A Feline Splash

August 18, 2026

Some Cats Actually Love Water

Theresa Gleason, EdD

We have seen those animations where a cat accidentally touches a drop of water, then transforms into a hissing, gravity-defying puffball. For many cats, water can be the ultimate archenemy.  However, if you look closer at the feline world, you will discover a surprising number of cats who not only tolerate water – they LOVE it!

The Science Behind Cats and Water

To understand why most cats avoid the tub, we have to look at their history. Most domestic cats descended from Near Eastern and North African wildcats living in arid desert climates,¹ and evolution did not exactly prepare them for a swim in the local lake. Furthermore, a cat’s fur is designed for insulation and sensory feedback.⁷ When it gets soaked, it becomes heavy, cold, and takes a long time to dry. For a predator that relies on speed and agility, being waterlogged feels like wearing a heavy, wet wool sweater during a race.

Our Water-Loving Rebels

Despite the stereotypes, several breeds are famous for their aquatic affinity. If you own one of these cats, time alone in the bathroom is not likely. Here are some breeds that are famous for seeking out water:

• The Turkish Van: Often called the “Swimming Cat,” these felines have a unique, cashmere-like texture to their fur that is naturally water-resistant.²
• The Maine Coon Cat: These “gentle giants” evolved in snowy climates and often have a fascination with dipping their massive paws into water bowls.
• The Siberian: Known for their dense, triple-layered coats, Siberians are often found “fishing” in sinks or trying to join their humans in the shower.²
• The Bengal: With their wild ancestry, many Bengals are fearless explorers who will happily play in a shallow tub or a running garden hose.

Common Water Behaviors

Even cats who hate baths often exhibit strange water rituals. Have you noticed these in your home?

1. The Paw-Dip: Instead of drinking directly from a bowl, some cats dip their paw into it and lick the water off. This is often a way to gauge the water level (cats have poor near-sighted vision) or to avoid “whisker fatigue” from touching the sides of a deep bowl.⁵
2. Faucet Lovers: Many cats prefer running water over a still bowl. In the wild, running water is generally safer and more fresh than stagnant puddles.⁶ To a cat, a dripping kitchen faucet is basically a high-end filtered spring.
3. The Bathtub Spectator: There are cats that will not get in the water, but they will sit on the edge of the tub, mesmerized by the ripples, occasionally batting at a stray bubble.

Encouraging Safe Splashing

If your cat shows an interest in the wet stuff, you can lean into it! Providing enrichment opportunities with water is an excellent way to engage your cat.⁴ Here’s how:

• Get a Fountain: A circulating water fountain encourages hydration and provides endless entertainment.
• Play The “Ice Cube” Game: Drop a couple of ice cubes into a shallow dish. Watching ice bob and spin provides great mental stimulation.
• Keep it Voluntary: Never force a cat into water. The love of water is only fun when it is on their terms.

Whether your cat is a dedicated dry-land dweller or a bathtub enthusiast, their relationship with H₂O  (the elemental formula for water) is just another one of those quirks that makes cats one of the most fascinating companions on the planet.

 

References

1. Driscoll, Carlos A, Marilyn Menotti-Raymond, Alfred L Roca, et al. 2007. “Near Eastern Origin of Cat Domestication.” Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science)(Washington, DC) 317 (5837): 519–23. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1139518.
2. Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). About the Turkish Van. https://cfa.org/turkish-van/
3. Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). Siberian Breed Standard. https://cfa.org/siberian/
4. Ellis, Sarah L H, Ilona Rodan, Hazel C Carney, et al. 2013. “AAFP and ISFM Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery(London, England) 15 (3): 219–30. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X13477537.
5. James, Katie. 2017. “Whisker Fatigue: Did Pet Bowl Companies Invent a Feline Malady?” DVM360(Monmouth Junction) 48 (8): 10.
6. Schaefer, Edell Marie. 2013. Review of Bradshaw, John. Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Library Journal (1976)138 (18): 110.
7. Scitech Book News(Portland). 2003. Anonymous review of The Cat; Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health. Vol. 27 (2).