It’s well-known that most cats don’t like water. Even the mention of a bath can cause many cats to flee. But why are cats so afraid of water? We’ve done some research on this topic, and the answer may surprise you. In this article, we’ll explore the history and science behind cats’ dislike of water and provide tips on how to bathe a resistant cat.
Signs a Cat Doesn’t Like Water
When a cat dislikes water, they make it clear. They may become aggressive, scratching, biting, or flailing when faced with bathtime. Some cats simply try to escape the situation by hiding or clawing their way out. If you get bitten or scratched during the bathing process, don’t take it personally – the cat is just trying to get away from what they perceive as a threat.
It’s important to note that not all cats react aggressively. Some may hunker down and yowl, while others may tremble and hyperventilate. Whatever their reaction, it’s crucial for you to remain calm. Getting upset will only worsen the situation. Speak to your cat in a gentle, reassuring voice and give them plenty of pets to comfort them during the bath.
Body Language
Signs that a cat dislikes water include growling, cowering, scratching, head turning, raised back hair, biting, wiggling, ears back, and a wide-eyed look. Other signs may include aggression, running away, hyperventilation, and trembling.
The History Behind Why Cats Don’t Like Water
Historically, cats have always been averse to water, including big cats like lions and tigers. Domestic cats today descend from the Near East Wildcat, which originated in the Middle East. This region has few water sources and minimal rainfall, so their ancestors had limited exposure to water beyond drinking it. This may explain why cats dislike water. Despite domestication, cats have not overcome this aversion to liquids.
The Science Behind Why Cats Don’t Like Water
Several theories attempt to explain why cats dislike water. Some experts believe that cats dislike how water weighs down their fur, hindering their agility. Large bodies of water are unfamiliar to most house cats, making baths a scary experience. Cats are also meticulous groomers, and a bath or rain can undo hours of grooming effort. Cats may also be sensitive to the chemicals in water, which can overwhelm their strong sense of smell. Additionally, cats may dislike getting wet because it makes them feel cold and uncomfortable. Traumatic experiences involving water in the past can also contribute to a cat’s aversion to water.
You might wonder why a cat enjoys playing with a stream of water from a faucet but fears bathtime or rain. This discrepancy may stem from cats’ fear of interactions with water that they have no control over. Cats are fascinated by the sights, sounds, and sensations of playing with running water. However, the thought of being submerged and lacking control can be terrifying to them.
How to Bathe a Cat That Doesn’t Like Water
Regardless of whether or not your cat likes water, they will still need occasional cleaning. So how do you bathe a cat that hates baths? Here are a few options:
1. Cat wet wipes: These wipes are great for cleaning and deodorizing a cat’s fur. Rub them on your cat while petting them, paying attention to areas like behind the ears and around the hind end. Wet wipes are sufficient for most cleaning tasks, but for oilier or dirtier cats, you may need something stronger.
2. Waterless foam cat shampoo: This option is useful for more challenging cleaning tasks. Simply spray the foam on your cat and brush it through their coat. Although this process can be time-consuming, it is nearly as effective as traditional shampoo and water.
3. Cat grooming bags: If a water bath is your only choice, consider using a cat grooming bag. These bags zip up or Velcro around your cat, making it difficult for them to scratch you during the grooming process. Grooming bags are typically made of polyester mesh, allowing you to shampoo your cat while they wear it.
Make sure to reward your cat with treats and praise during grooming to create positive associations. The more pleasant the experience, the more likely they will tolerate grooming in the future.
“Understanding the history and science behind cats’ aversion to water sheds light on their fear and helps us find gentle ways to bathe them.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Understand the signs: If your cat shows signs of aggression, tries to escape, trembles, or hyperventilates during bath time, it’s important to recognize these behaviors as signs that they don’t like water. Stay calm and reassure your cat during the process.
2️⃣ Use alternative cleaning methods: If your cat dislikes water, consider using cat wet wipes or waterless foam cat shampoo for cleaning. These options can be effective and less stressful for your cat. However, if a water bath is necessary, consider using a cat grooming bag to prevent scratching and make the process easier.
3️⃣ Create positive associations: Make grooming a positive experience for your cat by giving them lots of treats and praise. This will help them associate grooming with positive feelings, and they will be more willing to tolerate it in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Why do cats dislike water?
Answer: Cats dislike water because historically their ancestors were not accustomed to interacting with water, and modern-day domestic cats have not outgrown this aversion. Additionally, water can weigh down their coats, disrupt their grooming routine, and they may be sensitive to the chemicals in the water.
2. How do cats show that they don’t like water?
Answer: Cats may become aggressive, hide, try to escape, yowl, tremble, hyperventilate, or exhibit various body language signs such as growling, scratching, biting, and cowering.
3. What are some possible reasons that cats don’t like water?
Answer: Cats may dislike water because it weighs down their coats, disrupts their grooming routine, they are sensitive to the chemicals in the water, they don’t want to be cold, or they may have had traumatizing experiences with water in the past.
4. How can you bathe a cat that doesn’t like water?
Answer: There are a few options for cleaning a cat that dislikes water. Cat wet wipes can be used to clean the top layer of fur, waterless foam cat shampoo can be sprayed and brushed through their coat, and if a water bath is necessary, using a cat grooming bag can help restrain them during the process. It’s important to provide treats and praise to make the experience more positive.
5. Why are cats fascinated by running water but scared of being submerged?
Answer: Cats are often fascinated by the sounds, reflections, and sensation of playing with running water. However, being submerged and having no control over the situation can be terrifying to them. They may enjoy playing with water they can interact with, but not being completely submerged.
