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Can Cats Swim—And Should You Let Your Cat Go Swimming?

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  July 31st, 2026

Have you ever wondered if cats can swim? And if they can swim, is it a good idea to let them go swimming? We’ve got you covered with information that can help you enrich your cat’s life while keeping them safe.

Irina Kovynyova/Shutterstock

Yes, Cats Can Swim


Cats instinctively know how to swim, so if they end up in water, they’ll paddle to keep themselves afloat.


Some cats, such as those who like playing with water or getting wet under the faucet, might surprise you by enjoying swimming short distances. However, not all cats will be happy in the water, which isn’t surprising when you consider that a lot of kitties don’t like getting wet.


Will Your Cat Like Swimming?


Every kitty is different, so it depends on their personality. Also, if your cat had a negative experience with water in the past, they might not be interested in swimming. Even cats who love playing with water might not be interested in immersing themselves in it.


To see if your cat likes being in water, you can introduce them to it gently and slowly. For instance, you might fill your bathtub with a few inches of water and let your kitty walk around in it, and maybe play with toys, to see if they feel comfortable.


If they enjoy it, you can gradually introduce them to deeper water that gives them the chance to go for a very brief swim, such as in a shallow pool in your backyard. Observe them closely, and if they don’t like it, get them out of the water right away, especially if they panic.


There Are Risks


Cats can drown, so only let them swim while you’re there to supervise, and ensure their head is always above the water and they can stand up in the water if they need to.


Also, cats can paddle and keep themselves afloat for short distances and a short amount of time, so you shouldn’t expect them to be able to swim far or for a long time. Make sure your cat is in a calm body of water where they can easily get out whenever they’re ready.


While swimming can be a good form of exercise, enrichment, and play, it’s important to take steps to keep your pet safe in the water, and also consider that it might be more dangerous for certain kitties, such as brachycephalic breeds.


If you aren’t sure if swimming is a good idea for your cat, ask your veterinarian for guidance, as they can steer you in the right direction based on your pet’s age and health.


Never force your cat to swim; if they don’t like it, respect their preference.   


Things to Keep in Mind If You Let Your Cat Go Swimming


Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure swimming is safe and enjoyable for your furry friend:


Be patient. Training your cat to swim takes time, so be patient, use positive reinforcement, and move through the process slowly. Younger cats might be more open to going for a swim than older kitties, but again, they’re all unique individuals. Don’t force things if your cat doesn’t like being in water.  


Carefully consider where your cat will swim. If you treat your pool water with chemicals, including chlorine, it can cause symptoms like vomiting if swallowed, and can irritate your kitty’s skin and coat. Also, be aware of the risks of letting your cat swim in natural bodies of water—currents, algae, saltwater, and wildlife can be dangerous and harmful. A small kiddie pool or pet pool, like the Trixie Dog Pool can be filled with fresh, clean water your cat can safely swim in.

Watch your cat swim. Never let your pet swim on their own or wander near a pool alone, as they could accidentally fall in. Watch them carefully when they’re in, or even just close to, water. And if they’re in the water and show any signs of stress, take them out immediately. You might even get in the water with them and hold them to ensure they’re supported, safe, and at ease until they’re ready to swim on their own.


Make sure the water is safe and comfortable. Ensure your cat has multiple ways of easily getting out of the water. Also, the water should be a warm, comfortable temperature—not too hot and not too cold for them.


Put a life jacket on your cat for safety. These products help keep your cat afloat, provided your pet is comfortable wearing them. Choose items specifically designed for cats, and select the right size based on the manufacturer’s guidelines. Options include the Queenmore Cat Life Jacket and the Queenmore Ripstop Life Jacket.

Dry your cat gently. Use a soft, absorbent towel to dry your cat completely when they get out of the water.


Cats Can Swim, but They Don’t All Enjoy It


Sure, your kitty will be able to swim if they have to, but it doesn’t mean they’ll readily jump in the water. Test things out to see how your cat reacts to water, and if they seem interested in swimming, there are safe ways to let them participate in this fun activity.


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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