (with cell phone) of his car and number plate. At that point I wished my dog was vicious - his car window was open and he was "vulnerable" to say the least. However, given his behaviour I'm glad my dog wasn't near any living thing that poisonous. ICK.
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 21:43
Be sure to buy the camera here if you decided to do so - a couple I work with are having their residency permits cancelled (and will have to leave Doha) because they bought one online and had it shipped. CID had them into the office and they were told their visas would be cancelled. This is the official reason given for their cancellation.
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 21:36
I've lived in the GCC for 11 years had 3 maids and the only problems I've had is a kitchen utensil got broken (and was place carefully back in the drawer as if it wasn't) and several glasses, etc. Small stuff. In the first instance I was ticked, but only because she hadn't told me and when I went to use it, it was broken GRR. However, when she came in the next day I told her I can replace things, but I get angry when I don't know. To be honest, I'm continually amazed by the stories that I read on EW - I must be extraordinarily lucky. My maids have always had keys to the house, access to everything and stay in my home when I am on holiday to look after my pets. As I say, really lucky (or am I overdue for one of the horror stories????)
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 21:31
Just an FYI and I don't know if it's liable to happen in Dubai but a bakery in Doha was raided late last year for producing "indecent" cakes.
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Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 21:29
As others have said - stay hydrated. That said, I find wind affects my lips a lot. Again, as others have said, I wet my lips, add oil (olive, jojoba or mineral) then petroleum jelly then a good moisturizer a few times a day when I am affected. Works very well. At home in the winter I have the same problem - I use a lip balm called Blistex. It is excellent (especially when used with the above, but it fits in your purse or pocket) I don't know if it's available here. I usually buy a couple of tubes when I'm home.
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 20:19
And your bank is familiar with your buying patterns? If they suspect that there may be some hanky panky going on they may well freeze the account. You haven't had a problem, great! Would you rather they freeze when they suspect a problem or let it go? In UAE, you're held responsible for all suspect transacations (legally) usually.
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 19:06
Think about it - MasterCard and Visa are entities that are attached to banks but they are not banks. HSBC Visa is not necessarily the same as HSBC nor is it the same as ADCB Visa - they are separate entities - read the fine print on your credit card paperwork. Your billing addresses match where the goods are being shipped. In many instances (not all - I know) if the goods are not being shipped to the billing address, the goods won't be shipped either.
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 17:34
While I realize you may want a girl this time around - the question is what will you do if it is another boy? I only ask because my sister has 4 boys (and would have dearly loved to have a little girl) and lost one to miscarriage. No judgement intended - but do you want another child?
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 17:30
is the billing address also UK? Credit card companies (and they are usually separate from banks) look askance on a credit card being used in say UAE and the billing address is also in UAE.
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 16:48
Good thing he's friendly ;-) I hope you find the owner, if not post here - I might be interested if he's not tooooo interested in dog savvy cats.
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 16:29
Banks can and do freeze bank accounts (and more often credit cards) without notice. Credit cards are often frozen if activity is recorded that is "unusual" - i.e. the credit card is being used in a country that has problems with fraud activity but the credit card holder has never used the card there before. It is one of the primary reasons why you can't buy direct from US or UK suppliers - fraudulent use of credit card numbers here and in Asia in general makes them careful.
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 15:48
RAK animal welfare?
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 15:47
If he lets you carry him - it may be quite easy to get him into the carrier by feeding sooner rather than later. I'm up to 8 spays/neuters in my bin cat neighbourhood. It can be done - you just need a little patience (and able to deal with the disappointments and heartbreak along the way - they are inevitable. Help the ones you can. <em>edited by marycatherine on 07/03/2011</em>
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 12:13
Lots of dogs shed 2x a year (spring and autumn) - time to get a good brush and brush her everyday until she's over the worst of it.
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 12:10
I've had luck catching feral cats with just a regular cat carrier - leave the door open and put the food at the very back of the carrier. Just stand quietly at a distance - let him come and eat over several days and you move a little closer each day. He will be very jumpy at first but if nothing happens then he will get more comfortable. Once you can stand next to the carrier as he eats - make sure he has all 4 paws inside then slam that door shut fast! Don't worry about his tail - he'll be trying to spin around so fast to run away that his tail will be all the way inside once you've shut the door. There will be some bouncing around and loud complaints but in my experience, once they're in the car they quiet down. A humane trap is easier and faster but isn't selective, so you may get another cat caught - no big deal - but may make the target nervous for a while
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Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 07:11
Take him to the Vet ASAP - this animal is suffering and you have the chance to change that.
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Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 19:43
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/easiyo!TRADE-yoghurt-maker/F/product/7531 was available at Lakeland in Mirdiff Dubai in December - soon to open in Doha - hopefully the yoghurt maker will be available here soon!!!
