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. Tub time usually brings out sharp claws and pitiful meows from the time they’re a kitten all the best way to maturity. Regardless of this, many cats get pleasure from swatting at operating water and may leap in a moist tub after your bathe to lick the water droplets off the ground. Even rarer, some cats truly get pleasure from swimming!
There are a couple of cat breeds although who not solely drink from the water fountain however are normally 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
Often called the “Swimming Cat,” the Turkish Van is a singular breed in additional methods than one. They’ve a surprising 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 for those who 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 place of birth.
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 basic companion to Viking sailors, the Norwegian Forest Cat is accustomed to frigid winters on land and sea. Their plush double coat is water resistant, which helps them dry sooner 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 in the course of the 1800s and saved 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 saved inside as pets. Their dense, water-repellent double coat prepares them for contact with water, and their tenacity to get the job achieved 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 might need been one of many first—if not the primary—cat to turn into domesticated. It’s prone to see their lengthy, flowing coat floating within the water as they exit for a swim, however due to their coat being water resistant, it received’t take them very lengthy to get dry as soon as they’re achieved.
7. Bengal
The gorgeous 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, 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 into 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 operating, exploring, and swimming. They don’t like to take a seat nonetheless for lengthy. Whereas they’ve a charismatic, nearly dog-like persona that simply attaches to their homeowners, Abyssinians actually aren’t the cuddliest. Though the breed as we all know it at present got here from modern-day Ethiopia, historians speculate the Abyssinian might need initially been bred in historical 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 nearly by no means has a tail. Their stocky physique coupled with their playful persona makes 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 typically very athletic. They require plenty of consideration and train in order that they don’t run away or turn into damaging. You may 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 usually seems to be just like the home shorthair with out a tail. These light cats are typically on the massive aspect with playful personalities. Not like most cat breeds, the American Bobtail can both have a protracted or quick coat relying on the variation.
12. Japanese Bobtail
Just like the American Bobtail, the Japanese Bobtail can have a protracted or quick coat with a sparse undercoat. These medium-sized felines are available quite a lot of colours and patterns. The Japanese Bobtail naturally originated in historical Japan the place they have been first saved as working barn cats however have 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 basic aversion to water is influenced by genetic and environmental elements. Historic cat breeds that have been developed in scorching, arid desert situations just like the Persian are much less prone to interact with water than breeds that have been raised in a chilly local weather or have water resistant 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 don’t have any concern of a bit of splash and are infamous for taking a swim.
Quite the opposite, latest breeds that have 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 another excuse most desire to remain out of the water. Felines that get pleasure from being within the water usually have a single coat that dries simply, or a water resistant double coat. There are some exceptions, in fact, such because the Bengal cat. This breed doesn’t have a water-resistant 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 often given her baths, held her day by day, and she or he feels very comfy round you. It’s very seemingly that she is going to a minimum of help you give her a shower with out placing up a battle. Even so, she won’t voluntarily take a plunge—though she may relying on her persona.
What About Ingesting Water?
Many cats are a minimum of inquisitive about water, however few get pleasure from being moist. Their pure instincts inform them to drink from sources of shifting water, resembling water fountains, as a substitute of stagnant bowls the place the aqua is probably not the freshest. Due to 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 to your cat’s well being and happiness (and hold 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 hunt down 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. Nevertheless, with endurance, love, and chronic coaching, most cats can a minimum of be taught 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
Concerning the writer
Cat mother to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten that’s her one and solely youngster. 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 teach the general public about every little thing, there may be to find out about felines, their conduct, and their distinctive personalities, Crystal is devoted to creating positive that each one cats and their homeowners know the significance of aware residing – and loving!