Anyone who has had a cat as a pet knows that they aren’t usually compatible with water. In fact, flicking liquid at your cat is kind of like flicking holy water at a vampire. Yet, there is always that surprising kitty that delights in all things H20. Let’s check out these 12 cats that like water!
Why do cats hate water?
Maybe as a kid you “nudged” your cat into the tub just to see how he’d react… Or flicked water while washing the dishes… Or aimed the hose while watering the flower beds. No matter what kind of water torture you inflicted on your feline, you probably observed a strong, melodramatic aversion to water. So, why do cats hate water so much?
A lot of this dislike comes down to biological instinct: Cats are not, and never have been, very exposed to large amounts of water. As Litter-Robot resident veterinarian Dr. Justine Lee explains, most cats descended from the desert regions of the world, and were unlikely to ever go for a swim. Dr. Lee says that while some large, wild cats like tigers love to swim and frolic in the water to cool off, most other large cats like panthers and lions don’t even want to stick their head underwater.
Moisture-absorbent coats
Another reason why cats hate water? Most domestic cats have fur coats that absorb rather than deflect moisture. That means that once your cat is wet, he’s wet for a long time. Not only does this feel uncomfortable for your cat, it also makes his fastidious grooming habits more difficult to achieve. An all-around bummer!
12 cats that like water
Any kitty can surprise you with a fascination with water. However, there are also 12 cat breeds that like water more than the average feline.
Turkish Van
The Turkish Van is known as the “Swimming Cat.” This rare and ancient breed is naturally fond of water and takes his name from Lake Van in southeastern Turkey.
Turkish Angora
Cousin to the Turkish Van, the Turkish Angora cat is also an excellent swimmer. These cats tend to have heterochromia as well, or different-colored eyes.
Bengal
The exotic-looking Bengal cat is highly active, intelligent, and good at learning tricks. He has an affinity for water and may even join you in the shower!
Maine Coon
Maine Coons are gentle giants with heavy, water-resistant coats that lend themselves to playing in water. This breed also tends to be very low-maintenance.
Egyptian Mau
Along with her love of water, the Egyptian Mau is special for showing up in ancient Egyptian artwork and for being the fastest domestic cat around.
Highlander
This bob-tailed crossbreed is highly energetic, playful, and affectionate. His love for water is right on par with his inquisitive nature.
Japanese Bobtail
The ancient Japanese Bobtail breed is known for her short “bunny” tail, her large vocabulary, and—you guessed it—her love of water.
Abyssinian
One of the oldest domesticated cat breeds, the Abyssinian cat looks like a small cougar—but seems to enjoy water more than the typical mountain lion.
Kurilian Bobtail
The lynx-looking Kurilian Bobtail is known for his hunting skills and playing in water. This breed was popular in his native Russia for his mousing abilities.
Norwegian Forest Cat
With his water-resistant overcoat and dense undercoat, the Norwegian Forest Cat is known for traversing harsh conditions—including through water in cold Scandinavia.
Savannah
The large and adventurous Savannah cat takes very well to a leash and to water. She retains the strong hunting instincts passed down by her parent breeds.
Siberian
A Siberian cat’s fascination with water probably stems from her thick triple coat, which protected her ancestors during the hard winters of their native Russia.
Why do cats hate water? Well, not all of them do! Cats that like water may be few and far between—and are therefore very special.
Cover photo by Frida Bredesen on Unsplash
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