Cats don’t generally have a fondness for water. It’s pretty well known that housecats and water don’t mix. But what about wild cats? Not ALL cats dislike water, and in fact, a lot of them really love it! Some of the species that call Turpentine Creek home are big fans of their pools. Tigers and jaguars in particular are known for their affinity for water, but why is it that a lot of the other species of cats don’t?
Why Don’t Cats Like Water?
It’s a common generalization that housecats hate water. Even so, not all housecats hate water! Some of them really enjoy it, but the stereotype is there because so many people have noticed that their pet cats despise getting wet. There could be a variety of reasons for this. One speculation is that wet fur can be uncomfortable for them. Cat’s fur absorbs water pretty easily, and therefore, when it’s wet, that fur can be heavy. I’m sure that’s not a great feeling for a normally agile and nimble creature. Cats also have sensitive whiskers in various places on their bodies. If they were to get wet, that could be overstimulating and potentially irritate that cat. Another explanation as to why they might not enjoy water is that its a new experience. Cats are creatures of habit, and some housecats may not have had much experience with water, causing it to be a stressful situation when they encounter it.
Which Cats Like Water?
Some of our species here at Turpentine, like the lions, tend to dislike water. But we also have some other animals who really enjoy it!
Tigers
In the wild, tigers will spend some time in the water. In their natural habitats, there are times when temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and naturally, they might want to cool down. One of the best ways to do that would be by swimming in a nice water source. They also use water sources to hunt or play.
Leopards
Leopards are strong swimmers, but that doesn’t always mean they like the water. Some do, and some don’t. Even for those that don’t, leopards are opportunistic hunters, and if that means going into a body of water for food, like fish or crabs, they will.
Jaguars
Jaguars live in South America where rainforests, wetlands, and swamps are plentiful. With so much water around, it’s natural for them to enjoy water. Not only can they keep themselves cool with a swim, but they can also play and hunt for food in the water. Jaguars have been known to eat caiman, turtles, fish, and even dolphins!
Fishing Cats
One species that is completely at home in the water would be the fishing cat! They actually have webbed paws in order to help them swim. Their fur is adapted to keep their skin warm and dry while in the water. With their main habitats being wetlands, swamps, and marshes, they naturally thrive in water, preying on fish, crabs, frogs, and more.
Overall, it can be problematic to generalize when it comes to animals because they are still individual creatures with their own personalities, likes, and dislikes. So while we think of cats hating water, that is certainly not always the case.
Sources
https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/why-do-some-cats-hate-water
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/leopard
https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/fishing-cat
*Published by Sara Edwards on 06/28/2025*