- Its not bad for cats to go into water. Dr. Kleszynski says cats know how to swim, so water isnt dangerous or harmful, its just that many cats prefer not to be in water.
- These wild cats didnt often have to deal with large rivers or lakes, so the evolutionary history of cats doesnt give them any basis for which to deal with water. The domestic cats wild ancestors never learned to swim because there was no need. So, most breeds of domestic cats arent comfortable swimming either. Granted, most probably could swim a little cat-paddle stroke if they needed to as a matter of survival, but unlike dogs, they wont usually find this enjoyable in the slightest. Many cats also prefer to drink from a cat fountain or a dripping tap than a bowl of water.

- Our pet cats have inherited this instinctual aversion to water. Cats like to be in full control of their bodies. As most cat fur is not water-resistant, it will become heavy and uncomfortable if they are submerged in water.
This particular example perfectly highlights why Why Cats Prefer No Water is so captivating.
- Another reason why cats hate water is attributed to their history. There is not much in a cats background to recommend them for successful interactions with bodies of water, be it small or big. Cats ancestors lived in dry arid places which means rivers or oceans werent obstacles they had to face.

- Many cats associate water with negative experiences, such as being bathed or caught in the rain, reinforcing their aversion. Furthermore, cats are meticulous groomers and prefer to stay clean and dry, which is another reason they avoid water.
- Cats are descendants of desert-dwelling wild cats, who lived in hot and dry environments with limited access to water sources. Therefore, their ancestors did not have to swim or tolerate water often, which resulted in the lack of a genetic ...
- By nature, a cat prefers to be ready to flee any potentially dangerous situations, and when their coat is wet, it makes that more difficult, notes DeVoss. While some animals are innately designed to be in and around water, cats are the ...