It’s a widely held belief that all cats hate water, but is this fact or fiction? Pet care experts say it largely depends on the cat. Read on to learn more about why so many cats have an aversion to getting wet and the advantages of helping your cat become accustomed to water.

The Truth About Cats & Water

Do Cats Really Hate Water?

There’s no one-size-fits-all explanation for how cats feel about water. For many big cats in the wild, staying away from water is a survival tactic. For example, to avoid predators such as crocodiles, some wild species have adapted to keep away from the rivers in their habitats. On the other hand, some large cats, such as tigers, actively seek out water when they want to cool off and hunt for food.

As for domesticated felines, animal care experts have various theories about why so many of them dislike water. One popular hypothesis is that most of these cats have no positive experiences with being wet, so they only associate it with unpleasant events, such as getting caught in a downpour. Another theory points out that cats are notoriously finicky about keeping themselves groomed, and water messes up their fur.

Getting Your Cat Used to Water

Although most domesticated cats have an aversion to being immersed, many love to watch a running faucet or dip a mischievous paw into a bathtub, and this fascination can help you in your pet care routine. A pet fountain, for example, encourages kitties to drink more water and stay hydrated. To get your cat used to being wet, place them in an empty sink and gently wipe their fur with a wet washcloth. Give them some calm words of reassurance, and gradually pour a pitcher of warm water over their coat.

Helping your cat learn to enjoy water comes in handy if they ever need to be bathed because of health problems or because they got into something messy. If you don’t feel confident bathing your cat yourself, take them to a pet care facility that specializes in cat and dog grooming. They have the expertise, tools, and products to care for a variety of coats and skin conditions. Professional grooming is particularly helpful for cats that are older or have long hair, as they may have trouble keeping mats out of their fur.

Dells Animal Hospital in Wisconsin Dells offers a wide range of veterinary services to keep your pet healthy. Their team provides the best possible pet care, from grooming and annual vaccinations to surgical procedures. Call (608) 253-7361 to request an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.