Not all cats hate water, and those that like water may be few, but are therefore very special.
So, what are the cats like water? Our list includes the Abyssinianals, American Bobtail, Bengal, Norwegian Forest Cat, Savannah, Siberian, Turkish Van, and many more breeds of cats that adore water!
Continue reading to learn more!
Abyssinianals
Also known as the ship cats that made the journey from Indian Ocean coastal homeland to Europe by boat in the 19th century, Abyssinials are hailed as one of the oldest known cat breeds, dating back to ancient Egypt 4,000 years ago.
Abyssinials are known to love water, from enjoying large water bowls or even fountains to splash in. Turn on the faucet running for a little bit and you’ll both be surprised!
American Bobtail
This short-tailed cat is the result of a natural genetic mutation. Along with that mutation, apparently, came a love of water. The American Bobtail has a shaggy coat that comes in short and medium lengths and any color or pattern.
Don’t be surprised if you see American Bobtails dunking their toys in water!
American Shorthair
As their name suggests, American Shorthairs are an all-American and athletic breed. Vet Street describes them as both powerful and agile, ready to tip over a water bowl or perch near the bath tub for some water-filled action.
American Shorthairs are often drawn to playing with the water, so don’t be surprised if you see them walking into the shower when you are bathing!
Bengal
Bengals are known as the offspring of domestic cats that crossed with the Asian Leopard Cat – a small, wild cat native to continental South, Southeast, and East Asia, known to swim.
They are super smart and prefer stalking and swatting at anything that floats in water — be it a rubber ducky in your bubble bath, or an ice cube in your glass of iced tea!
Egyptian Mau
Egyptian Mau is the only naturally spotted domestic cat, the offspring domestic cats that crossed with wild servals, known to love playing in water.
From pools, fountains, sinks, and water bowls — the Egyptian Mau does not discriminate when it comes to water and will happily splash it out of any source.
Highlander
This bob-tailed crossbreed is highly energetic, playful, and affectionate. His love for water is right on par with his inquisitive nature.
Highlanders are fascinated by running water and do not mind getting wet at all!
Japanese Bobtail
The ancient Japanese Bobtail breed is known for her short “bunny” tail, her large vocabulary, and—you guessed it – her love of water.
It is not unusual to the Japanese Bobtail splashing a paw in water, the toilet, or whatever source of water they can find!
Kurilian Bobtail
The lynx-looking Kurilian Bobtail is known for his hunting skills and playing in water. They are very much popular in their native Russia for their mousing abilities.
In the wild, the Kurilian Bobtail is an excellent fisher and hunter, which may explain why the Kurilian loves to play in water!
Maine Coon
Maine Coon is a native New Englander, hailing from Maine as far back as the early 19th century, with a dense and water-repellent coat.
The Main Coon is a strong swimmer, and will often enjoy a nice bath or shower, more than the average feline!
Manx
The Manx is native of the Isle of Man off the coast of Britain. It’s not unusual to find them dabbling their paws in their water dish or even joining their human in the shower. Their double coat can be short or long and comes in many different colors and patterns.
Perhaps it is because of their island ancestry that the Manx love to play with water!
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed of domestic cat that originated in Northern Europe, adapting to very harsh environment and a cold climate with its top coat of glossy, long, water-shedding hair and a woolly undercoat for insulation.
Norwegian Forest Cat has been known to snag fish from lakes and streams in her native habitat!
Savannah
The large and adventurous Savannah cat takes very well to a leash and to water. She retains the strong hunting instincts passed down by her parent breeds.
The Savannah does not fear water and will often play or even completely immerse itself in water!
Siberian
A Siberian cat’s fascination with water probably stems from her thick triple coat, which protected her ancestors during the hard winters of their native Russia.
Siberians have a habit of playing with water and will often join you when you’re showering as a form of entertainment!
Snowshoe
The name Snowshoe refers to the cute white ‘boots’ on the feet of these adorable and gentle cats, found mainly in the USA. Despite looking on the chunky side, these attractive cats are surprisingly buoyant when it comes to being in the water.
While many cats like to stick their paws under a running faucet, the Snowshoe is not afraid of swimming and they will often immerse themselves in water completely!
Sphynx
Sphynx Cats are hairless, which leads to oily skin and requires them to bathe.
While playing with water may not be seem as fun to the Sphynx, their special needs that require them to bathe from an early age makes it likely for them to become fond of it!
Tonkinese
The Tonkinese are a mix of the Siamese and Burmese and are smart, social, and affectionate cats. They have shining personality and playful attitude, especially when it comes to water.
The Tonkinese have a natural curiosity about water more than other breeds, and are not only comfortable with baths but will use the water to cool off or to play!
Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora descended from the African wildcat and is one of the ancient breeds of cat. They are known to have heterochromia or different-colored eyes.
The Turkish Angora is an excellent swimmer, and outdoor they have even been known to paddle in shallow ponds and streams!
Turkish Van
Cousin to the Turkish Angora, the Turkish Van is one of the rarest breeds in the world, nicknamed the “swimming cat” for their love of water. This ancient breed naturally loves water and takes its name from Lake Van in southeastern Turkey.
It is likely that the breed developed its love for swimming and its water-proof coat to hunt the fish that live in Lake Van!
Do you like our list? Let us know in the comments below!
Leave a Comment