Final Up to date on: September 6, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Most cats appear to be born and bred with an intense hatred and worry of being moist. Tub time usually 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 take pleasure in swatting at working water and may soar in a humid tub after your bathe to lick the water droplets off the ground. Even rarer, some cats really take pleasure in swimming!
There are just a few 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 may very well be your new swimming buddy.
Prime 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 exterior their native nation however is kind of a treasure in the event 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 straightforward to take care of, however few declare possession of Turkish Angoras exterior of their place of origin.
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 working 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, often weighing over 15 kilos.
5. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon frequented the Northeastern docks throughout the 1800s and stored the rat inhabitants in examine, which earned them respect (and treats) from American sailors. At this time, they’re one of many largest home cat breeds that could be employed as barn cats or stored 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 slightly 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 turn out to be domesticated. It’s more likely to see their lengthy, flowing coat floating within the water as they exit for a swim, however because of their coat being waterproof, it received’t take them very lengthy to get dry as soon as they’re finished.
7. Bengal
The gorgeous noticed Bengal cat appeared within the Nineteen 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, quick coat with silver, brown, white, or blue spots. Whereas their coat isn’t water-repellent, its quick size prevents them from staying soggy for too lengthy after they turn out to be moist.
8. Abyssinian
A cinnamon-colored, ticked coat and enormous, alert ears characterize the Abyssinian. This very smart breed possesses a knack for athletics, together with working, exploring, and swimming. They don’t like to sit down nonetheless for lengthy. Whereas they’ve a charismatic, virtually dog-like persona that simply attaches to their house owners, Abyssinians definitely aren’t the cuddliest. Though the breed as we all know it right now got here from modern-day Ethiopia, historians speculate the Abyssinian may need initially been bred in historical Egypt alongside the Nile River.
9. Manx
Initially discovered on the Isle of Man, the Manx is perhaps 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 great 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 slightly 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 typically very athletic. They require numerous consideration and train so that they don’t run away or turn out to be harmful. You may need to contemplate placing a swimming pool in your yard so this energetic cat can take some laps.
11. American Bobtail
The American Bobtail usually appears just like the home shorthair with no tail. These mild cats are typically on the massive facet with playful personalities. Not like most cat breeds, the American Bobtail can both have an extended or quick coat relying on the variation.
12. Japanese Bobtail
Just like the American Bobtail, the Japanese Bobtail can have an extended or quick coat with a sparse undercoat. These medium-sized felines are available a wide range of colours and patterns. The Japanese Bobtail naturally originated in historical Japan the place they had been first stored as working barn cats however had been promoted to be Imperial pets. At this time, 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 elements. Historic cat breeds that had been developed in scorching, arid desert situations just like the Persian are much less more likely to have interaction with water than breeds that had been raised in a chilly local weather or have waterproof coats. For instance, the Norwegian Forest Cat has a status for braving Norwegian winters with their thick, water-repellent double coats. Traditionally, they accompanied Vikings on lengthy voyages. They haven’t any worry of slightly splash and are infamous for taking a swim.
Quite the opposite, current breeds that had been introduced up indoors in america, 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 take pleasure in being within the water usually have a single coat that dries simply, or a waterproof double coat. There are some exceptions, in fact, 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 had been raised round water. For instance, say you’ve been dealing with an American Shorthair since she was born. You’ve often given her baths, held her each day, and she or he feels very snug round you. It’s very seemingly that she is going to not less than can help you give her a shower with out placing up a combat. Even so, she won’t voluntarily take a plunge—though she may relying on her persona.
What About Consuming Water?
Many cats are not less than inquisitive about water, however few take pleasure in being moist. Their pure instincts inform them to drink from sources of transferring water, resembling water fountains, as an alternative of stagnant bowls the place the aqua is probably not the freshest. Due to the feline’s eager sense of odor, some cats are additionally repulsed by faucet water if it’s been purified with sturdy chemical substances. A pet fountain with a water filter is usually a strong funding on your cat’s well being and happiness (and preserve them from turning on the sink and working up your water invoice).
Conclusion
Whereas most cats solely need to take just a few contemporary laps from the tap, some breeds actively hunt down water to allow them to swim just a few laps. Breeds that originated in chilly or moist climates, such because the Siberian, usually tend to take pleasure in swimming than breeds developed in a dry or sheltered surroundings. Nevertheless, with persistence, love, and chronic coaching, most cats can not less than be taught to tolerate a shower when crucial, 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 little one. 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 every other. With a ardour to teach the general public about every part, there’s to find out about felines, their conduct, and their distinctive personalities, Crystal is devoted to creating certain that each one cats and their house owners know the significance of aware dwelling – and loving!
