Why Do Cats Hate Water?

It’s common knowledge that most cats hate water. But why is this? It’s one of the most commonly-asked questions about cats, up there with “why do cats purr?” and “why do cats meow?” Like purring, meowing, and the ability to sleep in positions that would leave us humans sore for weeks, the feline fear of water almost seems like a defining feature of their biological programming.
But…why? Let’s dive a little deeper into this cat peculiarity and see what it is about water that makes the typical cat want to dash away and find a dry hiding spot.

Like so many questions about feline behavior, no one really knows why cats hate water. The leading theories point to cats’ meticulous cleaning habits, their tendency to get cold after a dip, and their desert origins. But until we’re able to interview a cat about their aversion to water, these answers are just a few pieces of a complex puzzle. Here are a few ideas about why cats—most of them, at least—are so scared of water. 1. Your Cat Descends From Desert Wildcats, Which Means That They Never Developed a Natural Interest in or Experience With Water. A piece published by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association suggests that cats’ ancestry may play a part in their aversion to water. Your cat’s wild ancestors evolved in arid climates where water was scarce and cats didn’t experience many lakes, rivers, streams, or even puddles. Dr. John Bradshaw, professor at the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Science, told Mental Floss that cats “…never had to learn how to swim. There was no advantage to it.” In other words, being in the water just wasn’t that useful to your cat’s ancestors, so it didn’t become a part of feline daily life. And for an animal as cautious as your cat, things that are unfamiliar usually look pretty scary. On a side note, this desert history affects your cat’s relationship with water in another area—the water bowl. The modern domestic cat’s low thirst drive is thought to be a remnant of their desert heritage and an environment that rewarded the ability to survive on high-moisture prey. That disinclination to drink from a bowl means that cats seldom lap enough water to stay hydrated. That’s why it’s so important to give your cat a high-moisture diet rather than kibble. And while his desert ancestors might have gone long stretches of time away from the watering hole, your cat should have a constant supply of fresh, clean water so he can drink whenever he wants to.