Have you ever seen your cat’s dramatic escape from a bathtub as if it were splashing out of molten lava? If so, you’re not alone. Cats are masters of skits and champions of escaping bathtubs, but why do they hate water so much?
Well, it’s because of various reasons, the first being the fact that they evolved from dry climates. Cats’ ancestors lived in deserts where water was scarce, so they never developed a need to swim. Furthermore, cats’ fur can get waterlogged, making them feel heavy and uncomfortable.
Below, we’ll discuss the reasons why do cats not like water in more detail. This will help you to understand their nature and connect with them better. So let’s get started!
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Key Takeaways: Why Do Cats Not Like Water? |
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● Evolutionary History: Cats have evolved in environments with minimal water exposure, contributing to their aversion to water. ● Past Trauma: Previous negative experiences with water can cause a lasting fear or phobia. ● Heavy Coat: Wet fur becomes heavy and uncomfortable, making it difficult for cats to manage. ● Chemical Odor: The smell of chemicals in tap water can be unpleasant for cats. ● Feeling Vulnerable: Wet fur makes cats feel heavy and less agile, causing them to feel vulnerable and threatened. |
5 Main Reasons Why Cats Hate Water
Cats hate to take a bath, but love to watch the watch dripping from the faucet. Why? Here are some of the reasons why cats do not like water. Sit back as we guide you through.
Reason No#1 - They Evolved From the Dry Climates
Given the history of cats' ancestors, the wild cats lived in the deserts. Since deserts were arid with no or fewer water sources, they had no significant lakes or rivers. They never felt a need to douse in water or swim.
This is why domestic cats don’t go near water. In addition, they prefer drinking from running water to a bowl because, as per their ancestors, it is safe. The running water is free from germs, while the standing water attracts pesticides.
Reason No#2 - Their Coat Can Get Waterlogged
Most cats spend their wake hours licking to groom themselves and look presentable. Their direct interaction with water in a tub full of water can drench their fur coat, making them feel heavy and uncomfortable.
The worst part for cats is, that drying out when they’re done bathing will take time. Once the coat has dried, it can smell awful, which stresses them out. As a result, cats look for ways to eliminate the unpleasant odor and smell as typical as before.
Reason No#3 - They Have a Phobia of Falling Into the Water
Cats are no different from humans in developing fear around certain things. Humans experience various incidents, leading them to create a lifelong fear of a certain thing. The same goes for the cats. When exposed to water accidentally, they develop hydrophobia.
An accident of falling in a water pond or bathtub can build them a fear of water for a lifetime. However, if you have a kitten, slowly introducing it to water can reap many benefits. Your kitten will grow up into a brave, water-loving cat.
Reason No#4 - They Experience Irritation From the Strong Odor Of Chemicals
Cats can detect good and foul odors, and they're pros at it when it comes to water. Since tap water contains chemicals with a bad smell, cats hate it and do not like standing near it.
In some municipalities, water undergoes chlorine and other treatments, which can produce odors that cats find putting off.
Reason No#5 - They Feel Vulnerable When Wet
When wet, a cat's coat becomes heavier, limiting its movement and making it feel vulnerable. Additionally, wet surfaces are slippery, making it hard for cats to grip or balance, which can make them feel threatened.
Both vulnerability and being threatened are feelings no cats like, they even become unpredictable at this stage, and you may get a cat’s art over your body.
Not All the Cats Hate Water, Some Love It…
Till now, we’ve been talking about the cats hating water. What if we tell you that some breeds don’t mind being in the water? Yes, there are a couple of breeds that include Turkish Van and Maine Coon, known for their water-loving capabilities.
As per the Cat Fancier’s association, other breeds that love being in water include Sphynx, Siberian, Bengal, Manx, and Turkish Angora. In short, cats attitude towards water depends on its breed, past experiences (which might include trauma), and how it were introduced to water.
If you’ve not properly introduced your cat to the water, the chances are they’ll feel scared and may react aggressively. So, make sure you introduce your cat to water gradually and positively to avoid fear or aggression.
Tips to Introduce Your Fur Fellow to Water
Here are some tips that will help you introduce your cat to water in a positive manner. Just make sure you don’t pressure them to follow any step if they don’t want to. Otherwise, they might become more fearful or stressed:
- Start with a Shallow Bath:Fill a bathtub with water. Ensure the water level is low enough to cover the cat's paws. Keep doing this until your fur baby becomes used to it.
- Gradually Increase Water Level:Next time, you can increase the water level but prevent the cat’s eyes and head from getting wet. Their eyes are super sensitive, so you can clean them with a moist cloth.
- Use Cat-Specific Shampoo:Do not use a human shampoo for cats; it can dry out their skin and cause allergic reactions. Instead, use a cat shampoo that suits her skin and coat.
- Dry Your Cat Properly:After bathing your cat, dry its coat with a towel or a hair dryer. The hair dryer should not be noisy, as it can scare your cat away.
Why Do Cats Not Like Water - Final Thoughts
Water aversion is one of the characteristics cats are known for. Some domestic cats don’t like taking a dip in water for many reasons. It could be their past traumatic experience with water or the fear of getting wet. However, there are other breeds who like to swim in water to hunt prey or for enjoyment.
Given that, you can introduce your cat to water at an early age to alleviate their fear of water. It’ll benefit you in the long run, and your cat won’t try escaping the shower either.
FAQs
What does water do to cats' fur?
When a cat's fur gets wet, it becomes heavy and can feel cumbersome. The fur absorbs water, making it dense and difficult for the cat to move comfortably. Additionally, wet fur can attract pests and pesticides, which may lead to potential infections.
Why do cats not like taking baths?
There are many reasons why cats do not like taking baths. They can get wet, they cannot tolerate the smell of chemicals in tap water, and their past terrible experience with water can be another major reason.
But do you want to know why does your cat follow you into the bath?
Do cats like to get wet?
It depends on breed to breed. While some breeds hate to get wet, the others, like Turkish Van and Maine Coon, love to take a dip in the pond and swim like there’s no tomorrow.
Why do cats have poor drinking habits?
Cats often have poor drinking habits because they rely on wet cat food to meet their hydration needs. Wet food provides them with the moisture they need, reducing their need to drink water separately. As a result, they may not feel as compelled to drink from a bowl.
