7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (2024)

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (1)

We know that cats our individuals by nature, but there are many cats out there of various breeds and mixed breeds that share common traits.

One thing that most cats are not a fan of is water. However, there seem to be particular breeds of cats that like water and are here to debunk the theory that cats hate water.

Some, so much so, that they’ll even fancy themselves a swim in a pool or even a body of water. Are you curious to know which cat breeds like water? Just keep reading to learn all about these water-loving cats!

#1 Maine Coon

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (2)

Although most Maine Coon cats today are happily homed and domesticated, this doesn’t mean they don’t hold on to their natural swimming abilities and love of water.

Breed Overview

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (3)Origin:

?Where this breed was first established.

United States

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (4)Height:

?The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.

10" to 16"

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (5)Adult Weight:

?The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.

9 to 20 pounds

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (6)Life Span:

?The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.

9 to 15 years

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (7)Group:Large Longhair

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (8)Price:$400 to $2,000

When it comes to Maine Coon cats, these fluffy and large-and-in-charge felines of the cat world have a thick water-repellant coat double coat that’s helped them to thrive in the wild for centuries.

Although most Maine Coon cats today are happily homed and domesticated, this doesn’t mean they don’t hold on to their natural swimming abilities and love of water. Many Maine Coon cats out there will willingly submerge themselves in water, sneak into your shower, or even spend hours on end playing in faucet water.

#2 Manx Cat

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (9)

Originating from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, life by the water is nothing new for these beloved tailless cats.

Breed Overview

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (10)Origin:

?Where this breed was first established.

Isle of Man

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (11)Height:

?The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.

10"-14"

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (12)Adult Weight:

?The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.

7-13 pounds

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (13)Life Span:

?The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.

12-16 years

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (14)Group:Medium-sized short-haired

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (15)Price:$500-$1,500

Originating from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, life by the water is nothing new for these beloved tailless cats. These playful dog-like felines are known to lead themselves to water, whether that’s in their home or when they travel outdoors.

This cute cat breed is so fond of water, that many Manx cat keepers report their feline friends will eagerly splash and frolic in it. Just another purrfect reason to love these naturally-occurring tailless kitty cats!

#3 Bengal Cat

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (16)

While it’s true that all cats are truly individuals by nature, almost every single Bengal cat you meet has a fondness for water.

Breed Overview

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (17)Origin:

?Where this breed was first established.

United States

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (18)Height:

?The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.

13"-16"

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (19)Adult Weight:

?The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.

6-15 pounds

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (20)Life Span:

?The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.

12-20 years

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (21)Group:Large shorthair

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (22)Price:$1,500 - $3,000

Bengal cats are beloved by cat lovers worldwide for their glistening stripes and spots, and also for their fun-loving personalities. The Bengal cat is one that will let you know exactly how they are feeling by way of their mighty meow, and they are also keen to let you know they want to get their water play on because they’re known to gravitate to places in their homes where water is present.

While it’s true that all cats are truly individuals by nature, almost every single Bengal cat you meet has a fondness for water. And because of this common trait, this is why they often rank high on any list of cat breeds that like water.

#4 Turkish Van

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (23)

This ancient breed of cat loves water so much, that it’s been nicknamed “the swimming cat.”

Breed Overview

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (24)Origin:

?Where this breed was first established.

Turkey

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (25)Height:

?The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.

9"- 11"

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (26)Adult Weight:

?The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.

7-20 pounds

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (27)Life Span:

?The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.

12-17 years

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (28)Group:Large long-haired

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (29)Price:$800 - $1500

This ancient breed of cat loves water so much, that it’s been nicknamed “the swimming cat.” With that being said, there are actually interesting tales surrounding this intriguing nickname. The Turkish Van cat has a long, soft coat that helps them to glide through the water, and their frame is expertly designed to enhance their swimming abilities. So, really, these cats are built for swimming!

A native cat breed to the area of Lake Van in Turkey, it’s believed that ancient Turkish Van cats would fancy themselves a swim across the lake to hunt desirable prey. Another legend surrounding the Turkish Van even involves two Turkish Van cats leaping from Noah’s Ark to swim ashore. Whatever you want to believe, the modern Turkish Van cats of today still hold true to their “swimming cat” moniker, as you can find several images and videos of these cats on YouTube happily swimming in pools and bathtubs.

#5 Turkish Angora

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (30)

Turkish cats can’t get enough of water and seek it out regularly in their homes.

Breed Overview

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (31)Origin:

?Where this breed was first established.

Turkey

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (32)Height:

?The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.

8"- 10"

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (33)Adult Weight:

?The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.

5-10 pounds

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (34)Life Span:

?The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.

15-18 years

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (35)Group:Small to medium-sized long-haired

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (36)Price:$1000 - $2000

The Turkish Angora cat is another lovely Turkish cat breed that has a thing for H2O. The Turkish Angora cat is easily listed as one of the cat breeds that like water because they are simply drawn to it by nature. These water-curious felines will play in sinks, water bowls, faucets, or just about anywhere in their home where they can get their paws on some fresh water.

While their desire to get wet might not be as strong as their Turkish cat cousins the Vans, these cats still fall on many lists of cat breeds that love water because they can’t get enough of it and seek it out regularly in their homes.

