Some cat breeds don’t mind swimming. The Turkish Van and Maine Coon actually adore water. But many cat owners find the stereotype that their pets hate water holds true.
But why do cats hate water?
There haven’t been dedicated scientific studies about cats and water. But experts say clues come from cats’ biology, evolutionary history, and early experiences.
Kristin Vitale, an American animal behaviorist, suspects that the ancestor of the domestic cat—the African wildcat Felis silvestris lybica—helps explain why house cats often avoid water.
Some wild cats, like tigers and jaguars, enjoy swimming to escape insects, cool off, or ambush prey. But the African wildcat primarily lives in desert environments and rarely encounters bodies of water, Vitale says.
“This subspecies is not known for hunting near or in water. Much of the African wildcat’s diet consists of terrestrial animals like rodents. Given that, it’s no surprise domestic cats aren’t particularly fond of water,” Vitale told Live Science.
However, Jonathan Losos, a biology professor at Washington University and author of the book “Cat Wars: How Cats Are Destroying America’s Wildlife,” isn’t fully convinced. He points out that coming from a desert doesn’t automatically create a fear of water. African wildcats also live in less arid areas, so some encounter water regularly.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Vonk, a professor at Oakland University who studies animal cognition, suggests another reason: being wet is physically uncomfortable for cats and can interfere with their sense of smell.
“Their fur gets soaked, making movement difficult, which likely makes them feel vulnerable,” Vonk explained.
Water can mask a cat’s natural scent or introduce new smells that bother them. Vonk adds that cats can detect unpleasant chemical odors in tap water, for example.
Vitale also says wet fur reduces the effectiveness of a cat’s natural pheromones, which can cause stress.
A Combination of Factors
Ultimately, cats’ dislike of water probably isn’t due to a single cause but to a mix of factors.
Vitale says it could be a mix of innate aversion and learned behavior. Early experiences as a kitten can shape a cat’s attitude toward water for the rest of its life. There aren’t direct studies proving that early water exposure determines later preference, but researchers know that exposing kittens to different objects, sounds, smells, and textures helps them grow into more confident adults. Socialization should include interactions with water.
It’s likely that a cat that grew up near water would be more relaxed about bathing as an adult. But every cat is unique. “Even when exposed to water, some kittens may find it unpleasant, while others who have never encountered water may actually enjoy it,” Vitale added.
