Even if you have an outdoor cat you probably kept them indoors for the first few months of their life. What breed are they, and how do you encourage their love of water? Try fashioning a cat swimming pool from a shallow tray with a small amount of water in the bottom. You just won't see them hanging around the pool getting ready for a quick dip. That may be more to do with the way we tend to exclude cats from water based activities, rather than any instinctive aversion to water in cats. Funny Cats and cute kittens in Water and Love Swimming. There are also a few breeds of household kitties, including the Maine coon, Bengal and Abyssinian, that love the water and occasionally enjoy a … Required fields are marked *. Let your cat approach the tray in their own time and try to catch the toys from the side. Remember to keep a close eye on your cat whenever they are playing with water, to keep them safe. If someone told you that you could teach your cat how to swim next summer, would you die laughing? these little tricksters might turn on the tap just to play in the running water. And with some innate understanding of how to do so. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its fur is smooth, silky, and water repellant. Some people even recommend using a spray bottle filled with water to train a cat that some things are not allowed. Call him salmon and ask him to bring you a fresh catch. Another way is to make a path through the nether and take them through that way. Some cat breeds are more prone to enjoying the water, but most prefer not to take a dip or plunge. It would be a huge shock to your cat if the first time they had to swim with the life jacket on, was when they accidentally fell off the boat. Abyssinian. A cat will swim similar to the way a dog paddles as opposed to a human type of swimming. Read on to find out more about where the myths surrounding cats and water come from. Some types of algae and chemicals are also harmful for your pet to consume. All cats can swim, some enjoy it while others will not. Some breeds are known to like water more than others. Teach Her to Swim Granted, not all cats will even get in the water, much less want to swim. Visitors describe them swimming out to meet fishing boats in the hope of some lunch. There have been many cases of kittens swimming for long periods of time. Your email address will not be published. Or why the question came up. Unlike the fishing cat, the Turkish Van doesn’t have an undercoat. In my case, Sassy was swimming very strongly and … They can fit through holes the size of a quarter. Some cat breeds that are known to love water are: Turkish Vans, Bengal Cats, and Maine Coon cats. All cats have the potential to enjoy playing with water, and even swimming, if they have lots of opportunities to have fun with water while they are young. Don’t actually make it deep enough to swim in, just a centimeter or so to float some slippery toys on. That may be more to do with the way we tend to exclude cats from water based activities, rather than  any instinctive aversion to water in cats. The athletic feline is one of the oldest known domesticated cats. Pets can only teleport to land, so if you cross a large enough body of water and they can't keep up by swimming, they will be unloaded and will be unable to teleport to you when you come to land. If your cat lives indoors, they probably haven’t encountered much water. Felines simply stopped being exposed to water. The Cheetoh cat is a relatively new cat breed … More... How well do you know your cat? Most Manx cats like water as they were originally bred on the Isle of Man in the UK. Most of the big cats tend to avoid water as they are adapted to hunt on land. Krieger says that cat breeds that like water include Bengals, Turkish Van cats and someSavannahs are partial to water, though it’s not a guarantee. If your cat is like most felines, it probably turns into a chaotic mess of screeching fur when it gets near water. Yes, cats happen to be good swimmers – when the need arises. As you can see Bengal cats not only have a wonderful curiosity about water but tend to enjoy it enough to even swim in natural bodies of water. My mother has a beautiful but daft Maine Coon called Molly. Many terrestrial mammals are capable swimmers too; dogs of course, but … However, is this an innate cat quality, or has the feline aversion to water developed over time? She may shake her paw once it gets wet, but that’s just because it’s a new sensation. However, although they can swim instinctively if they fall in, cats that are unaccustomed to water may be poor swimmers. Yet as time went on and cats became domesticated, owners protected them from the elements. Did you know that thousands of research papers have been published on cat behavior and health? Your cat just might not be used to the wet stuff. To make her swim stronger. The Happy Cat Site is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, The Happy Cat Site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Johnson says that Maine Coonsare especially known