#6 Abyssinian

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (37)

Abyssinians display their affinity for water by regularly playing in the water in their food bowls or gravitating to your cups of drinking water that you have out in your home.

Breed Overview

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (38)Origin:

?Where this breed was first established.

Abyssinia (Ethiopia)

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (39)Height:

?The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.

8''-10''

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (40)Adult Weight:

?The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.

6-12 pounds

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (41)Life Span:

?The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.

14-17+ years

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (42)Group:Medium-sized short-haired

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (43)Price:$200-$1,000

The Abyssinian cat is a lovely ticked ginger tabby that is one of the most ancient cat breeds still in existence today. There is never a dull moment when you have an Abby in your life, as these energetic cats were born to keep themselves entertained.

Abyssinians display their affinity for water by regularly playing in the water in their food bowls or gravitating to your cups of drinking water that you have out in your home. And when it comes to faucets, they are never off-limits for this cat breed that loves water.

#7 Japanese Bobtail

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (44)

A cat breed that hails from their namesake, these unique water-loving felines are island-born cats that hold true to their roots.

Breed Overview

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (45)Origin:

?Where this breed was first established.

Japan

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (46)Height:

?The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.

10"-14"

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (47)Adult Weight:

?The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.

6-10 pounds

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (48)Life Span:

?The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.

9-13+ years

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (49)Group:Medium-sized shorthair and longhair

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (50)Price:$800-$2,000

These absolutely adorable “bunny tail” cats are known to hop on over to water in their home—no questions asked. A cat breed that hails from their namesake, these unique water-loving felines are island-born cats that hold true to their roots.

While the Japanese Bobtail cat might not join you for a swim or plop themselves into your filled bathtub, don’t be surprised to find them dunking their toys in water, pawing water, or desiring to be near fresh running water in their homes.

If you know another cat lover in your life who would enjoy learning about cat breeds that like water, don’t forget to share this article with them. Want to learn why it is that so many cats seriously dislike water? Read about that here in this next article on Cats.com

7 Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water (2024)

FAQs

What breed of cat likes the water? ›

According to The Cat Fancier's Association, there are many cat breeds that like to get wet, to varying degrees. They include the Maine Coon, Turkish Angora, Japanese Bobtail, American Bobtail, Manx, Norwegian Forest Cat, American Shorthair, Turkish Van, and Bengal cats.

What cat is not scared of water? ›

Turkish Vans are one breed of cat that loves swimming, hence why they're often referred to as the 'swimming cat'. This type of cat has a body built for swimming with their long frames and rounded paws. Maine Coons are also a big fan of swimming, even though they're one of the biggest domestic breeds!

What big cat likes water the most? ›

Tigers and jaguars are known as aquatic cats. In the wild, they are native to environments where water is abundant, including mangrove swamps, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and tropical forests. Jaguars are also excellent swimmers and aquatic hunters, preying on capybaras and caimans in the South American Rivers.

Do some domestic cats like water? ›

Although most domestic cats don't like water, their wild cousins, such as tigers, happily use it to cool off or hunt their next meal. There are also a few breeds of household kitties, including the Maine coon, Bengal and Abyssinian, that love the water and occasionally enjoy a few laps around the pool.

Is it rare for a cat to like water? ›

While it's certainly not unheard of for some cats to enjoy water, it is relatively rare in the feline world. It's estimated that only around 10% of domestic cats have a natural inclination towards water, making it quite a unique trait.

Why do cats hate belly rubs? ›

“Cats don't like to be touched in particular places for two main reasons: sensitivity and an instinctual need to protect themselves,” Geller explains. When it comes to the belly, the hair follicles are hypersensitive to touch. Petting a cat's stomach “can be overstimulating to the point of being painful.”

Why are cats afraid of cucumbers? ›

The mystery of why cats hate cucumbers is normally explained by the natural fear cats have towards snakes. To a feline's eyes a cucumber can look similar enough to the pesky reptile to elicit their fear response and make them jump a few feet in the air to avoid being bitten.

Do cats prefer bottled water? ›

If your cat seems to prefer bottled water, it's likely just because that water is fresh. Cats also tend to like drinking from a moving source, so any water that's freshly poured will be attractive to them.

Do cats enjoy music? ›

Most often, cats remain indifferent to human genres of music like classical and rock and roll. However, in some cases, cats showed a preference for music made specifically for cats by rubbing against the speakers, moving around more or even purring.

Which cat is the best swimmer? ›

1. Turkish Van. Referred to as the “Swimming Cat,” the Turkish Van is a novel breed in additional methods than one.

Why are some cats obsessed with water? ›

These cats are fond of the water due to a variety of factors such as having water-resistant coats, ancestors who were known swimmers living near bodies of water, or just overall familiarity in their feline lineage with water.

What wild cats love water? ›

In fact, some wild cats – like leopards and tigers – take regular dips in lakes and ponds around the hot tropical jungles where they live. Jaguars in the Amazon Rainforest even dive into water to hunt prey.

Do Maine Coon cats like water? ›

Maine Coon's love water

This may be due to their water-resistant fur and some also speculate that it dates back to their ancestors who were aboard ships for most of their lives. Maine Coon's are strong swimmers and enjoy playing with water, often seen licking from leaking taps and patting their water bowl.

References

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