Why Do Cats Hate Water?

Why Do Cats Hate Water?

Cat enthusiasts and owners are aware that cats hate water and this is a widely accepted part that they have to live with. They are fine with water to drink but are afraid of getting their fur near water. Nonetheless, they enjoy playing with running or dripping water as it is only their paws that get wet in such situations. . This is because cats are drawn by the movements of the water and the sound it makes. Many reasons explain why cats hate water. This include:

1. Their Evolutionary History

One of the scientific explanations why cats hate water is that an affinity to H₂O is not in a kitty’s genetic makeup. The majority of the domestic cats came from cat species found in dry habitats. There was never an evolutionary need for cats to learn to swim or develop any of the other traits that would assist with swimming as there wasn’t much water in these particular habitats.  Modern-day domestic cats are not as domesticated as most of us would like to be believed. There is some argument over whether people domesticated cats or if cats chose to allow themselves to live alongside human beings. The domestic cat either way remains close to their ancestors, in both behavior and appearance. Part of which is the fact why cats hate water, their ability to survive in the wild, and their fight or flight instinct.

2. Water Weights a Cat Down

Cats never developed traits that would help them swim is the other reason why cats hate water. Unlike cats, dogs have a semi-resistant coat. This means that when cats’ coats get wet, they become very heavy. This is similar to carrying a soaking blanket on your shoulders until it gets dry again.  Heavy and wet fur would make it very hard to flee as cats have kept their sensitive fight or flight response. It would also be uncomfortable for them since felines like to navigate life with a springy and seamless gait. Cats also need to maintain a high body temperature. Water would make them cold and it would take a long time for them to get their temperature back to normal.

3. Lack of Control

A cat prefers to play with any dripping tap within reach or even venture close to the full tub to dip their paw in as she has more control over the situation in such instances. This is because they are still sitting safely on dry land and can get away easily. This however changes when it comes to being on a wet slippery surface with water pouring down on their coat, getting into their eyes, and weighing them down. This is enough to make their instincts go haywire.

4. Negative Experiences

Another reason why cats hate water is a past negative experience that tormented the kitty. This could be something as simple as being caught outside when it is raining heavily or being punished by being sprayed by a water bottle. These previous negative experiences can mean that it can be extremely hard to get your furry friend to come into the bathroom, let alone the bath. Some cats also may have experienced bathtubs in early kittenhood. Such first interactions can help explain the mystery of why cats hate water. If being submerged in the water was a stressful experience the first few times, chances are the cat will be afraid of the sight of bathtubs well into their adulthood.

5. Cats have a Sensitive Sense of Smell

Felines would prefer to drink from a puddle instead of a water bowl of fresh tap water. Cats usually have an incredible sense of smell. This means that they can smell the chemicals used to treat the tap water even though people cannot detect them. These chemicals put off cats and this chemical smell can be the same reason that puts them off baths as well. It is fine for dipping their paw every once a while, but having their fur fully submerged in a liquid that smells nothing like their coat should smell, is enough to put them off.  This even gets worse if you factor in shampoos full of unfamiliar smells.

6. Grooming

This is another thing that elucidates why cats hate water. Cats are usually very clean and spend about half of their day self-grooming. There are a few reasons why cats groom, one of them is hunting. When they hunt, they want to neutralize their smell as much as possible so they will groom to remove the scent of food residue from their coats. Bathing the cat replaces their natural smell with an artificial smell, which would make it harder for them to hunt. They also groom to keep their fur clean, detangled, and well-conditioned. It also helps them to maintain and regulate body temperature.

7. The Shock Factor

It can be a frightening experience if a cat falls into a full bathtub and can result in being fearful of water for the rest of her life.

8. Failure to Being Exposed to Water

Cats may also not like water because they are simply not usually exposed to it. An indoor cat may not likely have been caught in a rainstorm and dealt with a sopping coat and wet skin. This may cause them to have a dislike for water as their owners shield them from the elements. If a cat has limited exposure to rain or water, it evolves to a point where it has no need and interest to dip its feet in a tub, lake, or swimming pool.

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Tips for Teaching Your Cat to Tolerate Water                                                          

• Put the cat in an empty bathtub or sink and play with her favorite toy there. Talk to her softly and make the time in there fun. Do this for several days while using positive reinforcements and offer treats during the entire process
• Start rubbing him with a wet washcloth after she is comfortable in a dry sink or tub. Make her a bit damp but not enough to soak him through
• Then, add a bit of room temperature water to the bottom of the sink and put him in, letting her feel it on the feet. Her favorite toy will go a long way here.
• Once your furry friend is all right with the washcloth and water in the sink, you can either use a cup or your hand to wet him gently. Shampoo her with products that are cat-safe then thoroughly rinse her.
• Take your time and talk to her calmly through the entire process. Once you are done with the bath, wrap her in a fluffy towel, and dry her off as much as possible.

It is also important to know that if you want to take your four-legged friends on adventures alongside you that may involve her getting wet or being exposed to a lake or streams, you will want to expose her to it as early as possible. Use positive reinforcement and do not force her into the water as you will scare her.

Read About Common Questions About Cats and Water.

How Can I Get My Cat to Enjoy Baths?
Before the Bath

• Acclimate to space. Try acclimating her to the tub weeks before a bath to get her comfortable with water and so she gets used to space.
• Place your cat in an empty tub or sink with toys, catnip, or treats so that she associates positively with the location. Try spreadable treats such as a small amount of squeeze cheese and spread oi on the tub for the cat to lick. Once the cat is comfortable, fill the tub with an inch or two of warm water and scatter toys throughout the bath so that she has fun with it.
• Create a calm environment by closing the door to keep noises at a minimum.

During the Bath

• Use minimal restraint and positive distractions. Avoid scuffing and holding your cat down. Rather, be gentle, watch your furry friend’s language.
• Be extra careful not to spray to the face or get water in the eyes or ears. Avoid washing the whiskers. Ensure that you rinse shampoo thoroughly to prevent skin irritation.

After the Bath

• Dry using a towel. Lift the cat out of the water gently and immediately wrap up in a warm towel to dry or allow water to drain out and towel dry while still in the tub if your fur baby doesn’t like to be carried. Your cat will dry naturally in a few hours and in that time, she should be kept dry and away from drafts. End the bath with a cat cuddle or play session with her favorite treat.

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Cat Breeds that Like Water

As much as most of the cats dislike water, there are a few exceptions among domestic felines. Some breeds such as Maine Coon, Bengal, Norwegian Forest Cat and Abyssinian breeds are all quite fond of water. They hunt and play in running water and pools. Many of the breeds that have a water preference are those that have been the most closely crossbred with wild cats.

Conclusion

There are some reasons why cats hate water. The ones elucidated above are meant to help you have a better understanding of why this mystery. However, some cat breeds are exceptional and are fond of water. These breeds are unique because of the texture of their fur which makes them more water-resistant compared to other breeds.

See Also: Best Semi-Moist Cat Food.