Why Do Cats Hate Water But Love Fish?

Why do cats hate water so much?

There are plenty of viral videos out there of cats jumping in and out of bathtubs or swimming pools, but those are the exception rather than the rule. On the whole, cats are not fans of water. In fact, some might say they actively avoid it. As a proud cat owner and avid fish enthusiast, I’ve spent a lot of time pondering this conundrum. And I’ve come to a startling conclusion: cats may hate water, but they sure do love fish. And as it turns out, there may be a connection between these two seemingly disparate interests.

why do cats hate water in the first place?

There are a few theories out there. Some suggest that cats are simply not built for swimming. Their fur, for example, is not particularly waterproof and can weigh them down considerably if it gets soaked. Additionally, cats are highly sensitive to temperature changes, and a sudden dip in cold water can be quite uncomfortable. Another theory is that cats’ dislike of water has to do with their evolution. Domesticated cats are descended from desert-dwelling wildcats, who didn’t have much reason to interact with water in their natural habitat. Therefore, their descendants have simply retained this aversion to water out of habit.

Why are cats so obsessed with fish?

Cats are natural hunters, and fish are a common prey item in nature especially when seen under clear water. Even domesticated cats, who are typically well-fed, may still have a strong instinctual drive to hunt and catch things. Fish may also appeal to cats because of their high protein content. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies require a diet that’s high in animal protein in order to thrive. Fish are an excellent source of this nutrient, so it’s possible that cats are instinctively drawn to them as a food source.

Breeds of cats that usually like water

Please note that this list is generic and from personal experience. Some cats may dislike water.

Turkish Van

The first breed on our list is the Turkish Van. This long-haired, playful breed has a fascination for water and enjoys swimming or lounging in the bathtub. Their love for water traces back to their origin story where they would swim across Lake Van in Turkey. Not only do they have a waterproof coat but also webbed feet, making them natural swimmers.

Bengal

Bengal cats have a unique, stunning coat pattern that resembles a wild feline. Their coat isn’t the only thing that makes them stand out – they are known for being active, intelligent, and curious. Their playful nature also extends to being water babies. Bengals have a long history of playing in ponds, streams, and even taking showers with their owners.

Maine Coon

Maine Coons, also known as gentle giants, are one of the oldest domestic cat breeds in America. Their distinct features include their large size and fluffy tails, which often make them the center of attention. What is most fascinating about this breed is their affinity for water. They have a waterproof coat and a love for playing in the rain or running water from taps.

Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail breed is not only famous in Japan but worldwide for their effortless charm, delightful chirping sounds, and short, fluffy tails. These playful cats are also known to splash around in the bathtub, pouncing on anything that moves in the water. Additionally, they have no problem going for a swim in the pool or pond.

Breeds of cats that usually dislike water

Please note that this list is generic and from personal experience. Some cats may love splashing around in water.

Persian Cats

Persian cats are perhaps the most well-known breed of cat that detests water. These fluffy and delicate felines have luxurious coats and can’t stand the idea of getting them wet. Their long hair requires regular grooming, and if it gets wet, it takes hours to dry completely. So it’s no surprise that Persians avoid water at all costs. Persians also have a small nose and a round face, making their heads more prone to getting water in their ears and mouth.

Scottish Fold Cats

Scottish Folds are well-known for their adorable floppy ears and sweet, easy-going personalities. As a breed, Scottish Fold cats are generally not water lovers, and some even hate water. Unlike some breeds mentioned above, it doesn’t have anything to do with their coat or breed history, but rather, it’s their personality that makes them hate being wet.

Devon Rex Cats

Devon Rex cats have short hair and large, expressive ears that give them an elfin-like look. These cats are playful and active but don’t appreciate getting wet. Their dislike for water is likely due to their short, thin hairs that are not water-resistant. The cats’ hair gets glued to them when they become wet and thus, they want to avoid water altogether.

Why do cats love fish in water?

Some researchers suggest that cats may actually be able to sense fish in the water using their keen sense of smell. The oils and amino acids that make up fish scent can actually travel through the water and be detected by a cat’s sensitive nose. This means that, even if a cat doesn’t actually see a fish underwater, they may still be aware of its presence and feel compelled to investigate.

The fascination with fish may have something to do with the sound they make. Fish are not exactly known for being noise-makers, but they do create small disturbances in the water as they swim. These disturbances can create vibrations that cats can pick up on with their acute hearing. It’s possible that these vibrations are enough to pique a cat’s curiosity and draw them closer to investigate.