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Are All Cats Afraid of Water? Myths Debunked by Scientists
17.04.2024 19:10
Not every cat hates water, but we'll look at three reasons why your cat may not like water.
Every movie or cartoon about cats from our childhood clearly shows two things:
1. Cats hate dogs.
2. Cats hate water.
If you have never had a cat and you just think these "facts" are accurate, then this article is for you.
There are some very funny, cool and brave cats out there who love water, especially from the kitchen or bathroom tap when you are trying to brush your teeth (my cat).
But for most of our domestic felines, water isn't so great, especially when it's deep, gushing, or splashing (never do this to your cat!).
And while water is absolutely essential to a cat's survival, there are three likely reasons why your fur babies may avoid baths or think lawn sprinklers are demonic.
3 Reasons Your Cat Might Not Like Water
It's in their genetics.
Our domestic feline friends trace their genetic history back to ancient times. Compared to dogs, modern cats are one of the most recently evolved species in the cat family.
Our domestic kitten's ancestors were wild cats that thrived in arid habitats like savannas.
They were not the type of animal that would enjoy swimming in a cool pond or pool, because open water areas were often full of dangers (such as snakes and crocodiles).
This may be why our cats prefer to bask in the sun, doze in cozy places and avoid deep and cold water.
It ruins their fur.
Cats are excellent examples of self-grooming enthusiasts, including their ability to nap whenever they want and enjoy long, luxurious grooming sessions.
Grooming is critical to a cat's mental and physical well-being.
Grooming not only keeps your kitten free of tangles and shiny fur, it also gives him the opportunity to check for fleas, ticks, or other nasty parasites or skin conditions, and helps regulate his body temperature.
Getting wet, especially unexpectedly, will undo all the work done during a recent grooming session and can make your cat feel unkempt and uncomfortable.
Strange smell
Cats' sense of smell is extremely strong and is crucial to their lifestyle. Cats have very sensitive noses that are better at detecting odors than dogs.
The water that comes out of our taps at home contains quite a lot of chemicals, and water that has been standing in a bowl for a long time also acquires new odors.
All of these smells can be detected by your picky cat, who has probably just had a nice, long grooming session.
She doesn't want that nasty water (to her sense of smell) to change the scent of her beautiful fur, and she certainly doesn't want to taste it the next time she licks her back or legs.
Do all cats hate water?
While many of our feisty cats don't like to shower or splash with water, some kitties actually enjoy bathing or putting their paws under running water.
All cats are different and have different preferences not only in how they drink water, but also in how much or how often they come into contact with it.
Many cats find playing with water to be a great game.
How to Bathe a Cat That Doesn't Like Water
First things first: Never force your cat into the tub! Instead, try using a small amount of water in a bowl or sink and see if that piques her interest in playing with the water.
Then, as she plays in the water or dabs her paws in the running tap, you can give her her favorite treat while you slowly bathe her. If she doesn't like any amount of water, you can wet her fur instead by soaking a washcloth in the bowl and gently rubbing it.
If your cat never seems to enjoy getting wet or taking a bath, you may want to try waterless shampoos or make an appointment with an experienced groomer.
Every cat needs to groom itself, either with a bath at home or with professional grooming. By taking your cat's preferences into account when it comes to water, you can ensure that your cat is healthy and happy.
Earlier welisted 5 reasons why a cat meows when a person sneezes.