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Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 19:37
Yes I knew how hot it was before I brought my dog, I sought out (as is the OP) places where I could take her where she could "frolic" but not overheat. I also had plans for day to day (not sure about OP). To the OP, can you get a child's pool, fill it with water (and maybe some ice in hotter temps) to help puppy? It's not easy here - but it can be done if you persevere.
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Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 09:06
This is a wind up - in her other thread Mrs J says that she and DH will be staying in a hotel for a couple of weeks - now she has a home AND a maid but no RP?
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 20:38
Regular daily exercise and a good diet are two good ways to start - just brisk walking every day for 30 - 60 minutes can help a lot for mild depression - the weather is good now, get out in the sunshine - hopefully there's somewhere "interesting" to walk near you, even in the city. Avoid alcohol - it's a downer and it interrupts your sleep as well - a good sleep pattern helps you feel better too (and it has been shown to help in controlling weight to a degree, bonus) Hope you feel better soon
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 19:06
I am whole heartedly in the Emirates "camp" - their staff (in flight or ground) are EXCELLENT. Their planes and facilities, second to none. I have options to fly more cheaply, I don't - I have reached the point in my life and expectations where I just want to be treated with respect - Emirates provides that. BTW I am Canadian - I am so disgusted with my government's decisions as regards Emirates (and I fly Emirates to avoid my own national carrier - Air Canada which treats their "customers" with derision and disrespect and poor 4th cousins to many international carriers) that I am doing a one person campaign to try and get my government to sit up and smell the coffee. Given a choice Emirates will be it - if there is any choice other than Air Canada - I will take it.
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 21:43
While the odds are low you may be found out - it IS important that people are aware there are serious consequences if things go wrong and your embassy CANNOT help you if you break local law (they hopefully can get you legal counsel but who wants to go there?) One thing to bear in mind is if it is an interracial couple - you may attract more scrutiny and more questions and even complaints from conservative hotel guests (who won't know you're not married, but the police will act on complaints). Your friends have to weigh the odds for themselves, I wouldn't advise them in any way shape or form myself
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 21:05
My list includes Jan and Feb instead of January and February - no one ever says Ape instead of April or Jule instead of July High school leaver = drop out, high school graduate is what I understand Fresher - than what? I have back ache - don't you have a back ache?
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 07:35
Your husband's biggest problem is that he will probably be competing against a large pool of similarly qualified people from the subcontinent who are willing to work for much less than your husband may be willing to accept. I would have thought HCT would have been willing to hire you both (they do offer an engineering program in some colleges - don't know about RAK). Commuting to Dubai may become old really fast if traffic is an issue (but others may be able to comment on that better than I) - it's not bad in off peak hours but during peak times might become fairly stressful.
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 21:32
you can make a complaint with the UAE Central Bank http://www.centralbank.ae/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151&Itemid=123 - they are in charge of all banks in UAE and if your bank is not following documented procedures and policies (and you may have to produce your documents) they should be willing and able to more forcefully follow up on your issues. Worth a try
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 19:30
If you have mulitiple purchases from one retailer in the US - they usually try to put them in one shipment to Aramex and then onwards in one shipment. Check to see if there's a box to tick "one shipment only" when you make your purchases.
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 18:46
In my experience the dry roast makes the end product very crumbly - yes the boullion is salty, halve it perhaps? And add more garlic powder - there's no hard and fast rules here - whatever keeps puppy happy and paying attention. Perhaps using the drippings from a roast beef or chicken could be used as well (with some water) to help ease the sodium levels. I have found slicing the liver, then poaching it, then cutting into strips much easier than trying to cut the raw meat into strips (even when I try to do this with the liver semi frozen).
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 07:10
HCT provides all rental fees and a 30000 AED furnishing allowance. You'll have to pay for the utilities hook ups/deposits (water, electric, Etisalat, TV, internet etc.) up front. HCT also assists in arranging and paying for the spouse's and child's RPs the first time around (but not if you decide to stay on after your first contract). Check the education allowance offered, it should cover one child at a decent school at this age. Don't know much about schools though. Flights and medical are included in your package. If you are unhappy in your first accomodation, there is usually the opportunity to switch come June as others move on - however it is at your expense and you are given a specific budget depending on marital status and number of children. If you exceed that budget, you pay for it. Moving in June is a pain because it's hot hot hot. RAK was always one of the better HCT campuses (and HCT was considered one of the more desirable jobs, not so much anymore) - some campuses have become very "unhappy" , shall we say, places to work recently and unfortuately it seems to be spreading (Al Ain being one of those). Hopefully RAK will avoid the worst of it. <em>edited by marycatherine on 14/02/2011</em>
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Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 20:34
Turkish House restaurant for excellent whole fish http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294007-d1482905-Reviews-Turkish_House-Governorate_of_Muscat.html Mumtaz Mahal is very good for Indian Food Woodlands Restaurant is also excellent for Indian food
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Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 13:27
in a large sauce pan boil about 1.5 - 2l of water and add chicken boullion cubes (2 Knorr or Maggi) and a tablespoon or more of garlic powder. Get about 1kg of beef liver and cut into 1/2 inch slices - drop in the chicken boullion - poach for about 5 min - remove slices from boullion (save it though, I actually let it reduce for about another 15 - 20 minutes - my dog loves a spoonful or two on her dry food as a treat) Cut the slices into strips (so you should have long strips about 1/2 inch around) put in a low oven (about 250F maybe a little hotter) - let them dry roast for about 1/2 hour until dry but not too brittle - then chop into 1/2 inch cubes - they can be frozen. This makes a lot of treats - my cats love them too. My supermarket sells beef liver as a combo with kidneys and hearts which I also give the same treatment. This recipe is **** for non-liver likers in your house (I love liver myself so the handling of the meat and the smell is not a problem for me) as the smell is quite strong <em>edited by marycatherine on 13/02/2011</em>
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Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 13:18
the UAE import permit costs about aed200 if i remember correctly and is required by most airlines (a copy will do usually) before they accept the dog for transit. My PRO handled that for me - sent me a scanned copy and showed up to deliver the original when I arrived (I came before the dog did)
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Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 20:12
If you need recipe for no fail liver treats, let me know. However, if there is anyone in the house who gags at the smell of cooking liver, plan for a day out for them
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Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 16:56
As an addendum to the JFK scenario (as OP's husband was ready to go back to the states in the heat of the moment). - they probably would have been arrested, car impounded and horrendous legal fees incurred.
