{"id":435953,"date":"2023-11-15T09:14:02","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T14:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=435953"},"modified":"2024-07-01T09:38:10","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T13:38:10","slug":"cat-breeds-that-like-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/cat-breeds\/cat-breeds-that-like-water\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Cat Breeds That Like Water (Vet-Reviewed Guide With Pictures)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Felines are <\/span>notorious<\/span> for disliking <\/span>water. But do all cats hate being around water?<\/span> Believe it or not, there are kitties that absolutely love water!<\/span> Admittedly,<\/span> this typically comes down to an individual cat\u2019s personality and past experiences,<\/span> but the ones that do often enjoy playing in water and drinking straight from the faucet while you try to brush your teet<\/span>h, for example.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re in the market for a water-loving feline, w<\/span>e g<\/span>ot you covered! W<\/span>e pu<\/span>lled together a list of the top 10 cat breeds <\/span>that have an anecdotal fondness <\/span>for water, <\/span>so hopefully, you can find a kitty that\u2019s just right for you.<\/span> Keep reading to learn more about these fabulou<\/span>s b<\/span>reeds!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Why Do Felines Dislike Water So Much?<\/h2>\n

So, just why d<\/span>o most of our <\/span>four-legged friends hate being around water so much? There are a few <\/span>theories<\/span>,<\/span> and while they\u2019re all plausible, it\u2019s important to keep in mind that they are just that: theories.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Smell Theory<\/h3>\n

One possible reason that felines may dislike water is their sense of smell.<\/span> Cats have an exceptional sense of smell, much better than ours, so they can pick up scents and odors that we can\u2019t. Think about how our drinking water is chemically treated to keep it clean, and then imagine how many of those chemical smells your kitty is picking up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The theory states that due to the way that water smells, felines want to avoid it. However, this doesn\u2019t always work out in practice. After all, cats that dislike baths usually have no problem drinking water. If it smelled repulsive, they\u2019d avoid drinking it too, which a healthy cat never does.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Wet Weight Theory<\/h3>\n

Perhaps the most plausible and sensible explanation is that when a cat is wet,<\/span> the water weighs them down. It\u2019s bad enough for us when we get caught in the rain, get soaked, and have our clothes weighing us down; imagine how much worse it would be with fur!<\/span> However, many cats with double or even triple coats sometimes don\u2019t mind swimming. Although their fur is somewhat water repellent, it will eventually weigh them down. Therefore, this theory also tends to fall short.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The History Theory<\/h3>\n

A third theory postulates that the lack of a fondness for water comes down to<\/span> feline history and instinct. <\/span>The ancestor of the domestic cats was native to dry or desert areas,<\/span> so they didn\u2019t come across bodies of water often or have opportunities to try out swimming. So, even if your pet has had the chance to be around water, they still have that history that goes, \u201cThis is unusua<\/span>l a<\/span>nd I don\u2019t like it.\u201d <\/span>The flaw with this theory is that the odds of such an aversion toward water being passed through millennia of selective breeding are theoretically impossible.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image Credit: mama_mia, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Science Suggests<\/h2>\n

The notion that cats dislike water is intrinsically flawed. Cats drink water on a daily basis because it\u2019s an essential nutrient required by all living organisms. Some cats dislike baths (but not water!) simply because they\u2019re not often exposed to them. A bath for a cat that\u2019s not used to bathing is probably the equivalent of someone with no swimming experience being thrown into the deep end of a swimming pool. It\u2019s not fun!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Essentially, cats that have had little to no experience with baths or a negative experience with them are likely going to try to avoid them. Your cat\u2019s personality also plays a part in this. Outgoing and inquisitive felines are more likely to see a bath as a curious experience. A timid cat might not appreciate the experience in the same way.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The 10 Cat Breeds That Like Water<\/h2>\n

A Note From Our Veterinarian <\/div>
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The following list of breeds is mostly anecdotal selections by the author based on their experience. There is no scientific evidence that can confirm that all individuals of these breeds enjoy water. Ultimately, your cat\u2019s experiences with water, their personality, and the way in which you desensitize them to baths will play a far greater role in their acceptance of water.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

1. Abyssinian<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Pandora Pictures, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a kitty that loves to play in the water and is incredibly high-energ<\/span>y, t<\/span>he<\/span> Abyssinian<\/span><\/a> is the cat for you! Believed to be one of the oldest breeds ever, these felines are independent, playful, and active<\/span>, which means they have a <\/span>temperament that lends itself to adventures with water (and this kitty is supposedly excellent at swimming!).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However,<\/span> this isn\u2019t the breed for y<\/span>ou if you seek a lap cat. The acti<\/span>ve nature of this feline means they\u2019re in constant motion and always on the move. The Abyssinian will still be affectionate and loyal to their family; you just can\u2019t expect them to sit still for long!<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Bengal<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Shvaygert Ekaterina, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Bengal<\/u><\/a> is a beautiful and exotic-looking feline with a fondness for water that might have been inherited from their Asian leopard cat ancestors (as the Asian leopard cat often lives around bodies of water). These cats are fearless, even around water, so you might find yours in the shower with you or even in your pool! The Bengal is also incredibly athletic, active, and fabulous at learning tricks. There will be no end to the fun with one of these felines.<\/p>\n

