Are There Cat Breeds That Really Like Water? 12 Swimming Cats
Final Up to date on: September 6, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Most cats appear to be born and bred with an intense hatred and concern of being moist. Bathtub time typically brings out sharp claws and pitiful meows from the time they’re a kitten all the way in which to maturity. Regardless of this, many cats get pleasure from swatting at operating water and would possibly bounce in a humid tub after your bathe to lick the water droplets off the ground. Even rarer, some cats really get pleasure from swimming!
There are a couple of cat breeds although who not solely drink from the water fountain however are often not afraid to dive in. Let’s have a look and see who might be your new swimming buddy.
High 12 Cat Breeds That Love Water
1. Turkish Van
Referred to as the “Swimming Cat,” the Turkish Van is a singular breed in additional methods than one. They’ve a shocking white single coat with orange piebald markings on their head and paws. The Turkish Van stays uncommon outdoors their native nation however is sort of a treasure when you discover one.
2. Turkish Angora
With pure white fur and heterochromatic eyes, the Turkish Angora is a cousin to the Turkish Van that additionally likes to swim. They’ve a fragile single coat that’s pretty simple to take care of, however few declare possession of Turkish Angoras outdoors of their homeland.
3. Egyptian Mau
“Mau” is actually the Egyptian phrase for “water,” so it’s no shock that this playful cat likes to swim. The Egyptian Mau is a pure born athlete that’s able to operating as much as 30 miles per hour. Their noticed coat is available in silver or bronze colours with medium size, plush fur.
4. Norwegian Forest Cat
The traditional companion to Viking sailors, the Norwegian Forest Cat is accustomed to frigid winters on land and sea. Their plush double coat is waterproof, which helps them dry quicker after they need to take a swim. They’re one of many largest home cat breeds, ceaselessly weighing over 15 kilos.
5. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon frequented the Northeastern docks through the 1800s and saved the rat inhabitants in examine, which earned them respect (and treats) from American sailors. At present, they’re one of many largest home cat breeds which may be employed as barn cats or saved inside as pets. Their dense, water-repellent double coat prepares them for contact with water, and their tenacity to get the job finished offers them a courageous persona that’s not simply daunted by a bit of spritz.
6. Siberian
The Siberian cat originated within the rugged Russian tundra hundreds of years in the past. Historians speculate that this chilly climate cat breed may need been one of many first—if not the primary—cat to grow to be domesticated. It’s prone to see their lengthy, flowing coat floating within the water as they exit for a swim, however because of their coat being waterproof, it gained’t take them very lengthy to get dry as soon as they’re finished.
7. Bengal
The attractive noticed Bengal cat appeared within the Sixties after somebody crossed an Asian leopard cat with a home shorthair. The Asian leopard cat is without doubt one of the few wildcats that love water, so it’s not stunning that this exotic-looking home cat additionally likes to swim. The Bengal has a dense, brief coat with silver, brown, white, or blue spots. Whereas their coat isn’t water-repellent, its brief size prevents them from staying soggy for too lengthy after they grow to be moist.
8. Abyssinian
A cinnamon-colored, ticked coat and huge, alert ears characterize the Abyssinian. This very smart breed possesses a knack for athletics, together with operating, exploring, and swimming. They don’t like to take a seat nonetheless for lengthy. Whereas they’ve a charismatic, virtually dog-like persona that simply attaches to their homeowners, Abyssinians definitely aren’t the cuddliest. Though the breed as we all know it as we speak got here from modern-day Ethiopia, historians speculate the Abyssinian may need initially been bred in historic Egypt alongside the Nile River.
9. Manx
Initially discovered on the Isle of Man, the Manx may be mistaken for a home shorthair tabby till you check out their hindquarters. The Manx virtually by no means has a tail. Their stocky physique coupled with their playful persona makes a very good mixture for an athletic cat who likes to swim.
