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If you have a cat and have tried to bathe them, there’s a good chance you quickly found out that cats hate water and can tear through thick rubber gloves to get out of it. Out of all the behaviors cats exhibit, this may seem like one of the strangest. If you would like to learn more about it, keep reading while we try to get to the bottom of why cats may hate water.
We’ll explore what may be the most likely explanations as well as anecdotal info, as there aren’t many verified theories on this topic at the moment.
The 6 Possible Reasons Why Cats May Hate Water
1. Water Can Weigh Down a Cat
Getting wet can make the cat feel heavy and weighed down, potentially making it more challenging to move as easily and promptly. Cats are known for their agility and flexibility, especially when stalking prey or escaping another animal, and this may be impacted if they’re soaking wet.
Your cat will not be used to the sudden weight gain and may not feel comfortable. Even after several baths, your cat might not get used to the heavy and uncomfortable feeling. It can also take quite a while for the fur to dry, especially in the wild, which can be a good reason cats avoid water.
2. Water Can Make a Cat Cold
You know that when you get out of a bath or shower, it can be quite chilly. It would be even colder if you were wearing wet clothes—that’s what it’s like for your cat. Even with a towel and a heater, your cat can get cold from the water, particularly if the environment they’re in is cold or windy. As we mentioned earlier, it can take quite a while for the cat to dry in the wild, significantly decreasing body temperature and possibly leading to hypothermia, especially in very young, old, or sick cats, so it’s no surprise cats might avoid water in nature.
3. Frequent Bathing Can Dry Out a Cat’s Skin
Not so much the water, but the shampoo you use to clean the cat’s fur can deplete the skin of its natural oils, drying it out. Dry skin can be itchy, causing scratching and excess shedding, leaving the cat uncomfortable. It can also take weeks to replenish the missing oils that heal the skin.
Avoid bathing your cat, as they are such great groomers. But if there is a valid reason to bathe them, do it only when necessary. Usually, there may be a body area that needs bathing, such as the paws, tail, and bum area, which can be cleaned on their own, rather than needing to bathe the whole cat.
For cat parents seeking to help keep their water-averse felines clean, we highly recommend these waterless grooming products. The Hepper Waterless No Rinse Dry Shampoo is the ultimate fur refresher and the Hepper Wash Wipes make cleaning eyes, ears, paws, and bums a breeze. Learn more about each product in the table below.
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
For In-Between Baths
 |
Hepper No-Rinse Pet Shampoo |
|
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For On-The-Go
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Hepper Wash Wipes |
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4. Cats May Not Like the Smell
Cats are sensitive to various scents, and you’ve likely noticed your cat often avoids or cautiously approaches new items you bring into the home until they get used to them after a few hours or even days and mark them as familiar. The reason cats avoid it is likely because it smells unfamiliar and strange. The soap, towel, or bathroom itself can have an odor your cat doesn’t like or isn’t used to, even if you can’t smell it. However, whether this puts cats off water and baths remains unknown, so this reason is purely anecdotal.
5. Feline Evolution As Species
Cats have evolved in dry climates, without big bodies of water and have not taken much to swimming, which makes this another possible theory into why some cats don’t like water.1 There are some exceptions in the feline world, from tigers in the big cat group, to some domestic cat breeds such as Maine Coon and Turkish Van, that seem to enjoy swimming.
6. Past Experiences
Some cats may have experienced an unpleasant encounter with water, from getting soaking wet in a heavy rain without cover, to falling into a bathtub or being washed as a kitten. This can make them anxious about water and they will do their best to avoid getting anywhere near it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do All Cats Hate Water?
Every cat is unique, and some don’t mind water, and you might even have one that enjoys bath time. You can increase your chances by choosing a breed known to be more tolerant of water. Breeds like the Maine Coon, Turkish Van, Bengal, American Bobtail, Norwegian Forest Cat, and several others are less likely to fight you while you bathe them.
How Often Should I Bathe My Cat?
Cats are meticulous groomers who spend a large part of their time grooming themselves. If you have an indoor cat, there is rarely a need to bathe them. Outdoor cats might need a bath if they get into chemicals or some other substance that is harmful, and bathing is the only way to remove it from the paws or fur in order to prevent any ingestion through grooming. The most common reasons to bathe an outdoor cat are because it crosses paths with a skunk or another animal, or in case of senior or sick cats who don’t groom themselves as well and may have feces stuck around the fur on their bottom.
Can I Shower My Cat?
If there is an indication, such as your cat’s fur is stained with feces or chemicals and needs to be washed, you can consider giving your cat a shower, by focusing on that particular body part.
However, some cats may get scared of the noise and water pressure, so it’s important to be gentle and patient. Make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature by testing it on your skin. Prepare a towel to dry your kitty, and take as many breaks as needed, but remember that your cat will appreciate all this being done with as soon as possible. Some cats will tolerate water being poured over them from a cup or even a gentle water sprayer, and this can be something to try.
Getting a soaked towel that can be used to wet and rinse your cat, may work better for those cats who get stressed from the shower and the noise. It’s important to find what works for your cat although some will never tolerate getting washed and they shouldn’t be forced into it.
Summary
Based on all the scarce info presented, it seems that most cats hate water for several possible reasons, although none have been confirmed by research as yet, and their body doesn’t always do a good job of regulating the temperature when they are wet. This is particularly important in very young, old or sick cats that may be at risk of hypothermia. In the wild, cats seem to have an instinctive desire to avoid larger bodies of water. We don’t recommend bathing your cat too frequently because it can be stressful for them, dry out the skin, leading to itching and scratching, but there are times you might need to bathe your cat, and it’s best to use a gentle vet approved shampoo. If your cat doesn’t tolerate the shower, you may try a hand sprayer, or you can gently pour a cup of water over the cat while they stand in the tub to get them wet.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over this short guide and have learned something new. If we helped you understand your cat a little better, please leave a comment below.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