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3. British Shorthair<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: truenos86, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cat breeds that are intensely curious about everything, like the British Shorthair, are often fascinated by anything that moves, including water. Th<\/span>at can result in your kitty h<\/span>opping into the shower with you, trying to splash water while it comes from the faucet, or having a fondness for toys that float. The<\/span> British Shorthair<\/span><\/a> is also intelligent and loves to be involved with every single thing that happens in the household, so you\u2019ll find yourself with a tiny shadow if you adopt one of these felines. However, <\/span>anecdotally, they aren\u2019t<\/span> overly affectionate, so you might not get many snuggles.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Egyptian Mau<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: naturepicture_rika, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The<\/span> Egyptian Mau<\/span><\/a> is an ancient and naturally spotted domesticated feline. You might recognize them in paintings from ancient Egypt or for the well-known way that they appear to walk on their tip-toes.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a pet, this cat is adventurous and energetic, which means they have absolutely no qualms about getting near or in water. The fact that this breed used to accompany duck hunters might also explain why they enjoy water.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Maine Coon<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The<\/span> Maine Coon<\/span><\/a> is a gentle giant with a heavy, floofy coat that you\u2019d think wouldn\u2019t do well with being wet. However, that thick coat is water resistant, so it\u2019s purr-fect for playing in water! Also, the ancestors of the Maine Coon worked as mousers on ships, so many people claim that the fear of getting wet isn\u2019t in this cat\u2019s DNA.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re worried that a thick coat will be a pain to deal with, you\u2019ll be glad to know that it actually isn\u2019t; you only need to brush it out regularly, and it should be kept fairly tangle-free! However, Maine Coons do require more grooming than some other breeds on this list. <\/span><\/p>\n

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6. Norwegian Forest Cat<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Elisa Putti, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Maine Coon isn\u2019t the only feline with a water-resistant coat; the<\/span> Norwegian Forest Cat<\/span><\/a> has one too! They also had ancestors that worked as mousers on ships (most likely, Viking ships), so many people believe that like the Maine Coon, this breed isn\u2019t afraid of water in the slightest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Norwegian Forest Cat is anecdotally good at fishing (so it\u2019s probably a good idea to keep them away from any aquariums in the home!). They\u2019re also anecdotally highly independent, so some people claim that they don’t make great lap cats. However, others claim that they\u2019re incredibly affectionate and akin to cuddle monsters. Like all cats, they\u2019re also playful and curious, so be prepared for mischief!<\/span><\/p>\n

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7. Savannah<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Kseniya, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These <\/span>felines are descendants of the African Serval, and they are huge kitties! Not only are they bigger than many other cat breeds, but they also apparently act more like canines. For example, the<\/span> Savannah cat<\/span><\/a> is happy to walk on a leash or paddle around in a pool.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many owners claim that inside the home, they can be found splashing the water in their water dishes or chilling in the bathtub.<\/span> These exotic-looking kitties love to play and need a lot of exercise, so don\u2019t expect them to <\/span>lie <\/span>on the sofa with you while you watch TV; instead, you\u2019ll <\/span>both <\/span>be running around enjoying plenty of interaction!<\/span><\/p>\n

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8. Selkirk Rex<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: mdmmikle, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This adorable cat breed is pretty much a teddy bear, not only in looks but also in cuddliness! The<\/span> Selkirk Rex<\/span><\/a> i<\/span>s in<\/span>tensely curious and wildly playful, meaning they will love playing with water while you\u2019re in the shower or doing dishes. <\/span>Since it\u2019s said that these kitties <\/span>despise being alone, t<\/span>hey\u2019ll likely follow you <\/span>everywhere you go. They\u2019re incredibly loving felines, though, so having this little shadow won\u2019t be a hassle at all!<\/span><\/p>\n

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9. Sphynx<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Alexander Piragis, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The<\/span> Sphynx<\/span><\/a> is a cat that doesn\u2019t have a natural affinity for water. But <\/span>since this hairless feline needs to be <\/span>bathed on a regular basis to keep their skin healthy, th<\/span>ey are typically<\/span> intro<\/span>duced to water during kittenhood<\/span><\/a> and typica<\/span>lly grow to<\/span> like being in it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, a hairless cat might not be for everyone, as some people aren\u2019t fond of the look, and all that bathing requires a\u00a0 bit of work. However, if you do adopt one of these cute cats, you\u2019ll find yourself with a hilarious companion that loves attention and is entertaining<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

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10. Turkish Angora<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Aymara Herrera, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This Turkish breed has long ha<\/span>ir b<\/span>ut still loves water. <\/span>In fact, it is said that the<\/span> Turkish Angora<\/span><\/a> will often com<\/span>e racing in w<\/span>hen they hear a sink or shower running! Be prepared to have this cat playing with anything and everything in your home involving water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, be ready <\/span>for lots of playtime, as this breed is highly active and needs to get plenty of activity each day. The Turkish Angora is also a cat breed that<\/span> can be leash-trained<\/span><\/a> if you want to enjoy a nice walk with your pet!<\/span><\/p>\n