Cats are independent, capricious, and mysterious creatures. One of their interesting characteristics is their chronic aversion to bathing. Why do cats fear water? You might be surprised to learn that most cats are natural swimmers. However, a fearful cat is not likely to swim.
Why don’t cats like baths?
Zoologists have seriously studied this issue and concluded that cats are not afraid of water. They avoid bathing for other well-founded reasons:
- Imposed procedure: Cats don’t understand why their owners force them into the bath and wash them with synthetic shampoos that have unpleasant perfumes. The artificial scents in shampoos smell terrible to them. Why tolerate a bath when a cat can clean itself on its own?
- Risk of hypothermia/overheating: Cats fear getting cold. The layer of air between their skin and fur plays a critical role in regulating their body temperature. When their fur gets wet, it no longer provides insulation, and cats can’t dry off quickly enough. This same layer also helps prevent overheating by blocking excessive sunlight.
- Intensified odor: Cats are stealthy hunters, and wet fur gives off a much stronger odor that can repel prey. At the same time, this strong smell can attract larger predators.
- Dirt/bacteria: Wet fur can trap dust, dirt, and bacteria, which can enter a cat’s digestive system.
- Loss of natural oils: Cats’ fur is coated with natural oils that protect it from damage, making it shiny and sleek. Water strips these oils, leaving the coat in poor condition.
Other reasons:
Even if a cat survives a bath, it will need 2-3 hours of diligent grooming to restore its fur. Cats dislike the smell of chlorinated tap water, and water getting into their ears can cause infections. Cats are naturally skittish, and those who haven’t encountered water before will be wary of baths. Additionally, cats have a lower body temperature than humans, so warm water feels icy to them.
Why do cats fear water, but dogs don’t?
The answer lies in their natural instincts. Dogs are social animals that hunt in packs, while cats are solitary hunters. Dogs can quickly shake off water from their fur, which is coated in oils that help repel moisture. If a dog gets wet, it can run around or lie close to other dogs to warm up, and they alert each other to danger. Cats, on the other hand, don’t seek warmth from others and prefer to dry off alone, which can be uncomfortable for them.
Dogs are also more accustomed to crossing rivers and enduring cold temperatures, as their ancestors came from Central Asia. Cats, however, evolved in regions far from large bodies of water, so their instincts tell them that water is best avoided.
Training your cat to enjoy water:
While some cat breeds naturally enjoy water (like Turkish Vans, Bengal, or Siamese), it’s possible to train your pet to tolerate baths. Here are a few gentle methods based on play and affection:
- The bathtub isn’t the enemy: Start by bringing your cat into the bathroom and placing it in an empty bathtub. Let it get used to the environment. Gradually, turn on the shower and slowly start filling the tub with water, keeping it quiet and calm. Praise your cat when it remains calm. Gradually increase the water level and encourage your cat to move from one end of the tub to the other using treats. Over time, it will become more comfortable with water.
- Gradual acclimatization: This method works well with kittens. Occasionally place your cat’s food bowl in the bathroom while running water at a low flow. Gradually increase the water flow and place a basin of water in the tub for the cat to dip its paws in. Add toys to make it fun. Gradually raise the water level as the kitten becomes more comfortable.
- Safe observation: If your cat is still hesitant, try placing a toy or a special board across the bathtub. Let your cat observe the water from a safe distance. Curiosity will likely drive your cat to jump in, but it will quickly learn that water isn’t a threat. You can then gently wet its fur using a cup or small scoop, avoiding the sound of the shower, which might scare the cat.
General tips for bathing your cat:
- The water temperature should be 38-40°C (100-104°F).
- Make sure the bottom of the tub is non-slip by placing a towel or rubber mat inside.
- Your cat should always feel the bottom of the tub with its paws for security.