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Cats and water have a notorious relationship—most people believe felines avoid water at all costs. While this stereotype holds for many, there are some surprising exceptions. Some cats not only tolerate water but actively enjoy it! Whether it’s splashing in a puddle, dipping a paw into a running faucet, or even going for a swim, these cats have no problem getting soaked. Their love for water may come from their breed’s history, unique personalities, or an unexplainable curiosity about the wet world.
Turkish Van
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The Turkish Van is famously known as the “swimming cat” for its love of water. This breed is known for its fascination with water and can often be found playing in bathtubs and ponds or even joining you for a swim. Their semi-waterproof coat makes them more tolerant of getting wet, and their natural curiosity drives them to explore any body of water they can find. These agile swimmers enjoy splashing about, proving that not all cats shy away from a good swim.
Bengal
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Bengal cats are another water-loving breed that enjoys getting wet. With their wild ancestry, Bengals retain many natural instincts, including water connection. They’re often seen splashing in water bowls or trying to “fish” in aquariums. Their sleek, athletic build makes them strong swimmers, and their coat, which has a unique texture, dries quickly, encouraging their aquatic adventures. These adventurous cats have no problem getting wet and will likely surprise their owners with their eagerness to interact with water.
Maine Coon
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Known for their impressive size and luxurious fur, Maine Coons are one of the few cat breeds that have a fascination with water. Despite their thick coats, which you might think would make them shy away from water, Maine Coons are often seen dipping their paws in their water bowls or playing near running taps. Their coat is water-resistant, helping them tolerate getting wet without discomfort. Historically, Maine Coons lived in harsh, cold climates, and their adaptability to wet environments likely developed as part of their survival instincts.
Norwegian Forest Cat
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The Norwegian Forest Cat, or “Wegie”, often affectionately called, has a coat built for extreme weather, including wet conditions. This breed hails from Norway, where it survived harsh winters and learned to deal with snowy and wet environments. Their waterproof fur helps them stay dry, and they enjoy playing with water, whether pawing at a running faucet or exploring puddles. Don’t be surprised if your Norwegian Forest Cat is interested in water activities, proving that some cats are more aquatically inclined than others.
Abyssinian
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The Abyssinian may not be the first breed that comes to mind when you think of water-loving cats, but these playful, energetic felines often enjoy water. Known for their inquisitive nature, Abyssinians are naturally drawn to anything new and interesting; water is no exception. They might not dive right in, but they love to play with water, often splashing it with their paws or following their owners into the bathroom. Their sleek, short coat dries quickly, allowing them to embrace the occasional splash.
Savannah Cat
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Savannah cats, a hybrid breed resulting from a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, have a natural affinity for water. These exotic-looking felines are adventurous and fearless, often dipping their paws in water bowls or exploring the sink. Some Savannahs even enjoy swimming! Their wild roots give them a heightened curiosity, and their sleek coats don’t get bogged down when wet. These cats are known to be very active, and water play is another way to burn off energy.
Turkish Angora
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Though the Turkish Angora is known for its elegant, long-haired coat, it also has a surprising love for water. Like the Turkish Van, the Turkish Angora is one of the few cat breeds with a fascination for water. They may enjoy splashing around in the sink or attempting to join their humans in the shower. Despite its length, their coat is surprisingly low maintenance and doesn’t stay wet for long, allowing them to dry off quickly after their aquatic adventures.
Sphynx
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The Sphynx may not have fur to keep dry, but this breed has no problem with water. In fact, Sphynx cats often enjoy baths, which they require more frequently than most cats due to their lack of fur and the buildup of oils on their skin. These hairless cats are known for their affectionate and playful nature; water can be another way to engage with their environment. Don’t be surprised if your Sphynx eagerly jumps into the tub during bath time!
Manx
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The tailless Manx is known for its playful, energetic personality and love for water. Manx cats are curious by nature and often find water fascinating. Whether it’s dipping a paw in their water bowl or investigating a running tap, these cats are not afraid to get a little wet. Their sturdy build and short, dense coat dry quickly, making water play even more enjoyable for them. The Manx’s adventurous spirit often leads them to explore watery environments enthusiastically.
Burmese
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Burmese cats are sociable, playful, and curious; water is just one of the many things that pique their interest. These cats love to be involved in everything their owners do, including water-related activities. Whether playing in a sink, splashing in a water bowl, or even hopping into the shower with their human, Burmese cats aren’t shy about getting wet. Their short coat dries quickly, and their fearless nature means they’re often happy to explore new watery adventures.
Japanese Bobtail
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Japanese Bobtails are known for their quirky, playful personalities and unique short tails, but they enjoy playing in water. These cats are often drawn to running water and happily splash around in sinks or play with dripping faucets. Their curious nature makes them more likely to investigate water sources around the house, and their light, silky coat doesn’t retain water for long. The Japanese Bobtail’s love of water makes it an entertaining and interactive companion for those who don’t mind a few wet paw prints.
