LOL! Poor kitty!
Actually I think she was referring to washing the finished items before presenting them as gifts...but washing the cats ( though not in the machine) isn't a bad idea either. I heard they make a special shampoo that cleans all the allergens off them, making it possible for you to have guests who are allergic to cats come over....however you might be in the hospital having your wounds stitched up after attempting to bathe the cat. ;o)
Rebecca