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Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 14:38
Why argue with the police anyways - where are they likely to back down once they've taken a position?
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Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 12:18
From friends, it is OK - they do not have a purpose built school so no real gym or what one would expect for a library etc. They are associated with CNAQ - which has yet to renew their contract with the state (finishes in 2013) <em>edited by marycatherine on 11/02/2011</em>
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Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 11:42
As a juxtaposition - what would the reaction of the police at JFK be in similar circumstances? The car is stopped illegally, two people are giving the cop grief, - what would the cop's reaction be there? Would he give you a break or give you a ticket?
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 21:16
The nail clippers I use are sort of like a one hole punch? you insert the nail in a hole and when you squeeze the handle (like scissors) a lateral blade comes out and cuts off the tip. Most vets and pet shops should carry them. Treats are a good source of motivation. Use them liberally. but also let him get used to having his feet held and handled with no cutting etc. - but use the treats = we want him to associate foot handling with a happy ending
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 19:29
While my dog has rarely had her nails cut at the groomer (we've only been twice, we're both relatively low maintenance) I have cut her nails if the normal exercise haven't kept them trimmed (not very often). However, she is not thrilled - I wait until she is relaxed and seemingly asleep and take a paw and cut maybe .5 cm (1/4 inch) on the longish ones. I usually manage about 2 before she gets up and walks away - it's a matter of patience. However, she is used to me picking up her feet and checking betwee the toes for ticks or, (in Canada) removing iceballs from the furry fronds between her toes). As an ongoing tactic, pick up a paw every once and a while and just pat it and check the pads etc gently - she's probably not used to having her feet handled and probably now associates it with pain and restraint. Show her it's not all bad.
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 18:00
It's one thing to be homesick - another to be indifferent to an important "part" of the job - the baby. Would have thought that being able to have some human contact with someone who depended on me would help, not hurt, the attitude. I'm with the ones who say let her go now.
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 17:53
They still shoot strays in other emirates (Fujairah for one). Sharjah up until a few years ago used strychnine to control cats, dogs and vermin. So there is still room for progress
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Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 18:52
Good for you and the other Mum - "Daddy" isn't going to care until he gets clipped in his wallet. That's what daughter has seen and learned. Daddy has to learn a lesson here IMHO and a 10,000 dirham price tag will make HIM stop and think (we hope) <em>edited by marycatherine on 09/02/2011</em>
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Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 18:25
AndraA - my response would be "don't you have insurance?" It's not a commentary on her child, or her child's demonstrated values (or more accurately, her child's reflection of what she has lived and learned from her parents). Hand her the bill and advise her the vet is awaiting payment. <em>edited by marycatherine on 09/02/2011</em>
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Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 18:21
Are they near fruit? Try putting some whole cloves (maybe a little more than a Tsp) in a small dish close by - it's worked for me.
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Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 18:19
bathing a cat requires a magnetic shower curtain (so it sticks to the tub and makes the cat think there is nowhere to go) a pair of long sleeved oven mitts (this is a requirement - do not attempt without this bit of kit) CLOSE THE BATHROOM DOOR BEFORE STARTING. Have at least 3 fluffy dry towels to rub down kitty afterwards, DO NOT USE SOAP on the head - I use a face cloth that has only been moistened with water and forcibly wiped over the face, ear and chin areas - they don't "appreciate" it but it gets the worst off. As for the "body" a soft spray from the shower head or just using a cup to dip and rinse will work - THE OVEN MITTS ARE KEY to success. Good luck and lay in a supply of hydrogen peroxide and band aids.