Scottish Fold
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Scottish Folds, known for their distinctive folded ears, are one of the more water-tolerant cat breeds. These cats are curious and often find water sources around the house intriguing. Whether playing with a running tap or investigating a full bathtub, Scottish Folds aren’t as averse to water as some other breeds. Their plush, dense coat may take a little longer to dry, but that doesn’t stop them from getting wet if it means having fun and satisfying their curiosity.
Siamese
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Siamese cats are known for their vocal personalities and love for human interaction, but they also have a surprising interest in water. These curious cats often follow their owners into the bathroom, watch the water flow, or dip a paw into a full sink. Siamese cats are playful and love exploring their environment; water is just another aspect of the world they enjoy. Their short, sleek coat dries quickly, allowing them to embrace their water-loving tendencies without issues.
Ragdoll
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Ragdolls are famous for their calm, laid-back demeanor, but they can also have a surprising love for the water. These gentle giants are often curious about running water and may even enjoy sitting by a bathtub or sink to watch the water flow. While they may not dive in headfirst, Ragdolls are known to playfully bat at water or join their owners for a splash. Their semi-long fur dries relatively quickly, allowing them to enjoy the water without hassle.
Ocicat
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With its wild, exotic appearance, the Ocicat is a playful and adventurous breed that enjoys exploring its surroundings, including water. These cats are highly active, curious, and won’t shy away from a little water play. Whether splashing in a water bowl or investigating a running faucet, Ocicats often find water fascinating. Their short, sleek coat dries quickly, making it easy for them to enjoy water-related activities without getting bogged down.
American Bobtail
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The American Bobtail is a rugged, adventurous breed with a love for exploring, including an interest in water. These cats are known for their playful personalities and often investigate water sources like sinks, bathtubs, or ponds. Their short tails and dense coats are well-suited to outdoor adventures, including splashing around in water. American Bobtails are natural explorers, and their fascination with water is one of the many ways they enjoy interacting with their environment.
Cornish Rex
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With its soft, wavy coat, the Cornish Rex is a highly energetic and playful breed that often enjoys water. These cats are known for their acrobatic abilities and love of interactive play, including splashing in water. Their thin coat dries quickly, and they aren’t bothered by getting a little wet. Cornish Rex cats are known for being curious and adventurous; water play is one of the many ways they express their lively personalities.
Siberian
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Siberians have a thick, water-resistant coat that suits them well for water adventures. These cats, originating from the harsh climates of Siberia, have adapted to wet and snowy environments, making them more tolerant of water than many other breeds. Siberians are curious and playful, often investigating water sources around the house and enjoying a little splash in the sink or bathtub. Their thick fur dries surprisingly quickly, allowing them to embrace their water-loving nature without discomfort.
Tonkinese
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The Tonkinese is a sociable, playful breed that loves to be involved in whatever their owners do, including water activities. These cats are naturally curious and investigate water bowls, sinks, and bathtubs. Their short, sleek coat dries quickly, making them more tolerant of getting wet. Tonkinese cats are known for their active and adventurous personalities; water play is another way to engage with their environment and human companions.
Devon Rex
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Devon Rex cats, with their large ears and wavy coats, are known for their playful and energetic personalities, which often include a love for water. These cats are curious and adventurous and won’t hesitate to investigate a running faucet or dip their paws into a water bowl. Their thin coats dry quickly, allowing them to enjoy water play without discomfort. Devon Rex cats are known for their love of interactive activities, and water is just another way for them to have fun.
Egyptian Mau
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Egyptian Maus are known for their agility and speed, but they also have a surprising interest in water. These cats are curious and adventurous, often investigating water sources like sinks, bathtubs, or ponds. Their short, sleek coat dries quickly, making it easy for them to enjoy water without getting too wet. Egyptian Maus are natural explorers, and their fascination with water is one of the many ways they enjoy interacting with their environment.
Singapura
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Singapura cats may be small but have big personalities, including a love for water. These curious cats are known for their playful nature and often investigate water sources around the house. Whether it’s splashing in a water bowl or playing with a running tap, Singapura cats are not afraid to get a little wet. Their short coat dries quickly, making water play a fun and easy activity for them.
The “Wettest” Conclusion You’ll Ever See
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Some cats defy the typical feline aversion to water and absolutely love their aquatic adventures! These breeds break the stereotype, proving that not all cats shy away from getting wet. Whether it’s splashing in the sink, dipping paws in the tub, or even swimming, these curious felines embrace water in ways that might surprise you. So, if your bathtub is mysteriously wet, your faucet is a new favorite toy, or your sink has become the site of a regular paw-dipping party, you know precisely which water-loving culprit is to blame!
Toledo, United States.
