Why cats don't like water? The reasons may surprise you.

Most cat owners notice that their pets are very reluctant to be exposed to water. Where does this widespread reluctance to get wet come from? While there are breeds that absolutely adore water—like the Turkish Van or Maine Coon—the stereotype of a water aversion still holds true for most domestic cats.

Cats' Reluctance to Water? Experts Say

There are no scientific studies yet that definitively explain why cats avoid water so much. However, experts point to several possible reasons, stemming from biology, species evolution, and individual animal experiences.

As Kristyn Vitale, animal behaviorist and founder of Maueyes Cat Science and Education, points out, the wild ancestor of the domestic cat—the African wild cat (Felis silvestris lybica)—lives primarily in desert regions. However, encounters with large bodies of water are rare there. "They don't hunt near or in water; their diet consists primarily of terrestrial animals, such as rodents," Vitale explains. This is precisely why domestic cats don't seek out contact with water—evolution hasn't prepared them for such an environment.

Jonathan Losos, a biology professor at the University of Washington and author of The Cat's Meow, is more skeptical of this theory. He notes that cats' desert origins don't necessarily mean they have an aversion to water, especially since African wild cats also inhabit areas with access to water. Therefore, some of them have contact with it.

Wet fur is uncomfortable

Jennifer Vonk, an animal cognition specialist at Oakland University, points to another reason why cats may be reluctant to drink water. She points out that wet fur is uncomfortable for cats. It absorbs water, making movement difficult and rapidly cooling the body. Furthermore, water can impair their sense of smell, which is crucial for them.

“Tap water can contain chemicals that cats find unpleasant,” Vonk emphasizes. Vitale adds that humidity can also affect a cat’s natural pheromones, causing stress.

Cats' aversion to water likely stems from a combination of biological, evolutionary, and individual experiences. According to Vitale, it's "a combination of natural aversion and learned behavior."

Kittens' first experiences with water also play an important role. Although there is no research confirming that early exposure to water increases cats' acceptance of it, experts point out that socialization—that is, exposing young animals to various stimuli—helps them become more confident adults.

"A kitten raised near water will likely thrive in it as an adult," says Vitale. However, every cat is different, and even exposure to water as a kitten doesn't guarantee that an adult cat will enjoy it.

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