Why do cats hate water?
It's a well-known fact that domestic cats hate water, but there's no scientific study on the subject. One of the most common stereotypes about house cats is their aversion to getting wet. From their love of bathtubs to their fear of steam coming from anywhere, cats and water have always been polar opposites. While some cats dislike swimming, some cat breeds do, such as Vans and Maine Coons.
So why do cats, with some exceptions, hate water so much?In addition to cats' biology and evolutionary history, there are potential clues in individual upbringings, experts say.
Kristyn Vitale, an animal behaviorist and founder of Maueyes Cat Science and Education, thinks the African wildcat, Felis silvestris lybica, the ancestor of house cats, may have played a major role in modern house cats' avoidance of water.
Some wild cats, such as tigers, fishing cats, and jaguars, prefer to swim to escape insects, cool off, and even ambush prey. The African wild cat, on the other hand, lives primarily in desert environments and rarely encounters or swims across large bodies of water.
According to Live Science, Vitale said these cats aren't known for hunting near or in water.
BEING WET CAN BE PHYSICALLY UNCOMFORTABLEThe African wildcat's diet consists largely of terrestrial animals like rodents. Given this, it's not surprising that domestic cats don't seek out water. This isn't inherent to the species.
Jennifer Vonk, an animal cognition expert at Oakland University, suggested another possible reason why house cats dislike water: The wetness is physically unpleasant and could potentially impair their sense of smell.
Their feathers fill with water, making it difficult to move, possibly making them feel vulnerable.
In conclusion, there may not be a single reason why cats hate water; it's likely a combination of factors.
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