Why do cats not like water?

Cats and water: everything you must know

Why do cats not like water?

Do cats hate water? In reality, the matter is much more complex and must be considered from different points of view. This is where we are going to help you.

In nature, the cat is a desert animal

By nature - as a former desert animal - the hunting cat obtains a large part of the water its body needs from food and therefore drinks rather little. Our domestic cats generally tend to do the same, but since they also eat dry food, they must always have fresh water available to compensate for the lack of water in their food.

Why isn't my cat drinking from its bowl?

Ideally, the water bowl should be located separately from both the food and the litter box. In both cases, according to the cat, the water, although we put it fresh and clean, could be dirty and therefore dangerous. Moreover, for the kitty, a large but shallow bowl is better than a small deep one. In fact, in nature, the cat prefers to drink from shallow waters, where no possible predators can hide.

Always fresh and clean water, please!

Cats are always looking for fresh, clean, and not stale water. This is exactly why cats are often seen drinking from the tap: some even manage to open it themselves, others implore their master to do so!

Water: a fascinating element of exploration!

Many cats are attracted to water, both for its movement and for its splashing sound. Therefore, it is not surprising when the kitty of the house approaches an open faucet and tries to explore it with his paw or muzzle, sometimes wetting his whole body.

Some cat breeds love to swim!

Some cat breeds are so comfortable in the water that they learn to swim without any fear at all. These include the Turkish Angora, the Maine Coon cat, and the Norwegian Forest Cat. This trait seems to stem from the animals' origins, as the aforementioned breeds all come from areas with abundant waterways, and presumably, this ability evolved to allow for better hunting techniques.

Why does the cat knock over the water bowl?

Some cats do this to explore what has fallen into the water (e.g., food crumbs or dust). Other cats are attracted to the pattern on the bottom of the bowl and try to catch any prey that may be represented.

Can cats be washed like dogs?

Generally, cats keep their fur clean and orderly themselves, but if a bath is absolutely necessary, you can make the experience as least traumatic as possible. The water should be warm (around 38°C), and the cat should be wetted from behind with a soft stream, avoiding the head. You should hold the cat firmly, reassure it, and then dry it well, using a hairdryer that is as quiet as possible. There are also dry shampoos that can be used to remove dirt and dust while avoiding the trauma of the water bath. However, even these products should be used sparingly, as they could upset the moisture balance of the skin of our four-legged friend.

Thanks for reading: Why do cats not like water?, Sorry, my English is bad:)