Why Do Cats Dislike Water?

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مرداد 16, 1404 On اردیبهشت 28, 1400

Wondering why cats dislike water? Read this complete guide to discover the most likely reasons behind this common feline behavior.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “Cats hate water” more than once. But have you ever stopped to wonder why? Why do cats avoid the bathtub while happily pawing at a dripping faucet or sticking their paw into a fishbowl? Are there really cats out there who enjoy swimming?

Our experts at Meow Cat Litter, makers of the best Iranian cat litter, explored this curious topic. Keep reading to learn about the likely reasons—and a few myths—behind cats’ aversion to water.

A Quick History Lesson

Most of the cats we see on the streets today share a common ancestor: the African wildcat, which originated in arid regions of North Africa and Southwest Asia. These cats evolved in dry environments with limited access to water—just enough to drink and survive. Zoologists believe this lack of exposure to water passed down through generations, making modern cats generally averse to it.

Agile Furballs

Imagine you’re out on a beautiful spring day enjoying the sunshine and a light breeze. Suddenly, it starts to rain and you’re caught without an umbrella. You’re soaked and uncomfortable until you can change into dry clothes.

That’s exactly what happens to cats when they get wet. Cats are naturally clean animals and spend a lot of time grooming themselves. They’re meticulous self-cleaners—so much so that they rarely need a bath. When their fur gets wet, they feel extremely uncomfortable, and their agility is reduced. Wet fur becomes heavy, slowing them down and making it harder to escape from potential threats. In nature, being wet can mean being more vulnerable—possibly even death. That’s a strong evolutionary reason to avoid it.

A Few Drops or an Ocean?

So, cats don’t like being soaked—but does that mean they dislike all contact with water? What about playing with a dripping tap?

Actually, some cats enjoy batting at running water. The shimmer and movement catch their attention, and they love the sense of control—especially over the way light reflects off water. In small amounts, water can be quite entertaining for a curious cat.

Bad Memories

If your cat was bathed forcefully as a kitten, you may have unintentionally created a lifelong fear. Cats form strong memories, and a traumatic bath early on can result in lasting water aversion. Just seeing the bath again can bring back those scary feelings.

If you have a kitten and want them to be more comfortable with water, let them explore it gradually and playfully. Never overwhelm them with a sudden bath. This slow introduction helps them be more at ease around water as adults. If you adopt an adult cat, it’s best not to try and “train” them to like water—it’s unlikely to work.

But here’s the good news: Some cats really do enjoy being near water—and even swimming!

Meet the Swimming Cat Champions!

Yes, you read that right—some cats love to swim! And we’re not just talking about big cats like tigers and lions who take dips in the wild. Some domestic breeds are well-known for their love of water:

Maine Coon: These cats have water-resistant fur and are natural swimmers. Give them a pool—or even a puddle—and they’ll dive right in. Historically, sailors often brought Maine Coons aboard because of their affinity for water.

Turkish Van: Nicknamed the “swimming cat,” the Turkish Van also has soft, water-repellent fur. Owners of this breed often provide a small pool just for their cats to splash around in.

Abyssinian: Known as explorers, Abyssinians are fearless and curious—even when it comes to water. Legend has it they reached Europe by ship and had no problem sailing the seas.

Of course, most cats don’t have water-resistant coats, which is a big reason they tend to avoid water. But as a cat parent, it’s a good idea to let your cat explore water gradually and never overwhelm them. Let them get comfortable at their own pace.