Not all cats dislike water. Cats who have had positive experiences near and in water tend to appreciate it, especially during their crucial socialization stage (early socialization occurs between 3 and 8 weeks, late socialization occurs between 9 and 16 weeks). Additionally, certain dogs enjoy the water! It’s essential to show your cat extra care without having expectations of them.
The Development of Cats’ Aversion to Water
Cats are thought to have originally been domesticated 9,500 years ago in the Middle East. Because they came from arid desert regions, they had never seen rivers, lakes, or rain. Cats today largely avoid water sources as a result. Even the neighborhood cats frequently seek shelter from the storms and rain. Cats in the modern day have a propensity to stay away from water.
However, certain cat breeds do not appreciate being in the water due to their own evolutionary history. The Turkish Van and Turkish Angora, for example, are well known for their love of the sea and skill in the water. In the summer, they shave their heads to go swimming and fishing as a kind of climate adaptation in the Lake Van region of Turkey. Other breeds that are more likely to enjoy the water are the Bengal, Maine Coon, and American Bobtail.
The Smell Sensitivity Of Cats
Amazingly, cats have a sense of smell that is fourteen times more sensitive than ours. The strong scents of shampoos and conditioners may make cats even more afraid of water and washing. According to some theories, your cat could not like the taste of the toxins in tap water.
Cats appreciate being clean and cozy (The Wet Factor)
Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves because they are meticulous by nature and like to keep their fur clean, untangled, and well-groomed. Cats also have higher body temperatures, which they control and maintain by frequently grooming. A cat’s voluminous coat makes it challenging for them to swiftly return to a dry, warm state after being wet. The cat may feel slower and less agile than usual due to a wet coating, creating the unfavorable appearance that it cannot escape a predicament quickly.
An abhorrence of water
The fact that many cats have had unpleasant contacts with water—such as being left outside during a storm without shelter, being sprayed with water, or being made to take a forced bath—makes it clear why many cats loathe it.
Do Cats Need Baths?
As previously said, cats are excellent at keeping themselves clean and can spend up to 40% of the day doing so, so you may never need to bathe your cat.
Cats may require a therapeutic bath because of a skin issue. Cats who are overweight, elderly, or arthritic may have trouble getting to certain parts of their bodies. If the cat rolls in anything unpleasant or sticky, a bath may also be necessary.
How can I get my cat to enjoy baths?
Before the Bath
Adapt to the surroundings. To assist your cat become used to the atmosphere, try exposing her to the tub a few weeks before you intend to give her a bath. Place toys, catnip, or treats in a sink or tub to help your cat associate the area favorably. Spread some spreadable treats, like a little amount of squeeze cheese, whip cream, or anchovy paste, over the tub for your cat to lick.
Add a thin layer of warm water to the tub and scatter toys all over it once your cat is comfortable playing and eating treats there. Encourage your cat to play with the toys by complimenting her and rewarding her with treats.
Prepare everything prior to bathing the cat. Make sure you are ready and have everything you need. Some ideas of this include using a plastic cup to pour water over your cat, warm towels, a non-slip surface, such a rubbecomer liner, and a bath mat or towel to place in the sink or bathtub for the cat to stand on. There are also unique treats and fun cat toys included.
Create a calm environment. Close the door and maintain as much silence as you can. Be calm and speak quietly. If your spray attachment produces noise, rinse your cat with many cups of water. If you’re stressed, so will your cat!
Prior to the Bath
Reduce restriction and concentrate on useful diversion. Don’t restrain or scruff your cat. Instead, be patient, observe your cat’s body language, and provide them with useful distractions like a special spreadable treat or a wand toy.
Extreme caution must be taken to avoid getting water on your face or in your eyes, ears, or nose. Keep your whiskers unwashed. Since a cat’s whiskers include a large portion of its touch receptors, it makes sense that cats would object to having water, food, or dirt brush against these receptors. Make careful to thoroughly rinse your shampoo to prevent irritating your skin.
After taking a bath
Towel off. If your cat prefers not to be carried, allow the water in the tub to drain and towel-dry it indoors. Pull your cat out of the water gently, and then quickly dry it off by wrapping it in a warm towel. Keep your cat warm and out of drafts for the next few hours until they naturally dry out. Your cat’s favorite treat and some cat playing or cuddling will round off this conversation.
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