Cats are known for their hygiene and grooming and love to drink water, but when it comes to bathing, they usually don't like it very much. Is this a trend that happens with all cats? and most importantly why do cats hate water?
This is the question that all cat companions ask themselves when they have to battle with their pet to get them their bath, or when they see the cat run away if they get splashed with a little water in a game attempt.
Let's see in this new article on our site how real this mystery is or if this predisposition has any scientific justification, and above all, if all felines suffer from that terrible fear of getting wet. Find out why cats hate water!
Why are cats afraid of water?
Cat conspiracy theories against the bathroom are diverse. The main one has to do with its origin as a species. Most of the cats come from desert regions in the Middle East, which means that access to water was not as constant
Later, with evolution and migration, cats experienced life in other areas where water was more frequent. This means that some breeds of cats have in their genes a tendency to stay away from water, while other breeds are already more used to it.
In fact, cats feel a magnetism for water and can be stunned looking at it but, at the same time, feel a certain respect. It is similar to the reaction that human beings have with the ocean.
They feel trapped
Cats, although domesticated, are wild animals at their core. They don't like to feel trapped and enjoy having some independence. When a cat is drenched in water, their fur weighs much more and this makes them compromise their agility and mobility. Wet skin becomes a antonym of freedom
Lack of well-being and calm
Most cats love water, and although they are great swimmers, what they don't really care about is being submerged in it and less unexpectedly. Cats like to take things slow and go at their own pace.
Our favorite felines are custom animals and they don't really enjoy surprises, not even on their birthdays. That is why it is very important to teach them about the bathing routine since they are little, otherwise, it could become an unpleasant experience for them and you will make water have a negative connotation in your pet's life.
The key: patience
Cats love to feel like they can control their environment and the things that happen in it. On the other hand, they are extremely curious creatures, but it is a discreet and cautious curiosity, so before fully experimenting with water, a cat will first pass from side and calmly, by a place where there is water, then it will introduce its legs, smell the liquid, put its head and so on, the last thing will be the body. Be patient, as always, never force it
The ignorance that causes
The smell of water is basic for a cat to feel interested in it. Cats are animals with a highly developed sense of smell and can differentiate between fresh water that comes from natural sources, and water processed with chemicals.
It's not surprising to see cats enjoying a well or natural puddle and then desperately fleeing from a bath tub or a stream of water from a faucet.
All the above theories are supported by some specialist studies on cats, not only at a scientific level, but also at a psychological level. However, there is much to know and experts continue to investigate the deep and interesting world of domestic cats,
What if I want to bathe my cat? Are there cats that like water?
Although it is possible to clean a cat without bathing it, in cases of extreme dirt this will not be possible. If you find yourself in this situation, it will be important to resort to products such as dry-cleaning shampoo for cats.
The cat that does not want to bathe should not be forced. Only small cats that have followed a socialization process in which water has been included, are accustomed to and tolerate this human hygienic routine.
However, if your cat is used to bathing him or you haven't tried bathing him yet and you don't know what his reaction will be, we recommend you visit our article to learn how to bathe a cat step by step.
