Cat Breeds That Love Water: A Guide To Aquatic Felines (2024)

When most people think of water and cats, they think that cats hate water and avoid it at all costs. However, there are actually several cat breeds that love water and enjoy splashing around in it.

One of the most notable characteristics of cat breeds that love water is their water-resistant or water-repellent coats.

These coats help to keep the cats warm and dry, even when they are splashing around in a water dish or taking a bath in the bath tub.

Cat Breeds That Love Water

Here are some of the cat breeds that are known for their love of water:

Norwegian Forest Cats

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, muscular cat that is known for its thick, water-resistant double coat.

Their water-loving tendencies may stem from their origins as ship cats on Viking vessels, where they needed to be comfortable around water.

Their water-resistant coat and comfort around water make them well-suited to rainy or damp climates. They may enjoy playing with water, such as pawing at water bowls or splashing in puddles.

If you have a Norwegian Forest Cat, you will know how much they love climbing too.

Maine Coon

The gorgeous Maine Coon is a large, rugged cat that is native to the United States.

This breed is known for its love of water, which is believed to have developed as a result of its seafaring history.

The Maine Coon’s thick, water-resistant coat allows it to swim comfortably in water. Many Maine Coons enjoy playing in the bathtub or shower.

Maine Coons may dip their paws in water bowls or other water sources and lick the water off their paws.

Their thick, water-resistant fur allows them to stay relatively dry even when playing with water.

Bengal Cat

Bengal cats are a hybrid breed that was created by crossing domestic cats with the Asian Leopard cat, which is known to be comfortable around water.

Because of their wild ancestry, Bengals are known for their love of water.

Bengals often enjoy playing with running water from faucets, shower heads, or even in shallow pools or bathtubs.

Turkish Van

The Turkish Van is a breed of cat that is native to Turkey.

This breed is known for its love of water, which is believed to have developed as a result of its proximity to Lake Van.

They enjoy playing in water and may jump into showers, pounce at a running faucet, dip their paws in a water bowl , and even swim in lakes and swimming pools.

Turkish Vans have a thick, water-resistant coat that allows them to swim comfortably in water.

Siberian Cats

The Siberian cat is a large, muscular cat that is native to Russia.

They are known for their love of water and are often seen playing in the bathtub or swimming pool.

The Siberian cat’s thick, water-resistant coat allows it to swim comfortably in water. It is often used for hunting fish in Russia.

Their water loving nature may be an adaptation to their native environment, where they needed to cross streams and rivers.

Despite their love for water, Siberians still maintain excellent grooming habits and their semi-long fur doesn’t mat easily when wet.

Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is an ancient breed of cat that is believed to have originated in Turkey.

Some Turkish Angoras are known to enjoy swimming, which is uncommon among cat breeds.

This trait may be linked to their origins in the Ankara region of Turkey, where they may have adapted to playing in streams and lakes.

American Bobtail

The American Bobtail is a breed of cat that is native to the United States.

While American Bobtail cats are not typically known for being “water loving” cats like some breeds such as the Turkish Van or Maine Coon, they do have some characteristics that may make them more tolerant of water compared to many other cat breeds.

They have have a water-resistant double coat, which may make them more comfortable around water compared to cats with single coats.

Japanese Bobtail

Japanese Bobtail cats are known for their intelligence and curiosity, but they are not typically known for their love of water or swimming.

Some Japanese Bobtails are known to be good swimmers and are often tolerant of baths and may even enjoy them.

While they may enjoy playing with water and toys that involve water, they are not likely to jump into water or swim like Turkish Van cats,

Behaviors Of Water Loving Cats

While not all cats love water, there are certain breeds that are known for their affinity for it. These breeds are often seen exhibiting various water loving behaviors such as swimming, playing fetch, and even fishing.

Some Abyssinian cats enjoy being in and around water, including activities like playing in puddles, swimming in the bathtub, and playing with the water faucet. Others don’t like water at all.

Swimming Cat

One of the most surprising water loving behaviors in cats is swimming. While not all cats are natural swimmers, some breeds have been known to take to the water with ease.

