Most people are aware that most cats don’t like immersing themselves in water. Some owners may think this is strange because felines spend so much time grooming themselves. So why do they dislike H2O so much?
There are some fascinating evolutionary reasons why most cats don’t like being in water. Check them out now!
Heavy Fur
Feline evolution influences several reasons why most cats don’t like being in the water. Cats are natural hunters and want to move quickly to hunt prey. They also feel very vulnerable if they can’t escape rapidly from a dangerous scenario. For example, if dogs chase them, they want to get away instantly.
They don’t like water immersion because they feel a lack of control. Feline fur doesn’t repel water, so it saturates it and prevents the cat from moving quickly. It’s extremely disconcerting for cats because they can’t understand what has happened to them. That’s why it’s also important to groom cats regularly.
Sensitive noses
Cats are much more sensitive to chemicals and foul smells than humans. Often this makes water unbearable for them. Everyone knows the strong smell of chlorine. This can be overpowering for felines because cat noses are 14 times more powerful than humans.
This is why it’s crucial not to immerse cats in chemically treated water. The scent won’t instantly fade when we remove them. It will cling to their fur and can be extremely uncomfortable. Owners should use unscented shampoos when they bathe cats.
Self-Grooming
Most cat owners know that their pets spend a large chunk of their existence grooming themselves. Cats are exceptionally clean animals and are constantly maintaining their fur. However, they prefer to do this themselves without human assistance.
They don’t like abnormal smells like shampoos or essential oils. The reality is that they’ll try to remove them if we apply them to their fur. Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid bathing cats but we must be careful to avoid causing unnecessary stress. Cat grooming is best left to our feline friends.
Fear And Phobias
We’ve spoken about felines hating water as a general rule. But it’s important to remember that each cat is an individual. If a kitten falls into water, it may suffer severe trauma and carry this throughout their life.
People often don’t consider animals to have the same feelings or carry memories. However, scientific evidence proves that cats experience PTSD. That’s why it’s important to take care when we put our pets in situations they may find uncomfortable or stressful. Look after your cat because both of you will be happier!
Lack of Control
Cats are fantastic hunters with incredible reflexes. Remember, they share many similarities to big cats. That’s why it can be very disconcerting for them when they find themselves in water. The sudden lack of control that they have over their reactions is very disturbing.
Their bodies are no longer as responsive, and they don’t understand the sense of weightlessness they’re experiencing. Cats want to feel in control and always have an escape route. Water can be extremely frightening for our feline friends.
Ancient Origins
Humans first domesticated cats about 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent or modern-day Middle East. However, cats lived in this region before they became pets. They adapted to the dry, arid conditions and didn’t have much exposure to water.
This is one of the main reasons why most cat breeds don’t like water today. There weren’t many lakes or ponds in this part of the world. That’s why they find it so disturbing when they find themselves in it.
Natural Regulation
We’ve already described how water saturates a cat’s fur and clings to them. They want to dry it quickly so that they return to their normal state. When cats clean themselves, they don’t have to deal with this experience. It’s also a key reason why they avoid going out in the rain.
There’s also a greater risk of them suffering chills and illnesses. That’s because the water may affect their body temperature. Remember, cats are extremely sensitive animals so it’s crucial not to disrupt their natural regulation. We don’t want to do something harmful to our cats. Sometimes owners have good intentions, but they’re doing something counterproductive.
Exceptional Cat Breeds
Remember, not all cat breeds hate water. There are exceptions including the Maine Coon. This large, robust breed is very hardy, and they often like water. It’s easier to bathe them than other types of cats, and they may even play in the sink or puddles.
Sphynx cats also tend to like water. They require more bathing because of their lack of hair. This conditions them to have a greater tolerance. Typically, this high-maintenance breed enjoys warm water. Bengal and Turkish Van cats also don’t mind water!
Can You Train a Cat to Like Water?
It’s not ethical to try an adult cat to like water. Instead, it’s better to allow them to clean themselves unless there’s an exceptional circumstance. Don’t force cats to play in water because they’ll resent it and it can even cause them to mistrust their owner. Nonetheless, it may be possible to train kittens to tolerate or even enjoy water.
It’s possible to train kittens to like water by regularly exposing them to it. Put a towel under their feet in the bath so that they don’t slip and feel insecure. Never dunk them in water or overfill the tub because this traumatizes them.
Waterless Baths
Fortunately, we rarely need to bathe cats because they’re so effective at cleaning themselves. However, sometimes your vet may advise it for medical reasons. Other exceptional conditions could include skunk attacks or if they get heavier mud on them.
Instead of immersing your kitty in a tub, try using a waterless bath. First, massage a cat-friendly shampoo into their fur. Then use a damp towel to remove it. Sometimes this may not be enough but generally it’s a great solution!
