why do cats hate water

Cats are known for their aversion to water. While some large cats like tigers enjoy swimming, domestic cats will go to great lengths to avoid getting wet. One theory 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. Another theory is that 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. Certain breeds of domesticated cats, such as the Maine Coon, Bengal, and Turkish Van, are less fearful of water and enjoy the occasional swim. What makes these breeds unique is the texture of their fur, which makes them more water-resistant than other breeds ¹.