If you’ve ever tried to bath your cat, and have the battle-scars to prove it, then you’ll know that the majority of cats don’t like water. However, one look on YouTube and you’ll find that there are cats out there that actually enjoy a splash around from time to time.
Here are a few of the breeds known for their water loving antics:
1. Bengal
Bengal cats are known for their gorgeous colouring, exotic markings and distinctive vocal talents, but did you also know that they’re a breed that loves the water? If you leave the bathroom door open when you’re having a relaxing soak in the bath, don’t be surprised if your Bengal joins you, even if it’s just to swat the rubber ducky floating on the top.
2. Maine Coon
The gentle giants of the domestic cat world, Maine Coons are robust, excellent climbers and they’re also completely fascinated with water. They are known for their ability to scoop water with their paws, so it’s best to keep the toilet lid firmly shut so that you don’t end up with a puddle of water on the bathroom floor.
3. Turkish Van
Turkish Vans are enthusiastic swimmers and are nicknamed the ‘swimming cat’ for their love of playing in water puddles of any shape or size, from their water bowl to the toilet or swimming pool. Their long bodies and small, rounded paws give them the perfect body shape for swimming, and their soft coat is water-resistant.
4. Turkish Angora
Playful Turkish Angoras, like their cousins the Turkish Vans, are real water babies. If you have a Turkish Angora as a pet, don’t be surprised if he comes running when he hears the sound of the tap being turned on, of if he wants to join you in the shower or bath.
5. Savannah
The Savannah cat, like the Bengal, is more closely related to wild cats than most domestic breeds, which accounts for their striking coats and distinctive facial features. They can often be found playing with water, and are also one of the few breeds of cat that enjoys being bathed.
6. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian cat originates from Ethiopia and is thought to be one of the world’s oldest breeds of cat. Daring, boisterous and with a distinctive ‘tick’ patterned coat, the Abyssinian is smart enough to turn the tap on himself to quench his thirst, he also loves to play in and with running water.
7. Snowshoe
The name Snowshoe refers to the cute white ‘boots’ on the feet of these adorable and gentle cats, found mainly in the USA. Despite looking on the chunky side, these attractive cats are surprisingly buoyant when it comes to being in the water.
8. Manx
The famous tailless Manx cats, which originate from the Isle of Man in the UK, have a distinctive hopping gait, caused by their back legs being longer than their front legs. This doesn’t, however, hold them back when it comes to enjoying the water.
If you have a cat that loves water and is one of the breeds listed above, then it may be that it just comes naturally to him. Of course, just because he’s one of the breeds that are known to like water, it doesn’t mean that he definitely will. Cats have their own, unique and distinctive personalities; isn’t that why we love them so much?
Does your cat like water? Share your cat’s water antics below…
Image: Robert Shabs / Tscherno via Flickr
My Blueberry LOVES water. He’s got a thick Grey coat and gold eyes. He likes to try to jump in the shower with me or let the water run over his face.
I, Minchie, am a Turkish Angora and now Mom knows why I come running when she turns the water on!
Memphis, loves water, he will sit at and stare at the pet water fountain long after he has quenched his thirst. He paws at the water flowing from the top, he’s managed to dislodge the lid to the fountain tower so he can get to the water inside it.
He loves to sit on our back porch while it’s raining, and has been known to jump in the shower with me.
I see Somali cats aren’t on that list, which would be… absolutely CORRECT! I hate water with a passion!
My Caster is a Maine Coon – or so we think. When we gave him a bath after finding him, he did not mind it at all. He was very calm and compliant. Now a days, he likes to get in the sink in search of food particles. If we happen to turn the sink on or splash him when he’s in the sink, he just ignores it. He is so funny!