Why do cats hate water? Six reasons, and the breeds that don't

Why do cats hate water? Cats Protection, the UK cat charity, says most cats avoid getting wet for six reasons: their desert ancestors, losing control of their bodies, losing the natural oils in their coat, getting cold, the smell of tap water, and bad past experiences. A bit of rain or a splash from the tap will not harm a cat, it says, but getting soaking wet is usually very stressful. This guide sets out each reason, the breeds that tend to mind less, and what to do if your cat gets soaked.

Everything here comes from Cats Protection's guide "Why do cats hate water?", written with clinical animal behaviourist Daniel Warren-Cummings and opened for this article.

Why do cats hate water? Six reasons

Six reasons most cats avoid getting wet, from Cats Protection's guide.

1. Their ancestors lived where water is scarce

Pet cats descend from the African wildcat, which lives on the African savannah, where water is scarce. Cats Protection says these wildcats rarely meet large bodies of water, so they have had no need to swim or bathe. Most cats also lack fur that repels water, so they try hard to avoid getting wet, and pet cats have inherited that dislike.

2. Wet fur takes away their control

Cats like to be in full control of their bodies, the charity says. Most cat fur is not water-resistant, so when it is soaked it becomes heavy and uncomfortable. That weighs a cat down, makes moving hard and slows its reactions. As a prey species, a cat in that state feels vulnerable and stressed. Moving water can also be unpredictable, which easily startles them.

3. Water washes away natural oils

A cat's coat holds natural oils that keep its skin healthy. If a cat is soaked, Cats Protection says, those oils can be washed away, and its skin can become dry and itchy. Cats are very good at keeping their own fur and skin healthy by grooming, so there usually is no need to bathe one.

4. Soaked cats get cold

A cat with soaking wet fur can struggle to control its body temperature, which can leave it cold and at risk of hypothermia. The charity says this is particularly dangerous for elderly cats, sick cats and young kittens.

5. Tap water smells strong to them

Cats have a very good sense of smell. Tap water contains chemicals such as chlorine, which can smell quite strong to a cat's nose. Cats Protection says this may put a cat off going near water, and off drinking it too. If your cat does not like tap water, it suggests offering filtered water instead.

6. A bad experience sticks

If a cat has had a bad time with water before, such as falling into a bath or a pond and struggling to get out, the charity says it will remember that stressful experience and try not to repeat it.

Do some cats like water?

Yes, some. Cats Protection says some cats are curious about water: they will sit on the edge of the bath, or put a head or paw under a running tap for a drink. But most do not like being fully in water, which is why most cats will not enjoy a bath.

Some breeds have water-resistant fur that does not get waterlogged. The charity says that does not mean they will like water, but they will usually be less stressed if they get wet, and some may enjoy it, depending on the cat:

• Maine Coon: water-resistant fur, so they usually do not mind getting wet. See our guide to the Maine Coon.
• Turkish Van: often called "the swimming cat"; a water-resistant coat, and often enjoys paddling.
• Abyssinian: a water-resistant coat, and will often happily splash about.
• Bengal: some like playing with toys in water, since their fur repels it. See our guide to the Bengal cat.

Should you bathe your cat?

Usually not. Cats Protection says you should only bathe your cat if your vet has advised it. If your cat does get soaking wet, its advice is to gently dry it with a towel and keep it somewhere warm.

What about big cats?

Some big cats are different. The charity says tigers and jaguars live in tropical forests with lots of rivers and lakes, and have adapted to be good swimmers so they can hunt in water as well as on land. Lions, leopards and panthers in hot climates use water to cool down. Big cats in cooler places, such as bobcats, lynx and snow leopards, are more likely to avoid water, since getting wet would make it hard to keep warm.

A rainy-day check for your own cat

Here is a simple way to read your own cat, using the reasons above.

1. Watch at the door: when it is raining, does your cat still go out, or turn back? A bit of rain will not harm it, the charity says.
2. Watch at the tap: is your cat curious about a running tap or the bath? That is normal for some cats.
3. Check the water bowl: if your cat avoids drinking tap water, try filtered water, as the charity suggests.
4. Have a towel ready: if your cat comes in soaked, dry it gently and keep it somewhere warm, especially if it is old, unwell or a kitten.
5. Skip the bath: unless your vet has advised one.

Cats in the rain on your walk, and Cat Go

On a wet day, the cats you meet outside are most likely tucked away somewhere dry, for the reasons above. A cat sheltering from the rain is best left where it is. If you walk in all weathers, our plan for walking when it rains may help.

Cat Go is a game that plays in your web browser: "Walk anywhere, photograph a real cat, lure it with food and catch it." You catch a cat by taking its photo, and the treats are in the game, so there is no need to go closer to a cat sheltering under a porch.

Cat Go's map, where each catch is recorded with the place you found the cat.

The camera screen says "Fit the whole cat in the frame". When you toss in-game treats, the game warns that "Cats you've startled leave quickly. Stay calm with your tosses."

Frequently asked questions

Is it bad for cats to get wet?

Cats Protection says a bit of rain or a splash of water will not harm a cat, but getting soaking wet is usually very stressful and can leave a cat cold, especially old or sick cats and kittens.

Which cat breeds like water?

The charity names the Maine Coon, Turkish Van, Abyssinian and Bengal as breeds with water-resistant fur, though whether a cat enjoys water depends on the individual.

Should I give my cat a bath?

Only if your vet has advised it, Cats Protection says. Cats keep their own fur and skin healthy by grooming.

Why won't my cat drink tap water?

Tap water contains chemicals such as chlorine that can smell strong to a cat. The charity suggests trying filtered water.

Get started

Next time it rains, watch your cat at the door and see which of the six reasons fits. Keep a towel by the door for a soaked cat.

Play Cat Go in your browser: walk anywhere, photograph a real cat, lure it with food and catch it.