Can Cats Swim?

Can Cats Swim

Everyone is familiar with the doggy paddle, but what about the cat stroke? While it is rare to see a cat enjoying time in the water, that does not necessarily mean that cats cannot swim. Domesticated house cats have evolved from big cats like lions, tigers, and panthers, all of which spend time around bodies of water in the wild.

Yes, cats can swim. While most cats do not like to be exposed to the water and should not be forced into it, they are more than capable of swimming for survival. Every cat is different, and some species might enjoy being in the water, but it is best to let your cat figure that out on its own.

Your indoor cat may not have many opportunities to swim. However, your cat would still be able to swim if they needed to. Cats can swim for survival, and some species even swim for their own pleasure. Read on to understand all about cats and their abilities and tendencies to swim in the water.

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Can Your Cat Swim?

The relationship your cat has with water has a lot to do with its breed. Some cat breeds are known for their adventurous nature and love of the water. Others are known to shy away from water and prefer to be left alone like the introverts they truly are. One of the things that factor into your cat’s likeliness to enjoy being near water is its coat.

  • Maine Coon 
  • Turkish Van Cat
  • Fishing Cat

The three cat breeds listed above are known to love the water and can stay in the water longer than most cats because of their unique water-repellent coats. Not only do these coats allow these cats to stay in water for long periods, but these cats are also able to quickly dry themselves off after their swim. 

Fishing cats are a bit different in the sense that they treat water as almost a natural habitat. These cats are found in parts of Asia near bodies of water. They hunt smaller fish as a source of food and protein. Fishing cats have developed a short and stocky body and webbed paws that make swimming easy for them.

The Maine Coon, fishing cat, and Turkish Van Cat are just a few examples of cats that can swim. Most cats do possess the ability to swim, but not all of them enjoy it and do it as effortlessly as the cats mentioned in this section. Cats are built for survival, so there are few things cats cannot do when faced with the need. 

Other Cat Breeds That Enjoy Swimming in Water

Manxes, Japanese Bobtails, Norwegian Forest Cats, and Abyssinians are also known to love the water. The evolution of these cats makes them prime candidates for aquatic life. This is why you will notice reluctance from some breeds and joy in others.

It is also easy to forget that cats and lions both come from the same family tree. Lions are not frequently seen in water because it is not their natural hunting habitat, but they can go into large bodies of water to hunt for food. Tigers, however, enjoy swimming. 

Does Your Cat Like to Swim?

Some people might be reading this as a precautionary guide, but some cats might frequent water sources for fun. Cats all have different personality traits that make them unique. Domesticated cats tend to be happier in their natural environment, whether that is indoors in the living room or outdoors on the lawn. 

Now and then, you will run into a cat that enjoys the water. Some cats like to hang out by the water and watch the ducks swim. Cats are curious by nature, but their comfort zone will often keep them away from doing things or going places that they are not accustomed to. Owners should let their cats explore, but only when they are ready.

If you own a pool, you can bring your cat near the water and see how it reacts. If your cat is intrigued by the water and offers very little resistance to jumping in, chances are they might thoroughly enjoy swimming. If they are reluctant and fight back against going into the water, you should respect their decision and let it be. 

Most cats that enjoy the water enjoy it because it is in the DNA of their breed. While history and evolution play a major role in your cat’s relationship with water, it is also possible for you to teach your cat to swim at an early age. If you can get your cat accustomed to the water early on, swimming will feel more natural to them. 

Why Some Cats Are Scared to Swim

While some cats like water, some do not. Not liking water does not prevent cats from being able to swim, though. It just makes cats want to avoid water at all costs. 

  • Water temperature
  • Strong smells
  • Thick, heavy coats

Cats do not like to be cold. You may notice your cat is shivering after a bath. This is both from stress and from being cold. If your cat hates getting baths, it will likely shiver a great deal once the bath is over. Luckily, cats do not need regular baths since they bathe themselves.

Cats are also very sensitive to smells. If there are strong smells in the water, like in a pool or in an aromatic bath, your cat will be put off. Additionally, unlike the breeds above, some cats with thick coats take a lot longer to dry after getting wet. These cats are less likely to enjoy swimming or getting near water in general. 

How To Teach Your Cat To Swim

Teaching your cat to swim is more about getting them comfortable inside water than actually teaching them to swim. Cats are survivalists, and even if they have never swum before, their instincts will kick in, and they will be able to get themselves back onto land. If your cat accidentally falls into your pool, you should not worry. 

Cat swimming training can include:

  • Cat aquatic classes
  • At-home training
  • Incentivized training

These are some of the strategies you can use if you want to teach your cat to swim. Cat owners who envy dog owners who get to take their canines on adventures to the beach should know that training their cats to love the outdoors and bodies of water is not as difficult as it might seem. If you are going to train your cat to swim, start early. 

Cats are observant animals, and they will add the variable elements they grow up in with their innate cat instincts. The cat breeds that were mentioned earlier enjoy swimming because many of them can be found in the wild near bodies of water, but evolution has turned even the domesticated versions of those cats into water lovers. 

If you are teaching your cat to swim using a pool, make sure to dry them off immediately after the session is over. The chemicals and bacteria inside a pool can be harmful to the skin and fur of your cat. Even if they can easily dry themselves, you will want to do your part in securing their safety and well-being. 

Final Thoughts

Cats can swim. Your domesticated cat is a survivalist and can survive in water regardless of whether they are in there for fun or if they fell in by accident. If you have outdoor cats that enjoy spending time by your pool, you can comfortably leave them at home knowing that they will be able to fend for themselves near the water. 

Certain cats are known to love the water. These include big cats like tigers as well as certain domesticated cats that carry those genetics in their DNA. The most important thing to remember is that you should let your cat organically build a relationship with water. You can also train them from an early age to get used to the water.