A Turkish Angoras is a swimming cat. They are known for their graceful swimming abilities. These cats have a long, silky coat that is water-resistant, making it easier for them to move through the water.

Other breeds that have been known to enjoy swimming include Maine Coons, Bengals, and Savannahs.

Playing Fetch

Another water loving behavior that some cats enjoy is playing fetch in the water. This is especially true for breeds like the American Shorthair and the American Bobtail.

They will often chase toys or balls thrown into the water and bring them back to their owners.

Some cats are also known for their ability to catch fish in the water. This is especially true for breeds like Turkish Vans, which have a natural instinct for fishing.

These cats will often be scooping water water with their paws to catch fish, and they are known for their excellent hunting skills.

Other breeds that have been known to go fishing include the Siamese, the Abyssinian, and the Bengal.

Which cat breeds are drawn to the aquarium or koi pond or fish pond?

While not all cats are drawn to aquariums and fish ponds, some breeds are more likely to show interest in these areas due to their curious and playful nature.

These breeds include the Bengal, Siamese, Maine Coon, and Savannah.

Features Common To Water Loving Cats

Two key features that are common among water loving cat breeds are their coat types and strong hind legs.

Coat Types

One of the most important water-resistant features of cats is their coat. Cats with thick, silky, or water-resistant coats are better equipped to handle water and stay dry.

Breeds like the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Siberian have thick, water-resistant coats that help to repel water and keep them warm in cold water.

These coats are designed to trap air close to the skin, which helps to insulate the cat and keep them warm even when they are wet.

In contrast, breeds like the Bengal and the Turkish Van have silky coats that are less water-resistant but still provide some protection against the water.

The Turkish Angora, has a water-repellent coat that allows it to swim and play in the water without getting wet. This coat is made up of long, silky hairs that repel water and keep the cat dry.

Powerful Hind Legs

Many water-loving cat breeds have developed powerfully strong hind legs that help them to swim and move through the water with ease.

Breeds like the Bengal and the Savannah have long, muscular hind legs that allow them to jump and swim with great agility.

These breeds are often found playing in the water and chasing after toys or insects that land on the water’s surface.

The Maine Coon also has strong hind legs that help it to swim and move through the water.

Its powerful legs allow it to jump in and out of the water with ease and make it a great swimmer.

Historical and Cultural Facts About Water Loving Cats

Cats have been around for thousands of years, and their relationship with humans has been well documented throughout history.

Ancient Egyptians

The ancient Egyptians were known for their love of cats, and many of their deities were depicted with feline features.

Cats were considered sacred animals, and were often mummified and buried with their owners.

The Egyptian Mau is one breed of cat that is known for its love of water.

This breed is believed to have originated in Egypt, and is known for its spotted coat and agile, athletic build.

Island Born Cats

Cats that are born on islands often have a natural affinity for water. This is because they are often exposed to water from a young age, and have to swim or wade through shallow water to get around.

One example of an island-born cat that loves water is the Turkish Van.

This breed is native to Turkey’s Lake Van region, and is known for its love of swimming and playing in water.

Viking Cats

Cats have been sailing the seas with humans for centuries, and were often kept on board ships to control rodents.

Some breeds of cat are particularly well suited to life at sea, and have even been known to swim in the ocean.

The Norwegian Forest Cat, which is believed to have been brought to Norway by Vikings. This breed is believed to have originated in Norway, where it was used as a mouser on Viking ships.

Does that make it a Viking cat?

Ship’s Cats

Cats have been kept on ships for centuries, and have played an important role in maritime history.

A popular ship’s cat was Simon, who served on the HMS Amethyst during the Chinese Civil War.

Simon was known for his bravery and loyalty, and was awarded the Dickin Medal.

Many ship’s cats are believed to have been breeds that love water, such as the Maine Coon and the American Shorthair.

Need help choosing a cat? This article focuses on things you need to take into consideration when getting a cat.

Whether you’re taking them on a boat ride or simply letting them play in a shallow pool, these cats are sure to bring joy and fun to your family members’ water activities.