Why Does Cats Hate Water?

If cats are so tidy, continuously bathing themselves, why do felines dislike water? One answer: Their fur isn’t really designed to be soaked. As frequently as felines shower themselves every day, it would make good sense that they would enjoy taking a bath too.

Cats often try to get a fresh beverage of water out of a leaking faucet also. Nevertheless, if you’ve ever attempted to stick your kitty in the bath tub, your cat will likely install considerable resistance.

In addition, if your feline has ever accidently slipped into a sink or tub loaded with water, the feline likely made a frantic and hasty exit from the water and concealed.

They invest a lot time grooming — so why do felines dislike water?

Why Do Cats Hate Water?

There are several factors your feline might not like being immersed in water.

  • One factor is that the feline’s fur ends up being waterlogged, which weighs down your cat. While the leading layer of its fur is water-resistant to a degree, if the whole coat is soaked, your animal will be uncomfortable.
  • Cats are likewise sensitive to odors, and it is speculated that your cat might not like the aroma of chemicals from tap water.
  • Another answer to the question “Why do felines hate water?” is that some cats might not like being submerged in water just due to the fact that they have actually never experienced it before, and felines are naturally skittish.

Cats Like to Experience Life on Their Terms
It might amaze you to find your kitty dipping his paw into his water bowl and then shaking it out, climbing on the counter to explore a leaking faucet, or really asking you to turn on a tap so he can drink best out of it. Some cats even put their heads in the water and play a bit. Why would your feline do these things, but hate to be bathed?

Cats don’t like surprises. They like to approach experiences with their own timing and capability to alter their mind at any time. When you get your feline and stick him into a tub filled with water, he hasn’t had time to choose if it’s something that’s safe or not. His battle or flight mechanism may start, causing him to wildly attempt to leave, or he may yowl in aggravation and anger through the whole bath.

Cats are Sensitive to Smells
Felines can smell the chemicals in tap water much more acutely than people can. Some cats do not even prefer to drink faucet water due to the fact that of their sensitivity to its odor.

Felines’ Coats Get Heavy When Wet
The top layer of a feline’s coat typically has some water-resistance. However, if the coat is completely drenched, it becomes quite heavy. This most likely makes the feline seem like he isn’t really as maneuverable or fast as normal. Felines want to understand that they can get out of a scenario at any time they need to, so feeling heavy and slow is an unwelcome experience.

Felines Get Cold Easily
Cats keep a greater body temperature than human beings, and it’s more difficult for them to obtain and remain warm. Being curtained in heavy, damp fur is cold.

Some Cats Actually Do Like Water

Some domestic felines actually enjoy the water, especially if they live in an area that has a hot, dry climate. The water is cool and revitalizing to the feline, and the cat may swim or take in it.

Felines are as skilled at fishing as they are hunting mice, and some felines will being in the water or at the edge of a source of water to capture fish. Big jungle felines, like lions and tigers, invest a lot of time in the water cooling off, and they are fantastic swimmers.

Just as with individuals, cats in chillier environments don’t like to get totally wet since it causes them to lose temperature.

To Each His Own

Your feline may take pleasure in water to some degree, or it might choose to avoid it at all expenses.

Most felines have the tendency to be at least a bit curious about water and will stick a paw into a sink loaded with water or under a running faucet. Nevertheless, sticking one foot in the water and taking a bath are completely various.

If your cat is uncertain about coming up to or in the water, then it is probably best for you and her if you don’t press it. If you frighten her, you might be injured by cat’s sharp claws, and she might lose trust in you.

How to Convince a Cat to Take a Bath?

Because your kitty spends a large part of her waking hours grooming herself, bathing your feline should not be an issue most of the time.

However, if your cat enters something sticky or gets muddy, you may desire her clean earlier than she can do the job herself. On these occasions, the best strategy is to be gentle and relieve her into the water.

Make certain that the water is warm, and don’t utilize any type of additives, like bubble bath, to the water. Gently relieve her into the water while rubbing her and speaking to her gently.

Don’t be amazed if her hair stands on end and the claws come out, nevertheless. Unless you have actually been bathing her because she was a kittycat, you might have a tough time getting her to accept take a bath.

Sponge Bath for a Cat

If kitty is filthy or sticky, you might want to try a sponge or fabric bath to get her clean. Use an unique formulated feline shampoo that will not dry her skin, and use it to the sponge or fabric. Rub any unclean spots or clean all over her.

Rinse out the fabric or sponge and carefully clean your feline off with clear water. She will look after the rest.

Reyus Mammadli/ author of the article

I have had pets since childhood: cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, geese, chickens, ducks, parrots, aquarium fish and dogs (in the yard). Of course, I constantly encountered diseases of pets and treated them. Glad to be able to share my skills and experience, as well as advice on caring for and adapting these critters and birds.

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