The misconception that not all cats like water are totally wrong. Some like it very much, and others tolerate it without major difficulty. The attraction to water in cats is also a matter of education; an animal accustomed to bathing from childhood will get used to it very easily and will support swimming at any age. However, there are some breeds of cats that truly enjoy swimming. Here is a quick overview of swimming pool lovers!
Water and cats: an extraordinary relationship
Not all cats necessarily like water, but not all cats hate it. Some breeds are real swimmers, and when a cat is used to taking a bath very early on, it can also … taste! The refreshing contact of water is efficient during a heatwave because cats suffer like us from high temperatures; Cooling them down with a lukewarm bath or a little soaking of the paws is ideal for gently lowering their body temperature. But water is also desirable when we must wash the animal, especially if it has become soiled or infected with parasites. In this case, if the cat has been accustomed to contact with water very early on, it will endure these moments much better.
Why do the majority of cats not like water? Several theories and explanations exist on this subject. One of them relates to the origin of our cats today, which for the most part, are breeds from the Middle East. However, water is scarce in these desert regions, and scientists believe that when cats were forced to migrate and adapt to more humid regions, they were wary of water, a mistrust that is still found in their genes today. To justify this theory, the researchers found that cats from northern and humid regions are, on the contrary, excellent swimmers. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for our living room cats to like to observe the water flowing from the tap or the circles that form on the surface of the bath.
Regardless, all cats are different and cannot be considered water phobic. In addition, some breeds genuinely love to bathe and are known for it.
Cat breeds that love water
As we have said, not all cats are the same. Some cats, accustomed to being bathed from a very young age, will appreciate contact with water throughout their life and will not be – or not – reluctant to the idea of a bath. Nevertheless, it is proven that some breeds of cats really enjoy the water, and swimming in it is a real pleasure for them. Discover them!
Abyssinian
Playful, gentle, affectionate, curious, intelligent… the Abyssinian does not lack qualities in addition to his great beauty and his incomparable elegance, which evokes the majesty of the puma. It is, however, a tomcat very close and dependent on its master, but who also has the particularity of adoring water. Excellent swimmer; he does not hesitate to dive into swimming in all the water points he finds. The Abyssinian, however, comes from warm regions around Ethiopia or Egypt, but some give it birth on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Can this proximity to the sea explain his desire to swim?
The Bengal
The Bengal is a large cat that weighs 8-9 kg on average but is best known for its spotted coat reminiscent of the leopard. This original color is due to its cross between a domestic cat and an Asian wild cat. Curious, intelligent, and lively, this affectionate cat is also a great water lover. His attraction is so strong that he does not hesitate to join his masters in their bathtubs or swimming pools.
The Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is another large cat, weighing 6 to 10 kg, or even more since the largest ones easily reach 14 kg. Gentle, attentive, cuddly, and playful, the Maine Coon is also a big fan of water and loves to take baths. He will, therefore, not hesitate to come and have fun in a sink full of water and soak in it for his pleasure.
Originally from Maine, in the northern United States, the Maine Coon is fearless and adventurous. Its water attraction is often justified because it results from a cross between farm cats and Norwegian cats imported by the Vikings during their countless conquests. Can its origin in humid regions alone explain its attraction to water? It is still a mystery. But it is also said that the “coon” particle of its name comes from “raccoon,” the raccoon, which for some would also be its ancestor …
Norwegian
The Norwegian is a cat who is not afraid of water and is even an excellent swimmer. This ancient breed and listed in the Nordic myths, is one of the large sizes of tomcats since they can weigh up to 10 kg. Despite his thick fur, he is not bothered by water and likes to dive in from time to time. Can we think that its Nordic origin, therefore from a particularly humid region of the world, influences this attraction? Difficult to say.
Sweet and loving, the Norwegian is nonetheless a beautiful animal that will delight you because it is a good companion for both adults and children!
The Siberian
The Siberian is a breed of cat that loves to bathe, play with water, and swim. He feels like a little fish there and will appreciate following you on your outings around the lakes to jump in during a break to swim a few lengths. Also known for its hypoallergenic properties, the Siberian is the friend of allergy sufferers.
It would have been imported from Siberia by Russian settlers. It is an ancient breed that, too, comes from cold and humid regions. Is that enough to explain his attraction to water? Good question!
The Turk of Van
The Turkish Van is a magnificent cat with often walleyes are known for his true passion for water. He doesn’t just take a dip as some do, but he doesn’t hesitate to jump into the pool, the sea, or a lake to swim a few lengths. This child friend is a perfect playmate who also enjoys climbing all over the place.
It is originally from Turkey and in particular from the region of Lake Van, from which it takes its name. Some explain its attraction to water by the region’s extreme temperatures and, therefore, by its need to bathe to cool off. Others justify it by the need to feed, and in this region, only the fish of the lake are real prey!
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