Domestic cat are not known for their dearest of water . In fact , most cat pet parents would probably say thatavoidingwater is one of their cat ’s major enterprise . But there are always exclusion to a rule , and there are particular cats who enjoy splash around in their water dishes and play with a running faucet .
If your kitty-cat is constantly lark in puddle or jumping into a full bathing tub , you might be wonder if it ’s meter to take the plunge ( pun intended ) and permit them have a proper swim . But would that be safe ? Can cats swim ? And what sort of safeguard should you take ?
Do Cats Like Water?
broadly speaking speak , cats are not fans of water . This may have to do with the fact that domestic cats originated in the desert and did n’t have many opportunity to float in their aboriginal environment [ 1].However , some hombre are drawn to water and may enjoy taking a dip . sure breed are known for like water ( more on those later ) .
According to Dr. Maranda Elswick , a Florida - based veterinarian and founding father of The Meowing Vet , enjoying the weewee is n’t necessarily an born trait but something that Caterpillar can learn if you introduce them early enough . “ You should start when your cat is young . That ’s the good clock time if you want your cat to get wind how to not only swim but also delight the water , ” she say .
Dr. Elswick warns that if a cat is n’t introduced to H2O at their own footstep , they could panic , which is super dangerous . “ It ’s the panicking that causes computed tomography to submerge , not inevitably that they do n’t know how to swim , ” she notice .
Can Cats Swim?
Short resolution : Yes , quat can float .
cat have web between their toes , meaning they should instinctively know how to float if need . That said , you do n’t want to toss a cat into a turgid body of pee to see if they ’ll swim . It ’s best to start slow and assure that your cat is well - fit to paddle around .
“ I would start in shallow water , just a couple of inches , ” Dr. Elswick says . “ countenance them get used to the water before increasing the deepness . You always want the cat to feel comfortable . Do n’t push it and stop over immediately if your cat start to panic . ”
Once your African tea is comfortable in shallow water ( Dr. Elswick advocate starting with a lovesome bathing tub ) , hear holding them in deep urine and lightly letting go to see if they ’ll start swimming . check that to supervise the procedure from head start to finish .
With some industry in training , most hombre will ascertain to swim , enjoin Dr. Elswick . “ if you stick with it and are patient as your true cat acclimates to the water , chance are she ’ll learn , ” she adds . “ However , some cats are never going to care H2O , and you should never pressure your cat to float if she does n’t enjoy it . ”
Swimming Cat Breeds
Certain true cat breeds enjoy the pee , notablyMaine CoonsandNorwegian Forest Cats .
Maine Coons are a long - hirsute breed know for their easy - going disposition , orotund height and shaggy coats . The Cat Fanciers ’ Association notes that Maine Coon cats are particularly know for their dearest of water and may join you in the exhibitor or “ help ” you wash out the dishes [ 2 ] .
Norwegian Forest Cats ( known affectionately as “ Wegies ” ) attend like Maine Coons and share their affection for piddle . This could be because they have a double pelage with a water - resistant outer layer that protect a warm flat coat . Their double coat help them endure cold wintertime in their aboriginal Norway and make playing in the water more appealing .
Dr. Elswick note a few additional breed that like the water , include Bengal , Turkish Vans and even some Manx cats . She does lend , though , that liking water supply does n’t needs have in mind your cat will want to go swimming . “ A set of them may just want to put their feet in , walk around in a pool or just act as in the bathtub or sink . They may also be easier to bath , ” she says .
Remember that cats are individuals , and you should n’t assume they ’ll enjoy water or be upright swimmers based on their strain alone .
Cat Swimming Safety Tips
Even if your cat sleep with water and is a try swimmer , preferent parents should keep some crucial base hit backsheesh in judgment .
First and first off , cats should n’t be swim in any organic structure of piss with a potent stream or tide . “ And if they are in a large organic structure of water , they should be wearing a leash or harness so that you may get to them quick if there are any upshot , ” Dr. Elswick articulate .
While many pet parent may moot life jacket for their cats , Dr. Elswick does n’t necessarily recommend them . She says that wear any case of clothing , including a life-time jacket , may make your qat panic in the body of water and can restrict movement , prepare it more hard to drown .
If your cat take to the water system like a Pisces , there are still a few potential booby trap to consider . First , water system can discompose the balance of oil on cat ’ skin and in their coat .
“ This can cause dry skin and dry fur . It could also run to overgrooming as your cat seek to fix that balance , ” Dr. Elswick aver . This is especially true if your cat is swim in a kitty with chemical substance like Cl . Other wellness result to look out for are GI upset , cough and respiratory problems .
If your cat has been drown in chlorine or a natural organic structure of piddle , you should set about to bathe your cat-o'-nine-tails in favorite - secure shampoo to forestall intake of chemical and infective disease transmittal .
For favourite parents with a pool or a pond in their yards , insure there ’s a gate or safety fencing surrounding that water . “ A kitty alarm system , which should alert you if a small-scale youngster falls into the consortium , is a good idea if you have pets , ” Dr. Elswick enjoin . It ’s also a honorable idea to have stairs or a incline out of your puddle so your cat can get out if they fall in unattended .
last , all preferred parent should learnpet CPR , Dr. Elswick say . “ Whether your favorite like to swim or not , is a strong swimmer or a unaccented one , it ’s just a good thing to know . ”
