Breeds like the Turkish Van (nicknamed the "swimming cat"), Maine Coon, Bengal, and Norwegian Forest Cat are known to enjoy water, often due to water-resistant coats or historical roles that exposed them to water; other breeds that might like water include the Abyssinian, Egyptian Mau, Savannah, and Turkish Angora, often playing in water rather than swimming.
Cats that like water
11 cats that like water
The Turkish Van, a breed of cat known as the “swimming cat,” loves water. So does the Turkish Angora that hails from the same area. It is possible that these cats enjoy water because of where they evolved, that is, they swam in Lake Van to cool down.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
Cats hate strong, pungent, or overly sharp smells, with citrus (lemon, orange), vinegar, strong spices (pepper, garlic), certain herbs (lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary), and harsh cleaners (ammonia) topping the list due to their overwhelming intensity and potential toxicity. These scents irritate their sensitive noses, often causing them to recoil or avoid areas where they are present, making them useful for humane deterrents.
Loud sounds: a cat's worst enemy
They can detect sounds we don't even perceive and react instinctively with fear to unexpected loud noises, such as: 🔹 Fireworks and thunderstorms: Sudden explosions can cause extreme panic. 🔹 Vacuum cleaners and household appliances: The noise and vibration terrifies them.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
Unlike many cats, fishing cats readily swim. Their front toes are partially webbed and their claws protrude slightly even when retracted. This facilitates the capture of prey, especially while underwater. Another unique adaptation for their semiaquatic lives is the structure of their fur.
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.
Curious breeds, like the intelligent and personable British Shorthair, tend to be fascinated by anything that moves, like water running from a faucet. “They like to see everything going on and are intrigued by a shower and will hop right in if you let them,” Miller said.
Well, that's only true of some cats—others actually love the water! Fishing cats are one of the best swimmers around and are completely at home in the water.
Just how their tiger relatives appreciate taking a swim to cool off, so do some household cats. Examples of cat breeds that revel in the water include the Maine Coon, Bengal cat, Abyssinian, Norwegian Forest cat, and the most well-known water lover—the Turkish Van, or as it is often referred to, “the swimming cat.”
Here are the ten most popular cat breeds:
Many kittens are born with swimmer syndrome, but they are very commonly euthanized, even though the condition is treatable through early intervention and physical therapy. If you've recently rescued a kitten with swimmer syndrome, don't be discouraged.
Stimulating smells, such as catnip, reduce a cat's anxiety. You can use catnip toys or sprinkle catnip in your cat's relaxing area. Hiding treats is another great way to incorporate your cat's sense of smell. If you only put your cat in this space when they're stressed, they may associate the area with their triggers.
House soiling in cats, also called feline inappropriate elimination, is the most common behavioral complaint of cat owners. Problem behaviors can be urine and/or stool deposited outside of the litter box, or marking behaviors.
They will hold their tail low to the ground and may flick it rapidly back and forth as their anxiety mounts. Their eyes will widen, and their pupils dilate, as they remain alert for danger. Their ears will begin to turn out to the side, shifting lower on the head, or begin to twitch.
1) Cats hate weird smells
Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus. Many essential oils are toxic to cats so it stands to reason that they instinctively want to run the other way when they get a whiff of your bath oils. They also aren't a fan of strong menthol smells.
Signs of Emotional Trauma in Cats and Dogs
Trauma can also manifest as “shaking, hiding, urination and/or defecation when the trigger attempts to interact, howling, pacing, excessive vocalization, and panting,” says Pia Silvani, director of behavioral rehabilitation at the ASPCA's Behavioral Rehabilitation Center.
Catnip is generally considered safe for cats; however, they can overdose on the herb if they consume too much of it. Ingesting too much catnip can cause an upset stomach, including vomiting and diarrhea.
Put down chicken wire - cats hate walking on it.
Calming oils, such as lavender, can be used safely in your home as long as they produce a subtle aroma and cats aren't able to come into direct contact with them.
Respect your cat's boundaries by giving them space when they need it. Inappropriately grabbing your cat. Sudden or rough handling makes cats uncomfortable, and they can develop behavioral issues such as reactivity or fear if they are distressed.