Why Do Cats Hate Water

Cats are known for their aversion to water, and if you’ve ever tried to bathe a cat, you’ve likely seen firsthand how much they dislike it. But why do cats hate water so much? The answer lies in a combination of instinctual behavior, their physical makeup, and past experiences.  The reasons cats dislike water are mainly related to their ancestral living environment, body structure, personality traits, and negative experiences associated with water. Cats' ancestors lived in dry environments such as deserts and had less exposure to water, so their evolution has not been specifically optimized for survival in water. Cats also have a hair structure that is not suited to prolonged periods in the water; a soaked coat can make them feel heavy and uncomfortable and interfere with thermoregulation. In addition, cats are cautious and sensitive, wary of new things and environments, which is one of the reasons they dislike water. If cats have had unpleasant water-related experiences at a young age, such as forced bathing or accidental falls into the water, these experiences may deepen their fear of water. In this article, we’ll dive into the main reasons why most cats dislike water and how you can help your cat become more comfortable with it if necessary.

Why Do Cats Hate Water？

Cats usually hate water, and this is mainly due to several reasons.

Genetic factors

The domestic cat’s ancestors originated from desert regions, where water bodies were sparse, and they didn’t evolve with a strong connection to water. Cats in the wild are naturally inclined to avoid unnecessary water exposure because it wasn’t a critical part of their environment. Over time, this instinctual behavior has been passed down to modern domestic cats, making them wary of large amounts of water, such as baths or pools.

Body Structure

One of the primary reasons cats hate water is that their fur doesn’t handle moisture well. When a cat’s fur gets wet, it becomes heavy and uncomfortable, causing them to lose their natural agility and speed. Wet fur takes a long time to dry, making cats feel vulnerable, cold, and generally out of sorts.

• Waterlogged fur: Cats’ coats are not as water-resistant as other animals like dogs or otters. When soaked, the fur clings to the body, making it difficult for cats to move comfortably.
• Temperature issues: Wet fur can also make cats feel colder, which they don’t appreciate, especially since most cats prefer warm environments.

Socialization and territorial awareness

Cats are territorial animals and may view water sources as potentially dangerous areas, as in the wild, water sources are often places where multiple species of animals congregate and may pose a risk of predators. 

Negative experiences

Cats may develop a fear of water if they have had unpleasant bathing experiences in the past, such as water that was not the right temperature, or if they were nervous or frightened during the bathing process. 

• Sudden water exposure, such as being sprayed as a disciplinary measure.
• Accidental falls into water: A cat that has accidentally fallen into a bathtub, pool, or pond may develop a long-lasting fear of water.
• Unpleasant bathing experiences: If a cat was poorly handled during a bath, especially as a kitten, they may associate water with stress or trauma.

Cats are sensitive creatures, and even a single bad encounter with water can shape their lifelong attitude toward it.

Sensitivity to odors

Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell, and they may be uncomfortable with the smell of chemicals in the water or bathing products, which can also affect their attitude towards water. 

• Whisker sensitivity: Cats' whiskers are extremely sensitive to touch, and the sensation of water on their whiskers can be unpleasant. This can make cats more likely to avoid getting their heads or faces wet.
• Hearing sensitivity: Water can create unfamiliar noises, such as splashing or gurgling, which can startle or unsettle a cat with acute hearing.

Lack of Control and Safety Concerns

Cats are creatures of habit and prefer environments where they feel in control. Water, especially in large amounts, can be unpredictable and make them feel vulnerable. When submerged in water or forced to endure a bath, cats may feel they’ve lost control over their surroundings, leading to fear or panic.

• Limited escape routes: Cats are highly independent animals and value their ability to escape dangerous situations quickly. Water may trap them or slow down their movements, increasing their anxiety.
• Slippery surfaces: Being in water, such as a bathtub, also introduces the risk of slipping, which can add to a cat’s feeling of unease.

In summary, cats hate water due to a combination of factors including their evolutionary history, body build, social behavior, negative experiences, and sensitivity to smell.

What to Do If Your Cat Doesn't Like to Drink Water?

To encourage your cat to drink more water, there are several things you can try.

• Provide fresh, clean water

Make sure the water in the water bowl is always clean and replaced with fresh water every day. 

