Gaby
Some cat breeds don’t mind swimming at all. For instance, the Turkish Van and Maine Coon literally adore water. However, many cat owners have found that the stereotype of their pets hating water is quite accurate.
But why do cats hate water?
There haven’t been any specific scientific studies dedicated to the relationship between cats and water. However, experts suggest that some potential clues can be found in the biology and evolutionary history of cats, as well as their upbringing.
Kristin Vitale, a well-known American animal behaviorist, suspects that the ancestor of the domestic cat—the African wildcat Felis silvestris lybica—plays a significant role in why modern house cats tend to avoid water.
Some wild cats, like tigers or jaguars, enjoy swimming to escape insects, cool off, and even ambush prey. However, the aforementioned African wildcat primarily inhabits desert environments, where it rarely encounters bodies of water, says Ms. Vitale.
“This breed is not known for hunting near or in water. A significant portion of the diet of African wildcats consists of terrestrial animals, such as rodents. Given this, it’s no surprise that domestic cats aren’t particularly fond of water,” Ms. Vitale explained to Live Science.
However, Jonathan Losos, a biology professor at Washington University and author of the book “Cat Wars: How Cats Are Destroying America’s Wildlife,” is not entirely convinced by this theory. He noted that just because an animal originates from a desert doesn’t mean it should fear water. Moreover, the range of African wildcats extends to less arid areas, meaning some members of this species do encounter water throughout their lives.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Vonk, a professor at Oakland University and an expert in animal cognitive development, proposed another possible reason for cats’ aversion to water. According to her, being wet is physically uncomfortable for these furry creatures and can potentially disrupt their sense of smell.
“Their fur gets soaked, making movement difficult, which likely makes them feel vulnerable,” Ms. Vonk explained.
Water can mask a cat’s natural scent or introduce new smells that they are sensitive to. According to Professor Vonk, cats can detect unpleasant chemical odors in tap water, for example.
Ms. Vitale added that wet fur diminishes the effectiveness of a cat’s natural pheromones, which can lead to stress for the animal.
A Combination of Factors
Ultimately, cats’ hatred of water may not stem from a single cause but rather a combination of several factors.
According to Kristin Vitale, this could be a “mix of natural aversion and learned behavior.” Early experiences as a kitten can play a crucial role in shaping their attitude toward water for the rest of their lives. However, there are no direct studies on whether early interactions with water influence future affection for it. But experts know that exposing kittens to various objects, sounds, smells, and textures helps them become more confident in adulthood. This process, known as socialization, also includes interactions with water.
It’s likely that if a cat grew up near water, it would be more relaxed about bathing as an adult. However, as Ms. Vitale noted, every cat is unique. “Even when exposed to water, some kittens may feel disgusted by it, while others who have never encountered water may actually enjoy it,” the expert added.