10. Savannah Cat
The Savannah Cat is a comparatively new breed with a number of generations. Every successive era deviates a bit of farther from their wild origins, however the first Savannah Cat was a cross between the unique African Serval and a home feline. Since they’re half wildcat, Savannah Cats are usually very athletic. They require plenty of consideration and train in order that they don’t run away or grow to be harmful. You would possibly need to take into account placing a swimming pool in your yard so this energetic cat can take some laps.
11. American Bobtail
The American Bobtail typically seems just like the home shorthair with no tail. These mild cats are usually on the massive facet with playful personalities. Not like most cat breeds, the American Bobtail can both have a protracted or brief coat relying on the variation.
12. Japanese Bobtail
Just like the American Bobtail, the Japanese Bobtail can have a protracted or brief coat with a sparse undercoat. These medium-sized felines are available in quite a lot of colours and patterns. The Japanese Bobtail naturally originated in historic Japan the place they have been first saved as working barn cats however have been promoted to be Imperial pets. At present, they haven’t forgotten their royal silks and crown themselves as ruler of each home they inhabit.
Why Do Most Cats Detest Getting Moist?
The home cat’s traditional aversion to water is influenced by genetic and environmental components. Historic cat breeds that have been developed in scorching, arid desert situations just like the Persian are much less prone to have interaction with water than breeds that have been raised in a chilly local weather or have waterproof coats. For instance, the Norwegian Forest Cat has a popularity for braving Norwegian winters with their thick, water-repellent double coats. Traditionally, they accompanied Vikings on lengthy voyages. They haven’t any concern of a bit of splash and are infamous for taking a swim.
Quite the opposite, current breeds that have been introduced up indoors in the US, such because the American Shorthair, generally detest being moist just because they haven’t been uncovered to water. Most cats even have dense fur that takes some time to dry, which is one more reason most want to remain out of the water. Felines that get pleasure from being within the water typically have a single coat that dries simply, or a waterproof double coat. There are some exceptions, after all, such because the Bengal cat. This breed doesn’t have a water-proof coat however inherits their love of water from the Asian leopard cat.
Arguably, any cat of any breed will tolerate being moist to some extent in the event that they have been raised round water. For instance, say you’ve been dealing with an American Shorthair since she was born. You’ve ceaselessly given her baths, held her each day, and he or she feels very snug round you. It’s very seemingly that she’s going to at the very least assist you to give her a shower with out placing up a combat. Even so, she may not voluntarily take a plunge—though she would possibly relying on her persona.
What About Consuming Water?
Many cats are at the very least interested in water, however few get pleasure from being moist. Their pure instincts inform them to drink from sources of transferring water, comparable to water fountains, as an alternative of stagnant bowls the place the aqua will not be the freshest. Because of the feline’s eager sense of scent, some cats are additionally repulsed by faucet water if it’s been purified with sturdy chemical substances. A pet fountain with a water filter generally is a stable funding on your cat’s well being and happiness (and preserve them from turning on the sink and operating up your water invoice).
Conclusion
Whereas most cats solely need to take a couple of recent laps from the tap, some breeds actively search out water to allow them to swim a couple of laps. Breeds that originated in chilly or moist climates, such because the Siberian, usually tend to get pleasure from swimming than breeds developed in a dry or sheltered setting. Nonetheless, with endurance, love, and protracted coaching, most cats can at the very least study to tolerate a shower when essential, even when they’d by no means be a part of you within the pool.
Featured Picture Credit score: Amerigo_images, Shutterstock
In regards to the writer
Cat mother to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten that’s her one and solely baby. For now! All through her life, she has been launched to the particular love that may be discovered within the bond with a cat. Having owned a number of felines, she is greater than sure that their love is unmatched, unconditional and in contrast to some other. With a ardour to coach the general public about every part, there may be to find out about felines, their habits, and their distinctive personalities, Crystal is devoted to creating certain that every one cats and their homeowners know the significance of aware dwelling – and loving!