• Use a flowing water fountain

Many cats prefer to drink from a flow-through water fountain, which may be related to their habit of drinking from a flowing water source while hunting in the wild. A flowing water fountain can mimic a natural water source and entice your cat to drink more water. 

• Add drinking points

Set up water points in multiple locations in your home so that your cat can easily find water when playing or resting. 

• Feed wet food

Wet food contains more water than dry food. If your cat prefers wet food, then they will be able to consume more water through their food.

• Add catnip to the water

Catnip has a strong attraction to cats, and putting a small amount of catnip in the water will stimulate your cat's interest in drinking.

Related: Can Cats Overdose on Catnip

• Reward and encouragement

When cats actively drink water, you can give them some rewards and encouragement, such as snacks or gentle petting.
 
By using the above methods, you can help your cat increase the amount of water it drinks and thus maintain its health. Remember to observe your cat's drinking habits regularly and adjust the method according to their preferences. 

How to Choose the Right Cat Waterer?

In order to improve your cat's willingness to drink, you can consider the following factors when choosing the right cat waterer.

• Filtration system

Choosing a water dispenser with multiple filtration functions can effectively remove impurities and hair in the water, ensuring clean water and helping to protect the health of your cat's urinary system. 

• Live water design

Cats usually prefer flowing water, so choosing a water dispenser with a live water gushing function can attract cats to drink more water. 

• Safety

Ensure that the water dispenser has a water/electricity separation design to prevent electric shock, and that the cord and power adapter are chew-proof to avoid accidental ingestion or damage by your cat. 

• Cleaning and Maintenance

Choose a waterer that is easy to disassemble and clean to maintain water hygiene and reduce the risk of bacterial growth. 

• Smart Functions

Some water dispensers are equipped with a smart reminder function, which can help you keep abreast of your cat's water intake and remind you to change the water or clean the dispenser. 

• Noise level

Choose a water dispenser with a low noise level to avoid disturbing your cat or your daily life. 

• Capacity

Choose a water dispenser with the right capacity according to the number of cats in your home and their drinking habits to ensure that your cat has enough fresh water to drink. 

• Material

The material of the water dispenser should be safe and hygienic. Common materials include food-grade stainless steel and plastic, as well as ceramic, the latter of which may be more troublesome to clean but is more sturdy and durable. 

By taking the above factors into consideration, you can choose a suitable water dispenser for your cat that will encourage them to drink more and stay healthy.

How to Bathe a Cat that Hates Water?

Bathing can be a challenge for cats that hate water. Here are some suggestions to help your cat acclimate to bathing.

• Gradual acclimatization

Before bathing, you can gradually acclimate your cat to the water. For example, you can place a shallow water bowl in your cat's favorite spot and let it feel the water on its own.

• Use warm water

Make sure the water is at the right temperature, not too cold and not too hot, and preferably close to your cat's body temperature to minimize anxiety and resistance. 

• Safe environment

Before taking a bath, close the room off and make sure there are no escape areas. Place a non-slip mat in the bathtub or sink to provide stable foot support. 

• Specialized Bathing Shampoo

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IKEAN PET SHAMPOO-200ml

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Choose cat-friendly bath products, such as bath bombs or pet shampoos designed specifically for cats, which are usually gentler and come with a scent that cats like. 

• Quick and gentle bathing process

Movements should be gentle to avoid water flowing into the ears and eyes. The bathing time should not be too long to avoid the cat feeling uneasy. 

• Blow-drying the fur

After bathing, dry your cat with a towel for most of the moisture and then use a hair dryer to blow dry.

• Positive guidance and rewards

During the bathing process, you can give your cat rewards and compliments, such as rewarding it with its favorite food or snacks to show your appreciation for its cooperation.

Through the above methods, you can help your cat gradually adapt to bathing and reduce the stress reaction during bathing. Remember to remain patient and calm throughout the process to ensure that the bathing experience is positive for your cat.

FAQs

Conclusion: Why Do Cats Hate Water?

Cats' dislike of water comes down to a combination of evolutionary instincts, the discomfort of wet fur, and the loss of control they feel when submerged. While some breeds may tolerate or even enjoy water, most cats would prefer to avoid it altogether. If your cat needs to be exposed to water, taking it slow and ensuring their comfort can make the experience less stressful for both of you.

Also Read: My Cat Doesn't Drink Water But Eats Wet Food