We’ve all heard that cats don’t like to go in the water. Even just getting a little bit wet is enough to send many felines into a rage, and swimming is completely off the table. While there are some evolutionary reasons for why this is true most of the time, there are still some cat breeds that like water.
If you’re thinking about adopting a cat or want to know if your kitty might be able to enjoy some aquatic fun, the most important thing to bear in mind is that every cat is unique. While there are cat breeds that like water in general, that doesn’t necessarily mean yours will be happy if you pop them into the pool without warning. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the types of cats that are generally known for showing an affinity toward swimming.
Cat Breeds That Like Water
Different breeds have varying levels of tolerance for being wet, and Turkish Vans are some of the best known for liking to swim. Unlike many other felines, who have very absorbent fur, these cats have a single coat of water-resistant fur and no undercoat. This means that they have a much easier time when they do get wet, allowing their natural curiosity to lead them into the water. In fact, Turkish Vans explore H2O so often that the breed is sometimes referred to as “the swimming cat.”
Other cat breeds that like water include Angoras, Maine Coons, Bengals, Siberians, Highlanders, and Norwegian Forest Cats. While each breed has different genetic characteristics, two primary factors determine whether these (and other) felines are likely to be comfortable around water.
Like the Turkish Van, cat breeds that like water are more likely to have either water-resistant or quicker-drying coats. This means that, unlike more water-averse breeds, they can dry off relatively quickly after a swim.
The other prominent factor is breed history. Some breeds, like the Norwegian Forest Cat or the Savannah Cat, descend from felines that would have spent lots of time in or around water in nature, making their current domestic stock more likely to be water-friendly.
Knowing Your Cat
Whether your feline friend falls among cat breeds that like water or not, it’s important to understand them and their unique needs. Some factors, like age and breed, are relatively easy to recognize, but you may not even be aware of other, equally important considerations.
DNA testing can provide insight into your pet’s family history and nutritional needs, plus health symptoms to look out for as they age. Some genetic conditions are easier to treat than others, and understanding the challenges that your dog or cat is likely to face can help you build a longer, more fulfilling life together.
Orivet Genetic Pet Care
To help you offer outstanding and personalized pet care, Orivet is committed to providing you with leading DNA testing. With actionable insights and a 360-degree understanding of each pet, you can choose better matches, make smarter investments, and raise happier, healthier animals down through the generations.
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For more information on Orivet’s easy and affordable genetic testing, just contact our team today!