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Why Does a Cat Like Water and Swimming?
Why Does a Cat Like Water and Swimming?
It’s well known that cats detest water. While it’s true that some of our feline companions hate taking baths and would never consider swimming in a river or the ocean, some breeds are completely enamored with bathing, showering, or sharing a pond with the koi carp and goldfish in their neighborhood.
A cat’s preference for the water depends on a number of things, including their past experiences with it. Additionally, depending on their origin, certain breeds have water-resistant coats and partially webbed paws since they are so comfortable in the water. The reasons why some cats seem to adore swimming while others hate the sight of water are examined below.
Why Do Some Cats Like Water?
Whether a cat likes or dislikes water depends on a variety of factors, including breed preferences, personal experience, and species characteristics. The following are some explanations for why cats might enjoy swimming in the water.
Why Does a Cat Like Water and Swimming?
Some Breeds Naturally Like Water
The majority of cat breeds come from the world’s dry regions, which have little to no water. It has been shown that a cat’s breed can significantly influence their attitude and behavior. One As a result, it is not unusual for certain breeds to have mistrust of water. Others come from places with water. For instance, the Turkish Van, which derives its name from Lake Van in Turkey, is known as the “swimming cat.”
These athletic cats are also highly intelligent, and because they are fascinated by water, they can figure out how to switch on faucets and find other ways to get the water they want.
- Bengal
- Egyptian Mau
- Maine Coon
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Savannah
- Siberian
- Turkish Van
Brought up Around Water
Beyond heredity, a cat’s comfort level in or around bodies of water is determined by their individual experiences with the water. Your cat will probably be less afraid of water if they are used to bathing from an early age.
They Like Fresh Water
Even though they may not enjoy swimming, some cats do enjoy the water. Your cat may be drinking water straight from the faucet or batting water from the shower. This is seen by some as a survival instinct. In the wild, cats may be wary of still water and would rather drink from flowing water since it is less likely to hurt them. Your cat may not be aware that fresh water is added to their water bowl on a daily basis, even though you are aware of this.
A more likely argument is that cats will find water from a faucet or fountain more fascinating than water from a bowl since they are inherently attracted to moving and flowing objects.
They Like What’s in the Water
Some cats, who would normally stay away from water at all costs, would jump into ponds or fish tanks to chase anything they see moving, and some cats are so motivated by their passion to hunt that they will climb trees to unthinkable heights.
They’re inquisitive.
One well-earned reputation of cats is that they are incredibly curious animals. To find out if there is anything edible or playable at the source, they will explore new sounds and sights. This could include sounds produced by the water itself or by objects that may be present in the water.
Why Do Other Cats Hate Water?
While some cats are drawn to water sources and bodies of water by nature, others will make every effort to avoid them.
They Naturally Dislike It
Since a cat’s fur coat is made to absorb moisture, being wet will make them heavier. A wet coat makes it difficult to move around and is uncomfortable. Additionally, it can momentarily remove your cat’s coat’s natural oils. Water-loving cats usually have coats that resist water instead than absorbing it.
They’re Afraid of It
Past Trauma
Your cat’s relationship with water may be shaped for the rest of their life if they fell in a bath or were stranded in a pond as kittens. As a result, they will be extremely hesitant to take a bath or even a shower.
It’s Messy
The natural oil in a cat’s coat can be destroyed by water. A sodden coat needs to be cleaned, at the very least. Due to their meticulous cleaning habits, cats dislike getting wet because it requires a lot of cleaning.
Giving your cat a complete bath isn’t always necessary to keep them clean. Two excellent waterless products to have on hand are the Hepper Waterless No Rinse Shampoo and Wash Wipes. They are specifically designed to be safe for cats of all types and ages. The natural, hydrating components in the hypoallergenic formulae efficiently remove grime without harming your cat’s skin. The wipes make it easy to clean delicate regions like the eyes, ears, paws, and buttocks, and the waterless shampoo is the best fur freshener. See the table below for further information about each product.
How to Tell if Your Cat Likes Water?
A cat’s likelihood of liking water increases with the amount of time they spend in it. It may be a sign that your cat truly appreciates the water if they bat a dripping faucet or enter the shower tray when there is water in it. Try leaving a tiny bit of water in the bathtub or sink to see if your cat enters.
Do Cats Like Swimming?
While some cats love getting in the water and swimming around, others detest it. The cat’s unique water experience and breed preferences will determine this. Therefore, a Turkish Van raised near water will probably want to be in the water as much as possible. Cats who have had bad experiences in the water will want to avoid it as much as possible.
How to Satisfy Your Cat’s Desire to Play In Water
You can gently turn on the faucet or add a tiny amount of water to a sink or bathtub if your cat likes to play in the water. As an alternative, you can purchase water features that your cat will love to play in, such as cat water fountains. You don’t have to try to force your cat if it doesn’t enjoy the water. Over time, their opinions might shift, but this is not a given. It’s important to remember, though, that cats that don’t like bathing or swimming are nonetheless quite at ease drinking from water fountains.
Water is one of the many things about which cats can be quite inquisitive and picky. Your cat can stay visually stimulated and get clean, fresh water from the proper water fountain. With fresh, flowing water, a well-made product like Hepper’s Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain will keep your cat hydrated and amused.
Why Does a Cat Like Water and Swimming?
Summary
Although certain cats and certain breeds are known to detest water, this is not always the case. Other cats like to play in the water and get in it. Water-loving and relatively proficient swimmers are more common in breeds like the Turkish Van.
Cats who have grown up near water and have had good experiences with it will also be more likely to play in it. If your cat likes water, you can purchase water fountains and let it play with the faucet. These can be found in or close to a pond or other body of water.
Why Does a Cat Like Water and Swimming?
Read also: Why Are Cats Weird About Water?