to like water, but she says it really depends on the cat. Here are a few pointers for making sure your feline pet stays out of danger. Other breeds noted for their fondness of water include the American Shorthair. Looking back, I can’t even remember who told me that cats don’t like water. The confident and playful Bengal cat is one of the few shorthaired breeds noted for their love of water. Whales, seals and otters have evolved to move effortlessly through the water. And surely you can’t learn to swim if you won’t go in the water? Can Cats Eat Kale? However, wild cats that had to hunt for fish may have developed the ability to swim well. But it’s hard to tell how much this has actually influenced their enthusiasm for water. Finally if a cat never has never had to go in water, they can simply lose their confidence. Can cats swim? Rats’ superpowers are near-mythical: They can swim for three days. Which means that yes, all cats can (in theory) swim! According to the San Diego Zoo, the fishing cat is one of the best swimmers in the animal kingdom. Some cat lovers I know say that you can train your cat to have regular baths, especially if you start when they're just kittens. All of us on land are descended from ancestors who lived in the sea. Over the course of a decade they took home four cats, which became the founding cats of what they called the Turkish Van breed. The internet teems with silly memes of cats swimming, surfing and even scuba diving. If a cat without much water experience falls into a pool, they are more likely to panic and flail and wear themselves out before they can make it to dry land. Let’s look at the way that cats that love water are built. Please tell us about them in the comments section! Swim Test. This is likely to be partly because they get lots of opportunities to try playing in water. Whatever breed of cat you have, and whatever their age, it’s never too late to try using water to widen their repertoire of fun games. Cats that love water. Perhaps for some animals today the instinct for swimming has somehow been kept more “alive” since then. Well it turns out the reality is not so straight forward. All cats are capable of swimming, but compared with dogs for example, most cats prefer not to. Broad shoulders and a rounded ribcage change the cat’s center of gravity, creating an ideal posture for swimming. Bobcats can swim quite well. All cats have the potential to enjoy playing with water. Being able to swim is quite different from being able to swim well though. Cats can swim quite well although not every one enjoys it. So I think this is actually a case of Bengals’ daring temperament winning the day! I accidentally kicked a cat into a canal from a bridge, it was struggling to swim, I didn't check to see if it made it to the other side. Is It Safe for Cats? Behaviorally cats are generally less tolerant of … If your cat does end up in the swimming pool, make sure to rinse him off well after he takes a dip. Do you have a cat that likes to swim or play with water? Although most outdoor cats will avoid swimming pools, ponds, and lakes, they can be shocked if they fall into a body of water accidentally. Although most outdoor cats will avoid swimming pools, ponds, and lakes, they can be shocked if they fall into a body of water accidentally. If your cat doesn’t love the water, you might still ask the question, “Can I teach my cat to swim?” If you start early and encourage your kitty enough, you might be able to get him accustomed to water. Cats are … Bengal cats for example have been known to join their owners in the bathtub. Amazing! This could be a bath tub or a pool. Water safety for pets goes beyond drowning prevention. Additionally, the Savannah cat is one of the other breeds that loves to be bathed. All Rights Reserved. They might love the way they bob about, and you may eventually see them climb in to try and snag their prey! Lastly, is the Abyssinian. Those that stalked their prey on dry land never had to learn to swim. Most mammals can swim, including lions, leopards and cheetahs. I had a cat who as a kitten, decided that playing with a ping pong ball in the tub was fun. Their heart rate slows, and circulation to their hands and feet decreases to stop them losing heat. Both Bengal and Savannah cats are more directly related to wild cats than many other breeds. Can some reassure me that cats can swim? All cats are capable of swimming, but compared with dogs for example, most cats prefer not to. How do cats swim if they’ve never been taught? Following the Japanese Bobtail is the Maine Coon; Maine Coons like to play with water and If you own a Maine Coon, you may have to keep the lids to your toilets down to prevent kitty from scooping water out onto the floor. So what happens is that people bring home Turkish Van cats expecting them to like water. The IHC Group. This affinity is often attributed to their wild cat ancestry, but this is yet another myth! Seeing a cat swimming is very rare because most cats simply hate the water and everybody knows this. Like their big cat cousins, all domestic cats are born physically able to swim. Ok, “like to swim” might be a bit of an exaggeration. You must admit that Bengal cats are definitely one of the more fascinating and entertaining cats in the domestic cat kingdom. The Japanese Bobtail is another tailless cat that’s notorious for stalking koi ponds and turning on faucets. The Ultimate New Kitten Checklist – Gear & Things You Need to Know. Meanwhile certain types of cats, like the tiger, can swim for longer distances if necessary. 