Cat Breeds That Actually Like Water

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio

Cats have a reputation for not liking water and avoiding getting wet. But there are several cat breeds that actually love water, don’t mind getting wet, and will even go swimming without a complaint. Of course, every cat is an individual, so even among breeds that are generally known for liking water, you might find kitties who aren’t fans of doing anything other than drinking it.


If you’re interested in bringing home a cat who likes water, here’s a list of some of the breeds that you can consider.

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1. Turkish Angora


The gorgeous Turkish Angora features a longhair coat, big ears, and almond shaped eyes. And they’re well-known for their love of water. If a faucet is on or dripping, it’s sure to get their attention. According to The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), they might even jump in the shower with you if you let them.


2. Turkish Van


Like the Turkish Angora, the Turkish Van is a longhaired cat breed from Turkey that likes water a lot. These kitties are likely to want to get in the water and swim—in fact, The International Cat Association (TICA) states that this breed is known as “the swimming cat,” with a waterproof coat. So, don’t be surprised if they turn on your faucets or even jump into your bathtub after you’ve filled it with water.


3. Maine Coon


The Maine Coon is a cat breed known for being large yet gentle. But what a lot of people might not know about these kitties is that they really like water. This is another breed that might jump in the shower or bath with you, and a running faucet is probably going to grab their attention. You might even find them putting their toys in their water bowl or fountain.


4. Bengal


Wild-looking Bengal cats are impressive in many ways. They are smart and high-energy, and their athleticism and playfulness are sure to bring you joy every day. But be ready for your kitty to also ask to play with water. They are very interested in it, so if they hear water running or they hear you get into the shower, they may run over to play in it.


5. Somali


The Somali looks like a little fox, especially when sporting a red, ruddy, or cinnamon colored coat. This rare breed is the longhaired version of the Abyssinian, even though it is a distinct breed. According to CFA, these kitties are fascinated by water, and like other breeds on this list, they may enjoy watching or playing with water dripping or flowing from a faucet.


6. Abyssinian


Like the Somali, the shorthaired Abyssinian is a cat that is interested in water. These playful and intelligent cats are very active and curious, and if they can check out a tub or bowl full of water, or a fountain or faucet of running water, they will likely be there to investigate and play, especially if you add toys to the mix.


There Are Fun, Safe Ways to Let Your Cat Play with Water


If your cat likes playing with water, there are safe, fun, and non-messy ways to let them do so. Sure, you can turn on a faucet and let them paw at the water, or you might find them playing with the water flowing from their drinking fountain, but you can get even more creative.


For example, there are toys like the Zuru Robo Alive Robo Fish that your water-loving kitty might enjoy playing with. Just put the robotic fish into a large bowl filled with water, and let your cat go on the hunt—you may find them putting their paws in the water to try to grab and scoop them out. Though made for kids, a lot of people buy this toy for their kitties, as seen in the many customer reviews with photos of cats having a great time with it.

For kitties who like to go for a swim, you might be able to fill your bathtub to a safe level for them and supervise them while they paddle, making sure the water isn’t too deep and they can stand in it. Even if they don’t swim, filling a tub with water that your cat can walk around in, and maybe even adding some toys, is also an option—just be sure to supervise them the entire time.


Cats Who Like Water Are Out There!


With so many cat breeds that are inclined to like being in and playing with water, it’s proof that not all kitties hate being wet. Be sure to consider other aspects of their personality and needs, though, before deciding if a particular breed is right for you.


Remember: just because a cat breed is known for having an affinity for water doesn’t mean that every individual kitty of that breed will be exactly the same, and some might show more interest than others. In the same way, cats from other breeds that aren’t typically known for it might also love water—after all, each kitty is unique, with their own likes and dislikes.


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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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