An aversion to water is one of the most well-known characteristics of household cats. However, this isn’t true of all felines. Some large cats, such as tigers, commonly take a dip to cool off or hunt prey, and even some domesticated breeds are known to enjoy a swim when the opportunity arises.
In general, however, domestic cats will go to great lengths to avoid getting wet, and behaviorists have developed a number of theories to explain why. One suggests that because the species evolved in dry climates and had little exposure to rivers or lakes, water (except for drinking) is an element they are unfamiliar with and thus avoid.
More likely, however, cats don’t like getting wet because of what water does to their fur. Cats are fastidious animals that spend a great deal of their day grooming themselves. Wet fur is extremely uncomfortable for a cat and often takes a long time to dry. Wet fur is also heavier than dry and thus makes a cat less nimble and easier for predators to catch.
There is also the shock factor. Accidentally falling into a full bathtub, for example, can be a frightening experience for a cat and can make it fearful of water for the rest of its life.
Nonetheless, many cats seem to enjoy playing with running or dripping water, such as out of a faucet. Behaviorists believe cats are drawn by the movements of the water and the sounds it makes, all of which can stimulate a cat’s instinctual drive to catch prey. Such play is also acceptable to even an otherwise water-averse cat because only the cat’s paws get wet.
Certain breeds of domesticated cats, such as the Maine Coon, Bengal, and Turkish Van, are less fearful of water and actually enjoy the occasional swim. What makes these breeds unique is the texture of their fur, which makes them more water-resistant than other breeds.
As a seasoned feline behavior expert with a profound understanding of cat behavior and traits, let me delve into the concepts presented in the provided article.
Firstly, the aversion to water in domestic cats is indeed a well-established characteristic. This is a widespread observation that many cat owners can attest to. This behavior is often attributed to various factors, and one of the theories proposed by behaviorists is rooted in the evolutionary history of domestic cats. The suggestion that domestic cats, as a species, evolved in dry climates with limited exposure to bodies of water such as rivers or lakes contributes to their general aversion to water, excluding drinking.
Another significant point highlighted in the article relates to the discomfort that wet fur causes for cats. Cats are meticulous groomers, and the discomfort associated with wet fur disrupts their self-grooming routine. The discomfort stems from the fact that wet fur takes a considerable amount of time to dry, making the cat uneasy and less agile. This discomfort is not merely a preference but has practical implications, as wet fur is heavier and hampers a cat's ability to move swiftly, potentially making it an easier target for predators.
Moreover, the psychological impact of water on cats is mentioned, specifically the shock factor. The article suggests that an accidental plunge into water, such as a full bathtub, can be a traumatic experience for a cat, leading to a lasting fear of water. This psychological aspect adds another layer to the aversion, emphasizing the role of past experiences in shaping a cat's behavior towards water.
Interestingly, the article also highlights exceptions to the general aversion, pointing out that some domesticated breeds, like the Maine Coon, Bengal, and Turkish Van, display a more positive attitude towards water. The key differentiator for these breeds lies in the texture of their fur, making them more water-resistant. This is a fascinating insight into how genetic and physical characteristics can influence behavior, challenging the notion that all domestic cats universally dislike water.
Lastly, the article touches upon the intriguing behavior of some cats playing with running or dripping water, often observed when a faucet is turned on. Behaviorists attribute this to the instinctual drive of cats to catch prey, suggesting that the movement and sound of water stimulate this innate hunting behavior. Importantly, in such cases, only the cat's paws get wet, making it an acceptable and enjoyable interaction with water for even those cats that are generally averse to it.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive exploration of the aversion to water in domestic cats, incorporating evolutionary, physiological, and psychological perspectives. The exceptions observed in certain breeds further emphasize the complexity of feline behavior and the role of genetics in shaping individual preferences and tendencies.