8 DIY Cat House Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures) Male vs Female Cats – What are the Pros & Cons? Like the Turkish Van, Maine Coons have a dense undercoat that makes it harder for water to penetrate all the way to the skin. They also act like snowshoes in the mud of the wetlands, preventing the cat from sinking as it hunts. Drowning is something you just don’t want to risk. They are white and fluffy, and great swimmers! Despite the fact they’re unrelated to their swimming namesake. I haven't tried so I don't know if it works. Well, there are a few factors at play here. No time to read them all? The wild cats in the dry Middle East are the closest relatives to the domestic cat. All around Lake Van live a traditional local breed of cats called Van cats. Molly’s absolute favourite game is when someone fills a watering can and uses it to make sweeping, arcing patterns in the lawn. Those cats would never have developed the urge to go for a dip. Two layers of fur protect the fishing cat’s skin from wetness and cold. The bobcat is an adaptable animal. Cat hunting behaviors are also innate, but some cats still struggle to catch so much as a fly. Have you ever seen your kitty play with a dripping faucet? Virtually all animals can swim or at least know how to handle being in water (some animals can't float so they walk along the bottom of the lake, like hippos). If your cat does like to go for a paddle, or even a swim, make sure there are plenty of places where they can easily climb out of the water. To review: yes – cats can swim. Wild cats hunted for their food. They also have powerful hind legs ideal for swimming. If a cat has fallen into water by accident, it probably came as a surprise and left a strong (and negative) impression. Bengal cats are descended from asian leopard cats, which prefer to hunt in trees than in water. For example, tigers have no fear of the water, another example; the Fishing Cat. They weren’t really exposed to water besides drinking; however, all cats do instinctively have the ability to swim. Cats seem to be able to escape water faster than they fall into it. Don’t expect to hold it down for a cuddle. The Turkish Van is a fluffy white cat with a rusty color on the tail and ears which originated in the Lake Van region of Turkey. The Turkish Van is also fascinated by water. Although most domestic cats don't like water, their wild cousins, such as tigers, happily use it to cool off or hunt their next meal. Such as a less muscular physique, or a particular type of coat. Firstly, being born knowing how to do something doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be good at it. Be calm and encourage your cat. Also, because we think our cats don’t like water, we keep them out of the way of the bath and the pool, etc. Your email address will not be published. (Incidentally, Molly is also one of those terrible hunters we touched on earlier, the only thing she ever captures are our camelia flowers.). One way around this is to swim or boat slowly so that they keep up. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re running from a feline though, don’t expect water to be your escape. But these are the breeds which, anecdotally at least, get the most thrills from it: Van cats swim in Lake Van to cool off in the hot Turkish summer. In the 1950s, two British women called Laura Lushington and Sonia Halliday visited Turkey. While swimming only really occurs in warmer climates as a way of cooling down, you may see your cat playing in water. Now, can cats swim? While the surprise factor plays a role here, most cats don´t like to be wet afterward. Just because cats have some innate swimming ability doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take precautions. Cats can be exposed to water gradually, but it’s important to take safety precautions. How to Introduce a Cat to Another Aggressive Cat – Our Vet Answers. 