The image of an annoyed, drenched cat is a familiar one, but the assumption that all cats universally hate water may be an oversimplification. While it’s true that many cats prefer to stay dry, this doesn’t apply to every feline. In fact, wild cats have been known to get their paws wet to catch fish, a contradiction to the idea that cats despise water altogether.
Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Wailani Sung, from Joybound People & Pets, believes that lumping all cats together under one stereotype does a disservice to their individuality. “Cats are all individuals. Some cats like water. Some cats don’t,” she explains. This diversity in feline behavior mirrors that of dogs, adds Dr. Carlo Siracusa, a veterinary behaviorist at the University of Pennsylvania. “We tend to think cats are this unique creature that doesn’t like water, but there are many dogs that do not like water,” Siracusa says.
Indoor Life May Fuel the Water-Hating Stereotype
The tendency to think of cats as water-averse may partly stem from their lifestyle. Unlike dogs, who are often taken on outdoor adventures and exposed to water more regularly, many pet cats live predominantly indoors. This lack of exposure may result in cats being less familiar or comfortable with water. Cats also have fewer grooming needs that require bathing, as they generally handle personal hygiene with their tongues—no water required.
Cats have sensory hairs, called vibrissae, located all over their body, which they use to detect subtle changes in their environment. Dr. Sung speculates that these sensitive hairs getting wet may interfere with how cats perceive the world around them. Additionally, getting wet can make cats feel cold, as their fur loses its insulating properties when soaked, Dr. Siracusa explains.
Why Some Cats Seem Fearful of Water
Cats’ reluctance to dive into water can also be traced to their evolutionary history. Although they are skillful hunters, cats carry the instincts of prey animals, making them wary of unpredictable situations that could limit their movement. Water, with its unpredictable nature and the loss of control it causes, can make a cat feel vulnerable and uneasy. “Cats in general are averse to new stimuli that they feel they cannot control,” Siracusa says.
For most healthy cats, avoiding water is not a health concern. “Most cats, if they are not ill, are perfectly able to take care of their coat, and they always look gorgeous,” says Siracusa. However, if a cat owner wants their pet to be comfortable with bathing, the key is to introduce water slowly and in a way that doesn’t cause stress.
Keeping Your Cat Hydrated
One area where water is essential for cats is hydration, particularly for house cats that primarily eat dry food. Unlike their ancestors who derived much of their water intake from prey, modern cats often require encouragement to drink more. Siracusa recommends placing multiple water bowls around the house, including in elevated spots and away from feeding areas, to ensure easy access.
The Myth of Water as Punishment
Spraying water as a disciplinary measure is a common tactic used by cat owners, but both experts agree that it’s ineffective. Cats may not associate the water spray with the behavior it’s intended to correct, and instead, they may become wary of their owner. Dr. Sung advises focusing on positive reinforcement. “We definitely want to use positive reinforcement to reinforce the behaviors you do want to see, and you want to distract and redirect when you see something you don’t like,” she says. If your cat jumps on the counter while you’re cooking, she suggests training them to sit on a nearby chair where they’ll be comfortable and praised.
For Cats That Love Water, Embrace the Fun!
Surprisingly, some cats genuinely enjoy water. “Some cats just love water. They sit at the sink, and they meow at the owners until they turn on the faucet,” Sung says. Whether your cat enjoys splashing in their water bowl or eagerly awaits the tap to turn on, a love of water is far from impossible for felines. So, if your cat is one of the water lovers, count yourself lucky and enjoy the playful antics that ensue!
In the end, whether your cat hates or loves water, it’s clear that like people, cats have their own individual preferences. While many prefer to stay dry, there are always exceptions to the rule, adding to the rich diversity of feline behavior.
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