Why do cats hate water? Feline hydrophobia, explained

Cats carry a few stereotypes, which, of course, aren't always true. But everyone believes one: cats hate water.  

It's a common belief that cats despise water; it's rare to see one swimming or rolling around in a puddle like their canine cousins. All cats must hate it, right?

Well, not exactly. Some big cats, like tigers, love swimming, and while many domestic cats can't stand the open water, there are strong exceptions to the rule.

So, why do house cats hate water? What are the reasons behind feline hydrophobia, and why do cats hate water and dogs like it? Do cats like baths? Keep paddling along - we're here to answer.

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Evolutionary background: why cats avoid water

Feline ancestors come from the desert. Scientists have traced back a cat's lineage to the Middle East, while research has traced their heritage to the African wildcat around 10,000 years ago. If you think back to Ancient Egypt, illustrations of cats were everywhere, and they excelled in the dry, arid desert climate.

To survive in this environment, cats needed to adapt to life without much water. That means they had little exposure to lakes, rain and rivers, giving them little thirst drive - they simply see water as a place to drink, and that's normally it.

Dogs, meanwhile, have a long history of working in water. Several dog breeds have a lineage of retrieving water-based game, helping fishermen and water rescue. They have long been exposed to water, and humans have positively reinforced this behaviour, leading to natural adaptations.

You see this in dog breeds suited to swimming, who have adaptations like water-repellent coats, webbed feet and strong retrieval instincts. When comparing a cat and dog's attitude to water, it's essential to remember this history; cats simply haven't been exposed to open water and didn't need to adapt to it.

A cat's dislike of water seems instinctual. It's a place where they drink, and swimming or playing in water strikes most cats as a risk not worth taking. This applies to some dog breeds, too, who haven't had the evolutionary background to enjoy water.

Sensory sensitivity: how water affects a cat’s coat

It's not just about a cat's history, though. Biologically, they just aren't suited to swimming or getting wet.

A cat's fur, for example, doesn't dry quickly, meaning getting wet makes them cold and uncomfortable for longer. When their fur gets wet and weighty, regulating their body temperature becomes more difficult.

You can see why kitties hate getting wet when you look at how they groom themselves. They groom using their tongues, which have small spines that "comb" out loose dirt and hair (you'll notice this if your cat sheds a lot).

They can't do this effectively if their coat is wet, and there's usually no need for them to wash in water as they're so effective at cleaning their dry coat with saliva.

A wet coat also means more predatory risk. They can't be as agile or fast with a wet coat, which makes them feel vulnerable and stressed. By contrast, a dog's coat dries faster, meaning there are fewer long-term effects and risks for canines.

Why do cats hate being sprayed with water?

Cats don't like it when they get sprayed with water because it disorientates them. It triggers too many senses for them, leading to stress. It's the sudden, strong smell and sensation which startles them.

We've covered why they typically dislike water above. But spraying is more sudden, increasing the chances your kitty will have a strong, negative response.

In the past, spraying cats with water as punishment was fairly popular. But we'd never recommend doing this or negatively reinforcing behaviour with punishment. It doesn't teach cats anything; it just raises their anxiety and stress.

If you want to teach them something, always use positive reinforcement training, and see a behaviourist for aggressive, persistent or extreme behavioural issues.

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The smell factor: why water might seem unpleasant to cats

Scent may play a major role in why cats dislike water. We've covered how cats rely on their smell more than their vision before. But there's an argument that cats dislike modern water because they can detect a mix of unpleasant odours in it.

Examples include:

• Chemicals - Things like chlorine and other chemicals in tap water can deter cats. While the amount of these chemicals is small and makes tap water safe to consume, a cat's stronger sense of smell can pick them up.

• Instinct - The smell of water may trigger evolutionary instincts in cats, like avoidance and defensiveness.

• Unfamiliar scents - Cats don't like smells they aren't used to. When they're in the water, they're surrounded by new scents they don't recognise, meaning anxiety, panic and stress. Fun times.

Are there cats that like water?

Some breeds like water more than others. Water-loving cat breeds include:

• Abyssinians

• Bengals

• Maine Coon cats

• Turkish Vans

Certain breeds can swim, too. Turkish Vans, for example, are known for their love of swimming, and all felines can hold their breath underwater for a bit. Some cats have been known to swim to hunt fish and other prey.

Others think a cat's fear of water is more of a question of nurture than nature. Early exposure to water can lead to cats being more comfortable in water, while a cat's personality may play a stronger role. For example, some cats have a strong preference for flowing water sources and will play with things like taps.

Plus, individual experiences are important. A feline who has had positive experiences with water is more likely to tolerate it.

Can you train a cat to like water?

Yes, it's possible. Some owners have reported success on Reddit, but do note that they've all said they exposed their cats to water as kittens in a safe way.

But in most cases, it's probably not worth it, especially if they're an adult. While some breeds and cats may enjoy it, we don't recommend stressing your cat out just so they can swim; if they don't like it, it may be better to accept it.

Even with patient positive reinforcement training, it's likely to cause your adult cat a lot of stress. 

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