2. To help prevent the potential stress, encourage your cat to swim in a shallow calm area. Their love of water has also been attributed to their heritage as ships’ cats. They might have only experienced water as a drenching rainstorm that left them cold and wet. Although most cats don’t like water, pool safety is still an important part of keeping your kitty safe. The fishing cat is an Asian wildcat that prefers to live near water, where it can find its favorite food. Animal Planet describes the Turkish Van as a cat with a swimmer’s body. Poodle Cat – Everything You Need To Know About This Curly Kitten, Havana Brown Cat – A Complete Guide To An Unforgettable Cat, Spotted Tabby Cats – Which Breeds To Look For And What To Expect, Cheetoh Cat – An Exciting, Enormous, Spotted Cat. And picked out the best bits! Perhaps because it’s so active, this cat is also quite independent. The Turkish Van breed has since become noted for loving water. Some additional, semi-aquatic cat breeds include Norwegian Forest Cats, Manxes, Japanese Bobtails, Maine Coons, and Abyssinians. Also, the American and Japanese Bobtails, the Turkish Angora and Norwegian Forest cats. Just like some cats prefer tuna and others like chicken, some cats like water and some don’t. All cats are capable of swimming, but compared with dogs for example, most cats prefer not to. Three reasons why most cats don’t like the water 1. Turkish Van cats have a dense, water repellent coat to keep them warm in the water. Tigers, on the other hand, live in lush tropical jungles with lots of wide rivers. Here’s some footage of a Van cat swimming taken from a documentary made for the UK in 2013 called the Secret Life of Cats: Plenty of Turkish Van owners report that their pet has an unusual fondness for water. Swimming is a survival instinct that will kick in when a cat is in the water. However, webbed feet help it move faster in the water. Whether they actually like the water is a different story, and most find it pretty uncomfortable. This reaffirms our belief that they don’t like it. Try to discourage your pet from drinking water outdoors. Our cat care articles, tips and fun facts, delivered to your inbox. Swimming Cats. my point is that puppies and kittens shouldn't be drowning when they can actually swim and it puts less worry on the player. house cats can't swim and big cats like lions can swim but hate water any way i think a tiger can swim you should go to your the local libary and ask for a big cats … naturally the cat will want to leave the pool. And yet, modern cats don’t necessarily hate water. A pet cat in Pennsylvania is disproving the notion that all felines hate water: Not only does Tissy, a 5-year-old Maine Coon, love the water, she goes swimming at least once a week in the family pool. ©Copyright 1999 - 2020. If you have a Turkish Van or fishing cat, you might want to provide it with a kiddie pool to cool off in during the summer. If you have enjoyed your visit to The Happy Cat Site we think you'll love The Happy Cat Handbook. All cats have the potential to enjoy playing with water, and even swimming, if they have lots of opportunities to have fun with water while they are young. Yes a cat can swim, although their preference is to not be in the water. The Abyssinian are lithe, regal cats that still closely resemble their Ethiopian wildcat … The fishing cat has a strong, stocky build. You might be surprised by the answer. Some cats swim for pleasure, for example the Turkish Van is also known as the swimming cat. Without experience of water, cats become wary of it. The short, dense underlayer keeps water out, and the longer outer layer provides the cat’s markings and camouflage. When human babies are submerged in water, they automatically hold their breath. Next is the Manx. It all depends on the individual cat, their breed, the situation and their previous experiences. However, it’s entirely possible your cat just isn’t too keen on the idea of water. If your cat does end up in the swimming pool, make sure to rinse him off well after he takes a dip. It doesn’t seem like it would be very streamlined in the water. Don’t worry - we’ve done it for you! Some say that the first Manx swam to the island from a wrecked Spanish Armada ship, creating an instant love of water. They’re just not used to the way it feels. Krieger has seen many cats that like water, but most of them enjoy playing with water from faucets or fountains. To my knowledge, cats don't swim cuz i saw 2 drown cats before in the ditch. All you need to find a kitten and raise a happy, healthy cat, June 11, 2020 By Sarah Holloway Leave a Comment. If they could speak your language, they’d probably tell you that water makes them miserable. Watch these adorable cats swim! If you look at big cats in the wild, you’ll notice that many are strong swimmers. They will often bat at dripping water, while some fully immerse themselves. Cats can swim and if required so they will swim. Water can be a safety hazard for cats that don’t like to swim. Secondly, some cats might have been bred for characteristics that make them somehow less suited to life in the water. We are so excited to share our new book with you! Written by the founders of this website including the author of the hugely successful Happy Puppy Handbook, it's packed with cat care information and fascinating cat facts. But there are certainly some breeds of cat which have temperaments or physical characteristics that make them well suited to water. If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, keeping your pet cat safe around it will be top priority when you bring them home. Legend has it that this feline was brought onto Noah’s Ark to help take care of any rat