If you’ve ever owned a cat, you probably know the stereotype: most felines bolt the moment they hear running water or spot a full bathtub. But here’s the twist—not all cats hate water. In fact, there are cat breeds that like water, even love it, and will happily splash around given the chance. Surprising, right? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of these water-loving kitties and uncover why some breeds break the mold.
Why Do Some Cats Like Water?
Before we get into the breeds, let’s talk about the “why.” Cats are naturally curious, and water is… well, mysterious. The way it moves, sparkles, and flows can be downright mesmerizing to a cat. But the thing is, most domestic cats aren’t bred to swim or deal with water. Their wild ancestors often lived in arid places, so there wasn’t much need to develop a love for swimming.
Still, some breeds have histories tied to water. Whether it’s genetics, evolution, or simply a quirky personality trait, these cats stand out. And let’s be real, watching a cat paw at water instead of running from it? That’s pure entertainment.
The Turkish Van: The Original “Swimming Cat”
When people talk about cat breeds that like water, the Turkish Van always comes up first. Nicknamed the “swimming cat,” this breed has a long history of enjoying lakes and rivers in its native region near Turkey’s Lake Van.
Their semi-long, water-resistant coat makes swimming less of a hassle, and their muscular build gives them the power to paddle with ease. Owners often report that Turkish Vans will happily jump into pools or even follow them into the shower. Yep, this isn’t your typical cat behavior.
The Bengal: Wild Spirit Meets Water Fun
Bengals are another cat breed that likes water, and honestly, it makes sense when you look at their ancestry. Bengals are descendants of the Asian leopard cat, a species that naturally thrives near rivers and wetlands.
Modern Bengals carry that wild spirit. Many Bengal owners say their cats love playing with running water, dipping their paws in sinks, or even lounging in bathtubs. It’s not unusual for a Bengal to “help” with dishwashing—or, more accurately, try to swat the bubbles while you’re busy scrubbing plates.
The Maine Coon: Gentle Giants Who Splash Around
Maine Coons are famous for their size and affectionate nature, but did you know they’re also one of the cat breeds that like water? With their thick, shaggy fur that resists moisture, they’re built for snowy and wet environments.
These gentle giants are known to dip their paws into water bowls, play with faucets, and even sit near bathtubs just to be close to the action. Some Maine Coons will go as far as joining their humans for a bath, though let’s be real—not all are quite that adventurous.
The Abyssinian: Curious Explorers with a Love for Water
Abyssinians are sleek, elegant, and full of energy. They’re natural explorers, and water just happens to be another element that fascinates them. While they may not dive headfirst into a pool like the Turkish Van, many Abyssinians are intrigued by dripping faucets or running showers.
Their playful nature means they often treat water as a toy. Don’t be surprised if an Abyssinian starts splashing around in their bowl or pawing at the toilet (yes, it happens).
The Savannah Cat: Exotic and Adventurous
Savannah cats, a cross between domestic cats and servals (a wild African cat), are big, bold, and adventurous. Their size alone sets them apart, but so does their affinity for water.
Many Savannahs will not only play in water but actually swim. Their wild heritage likely explains this, as servals are known for being strong swimmers. Owners often share stories of their Savannah cats hopping into bathtubs or backyard pools without hesitation. If you’ve got one of these at home, be ready to supervise bath time—or pool time.
The Norwegian Forest Cat: Nature’s Water-Resistant Beauty
Hailing from cold, damp Scandinavia, the Norwegian Forest Cat is another water-tolerant breed. With its thick, water-resistant double coat, it’s perfectly equipped to handle splashes and even light rain.
These cats are more observers than swimmers, but their comfort around water is notable. They’ll watch rivers, streams, or even faucets with a calm curiosity rather than fear. It’s almost like they respect water as part of their natural environment.
The Turkish Angora: Graceful and Playful in Water
The Turkish Angora, known for its silky coat and elegant appearance, is also one of the cat breeds that like water. While not as famous as the Turkish Van for swimming, Angoras are known to enjoy splashing in shallow water and playing with running taps.
Their personality is playful and affectionate, and water is just another way they engage with the world. If you leave a sink dripping, don’t be surprised if your Angora spends the next half hour pawing at it like it’s the best toy ever invented.
Do All Cats in These Breeds Love Water?
Here’s the reality check: not every cat from these breeds will automatically adore water. Just like people, cats have individual personalities. Some may be fearless swimmers, while others might only be curious enough to dip a paw.
It’s important not to force your cat into water if they’re clearly uncomfortable. Instead, let them explore at their own pace. Some might just be happy watching the water flow, while others might jump right in.
Tips for Encouraging Safe Water Play
If you’ve got one of these breeds—or even if your “regular” cat seems interested in water—there are safe ways to encourage play:
- Keep sinks and bathtubs clean if your cat likes to explore them.
- Offer shallow water bowls or pet fountains for splashing.
- Supervise if your cat shows interest in larger bodies of water, like pools.
The goal is to let your cat enjoy water in a safe, stress-free way.
Final Thoughts
The idea that all cats hate water is a myth, plain and simple. Sure, most do, but there are several cat breeds that like water, and they embrace it in the most entertaining ways. From the Turkish Van diving into lakes to the Bengal pawing at faucets, these cats prove that felines can be just as quirky as they are adorable.
If you’re considering adopting a new feline friend and love the idea of a water-loving companion, one of these breeds might be the perfect match. Just remember—every cat is unique, and whether they’re swimming in the tub or just watching water drip from the faucet, they’ll find their own way to make life interesting.
Because, let’s be real, cats always do.