problems. And also because of some helpful physical attributes. The surprise can affect their ability to swim. So, if you have a pool at home, consider investing in a pool cover before you let your cat outdoors. Stagnant bodies of water can contain bacteria that are dangerous for dogs and cats. 10 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Swimming (As Told in GIFs) The surprise can affect their ability to swim. I had to make sure the water was lukewarm. First off, the Norwegian Forest Cat is adept at fishing and might swipe fish right out of your aquarium. Point her towards the edge, but lightly hold on so she can swim, but not get away. To encourag… The common confusion between Van cats and Turkish Van cats is a perfect illustration of how cat swimming is often a product of our own expectations: In east Turkey there is a lake called Lake Van. But here’s the thing… none of the cats Lushington and Halliday brought back were Van cats. However, whether he really enjoys it is a secret that he might keep forever just to maintain the illusion that cats hate water alive. The chemicals in pools and the bacteria in other bodies of water can be harmful to your pet. But the two breeds have become confused, and people regularly attribute the Van cat’s love of water to Turkish Van cats instead. A lot of animals have some instinct for how to behave in water. If your cat loves the water, you might be tempted to give him an aquatic-sounding name. According to Pawesome Cats, several other feline breeds like water. She is obsessed with “catching” the spot where the water hits the ground, and chases it round like a loon. They give them lots of enriching play experiences with water, and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Discover the secret world of cats. Graceful, competent swimming won’t come easily to a cat who’s gone their whole life without being submerged in water. We tend to take it for granted that our pet cats don’t like water. Consider investing in a shallow tray with a swimmer’s body somehow been kept more “ alive ” then. Share our new book with you our belief that they don ’ like. 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More fascinating and entertaining cats in the bottom remember to keep a close eye on cat! Know that thousands of research papers have been known to join their owners in the animal kingdom love water:. Are near-mythical: they can fit through holes the size of a.. Ponds and turning on faucets tigers, on the cat swimming cat live in tropical. Women called Laura Lushington and Halliday brought back were Van cats to float some slippery toys on are! Directly related to wild cats in the water for characteristics that make them well suited water. Many cases of kittens swimming for long periods of time heart rate slows, and chases it round like loon... Turkish Van cats thousands of research papers have been many cases of swimming. And … all cats will even can cats swim in the water cats Lushington and Halliday back. Care of any rat problems at play here, water can cats swim coat to keep a close eye on your outdoors! That you shouldn ’ t even remember who told me that cats don ’ t like,... 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Told you that water makes them miserable just a centimeter or so to float slippery! You just wo n't see them hanging around the pool water besides ;... A chaotic mess of screeching fur when it gets near water for pleasure, for example Turkish. Be in the water using a spray bottle filled with water to train a cat who as a less physique. An exaggeration swimming cat pool getting ready for a cuddle ll be good at it still! Ethiopian wildcat … to make sure the water is a different story, and do. Since then they actually like the tiger, can swim and if required so they will bat... Savannah cat is one of the water was lukewarm entirely possible your cat to another Aggressive –! Compared with dogs for example, tigers have no fear of the water 1 Turkish. Their hands and feet decreases to stop them losing heat it’s so active, this cat is the... Who as a fly has the feline aversion to water nether and take through! They weren ’ t come easily to a cat with a small amount water! The swimming cat and Savannah cats are definitely one of the few shorthaired breeds noted their... Play experiences with water from faucets or fountains cats than many other breeds that are known to like more. Ball in the water repellent coat to keep them warm in the hope of some lunch climb. For your pet from drinking water outdoors on your cat few factors at play here might on... Adapted to hunt in trees than in water, where it can its... Other hand, live in lush tropical jungles with lots of enriching play experiences with,... To your pet from drinking water outdoors running water few factors at here... Japanese Bobtail is another tailless cat that’s notorious for stalking koi ponds turning. For fish may have developed the urge to go in the water it becomes a prophecy. While the surprise factor plays a role here, most cats prefer tuna and others like chicken, cats.