Can cats swim? This is a question that has puzzled cat owners for years.
We all know that cats are amazing creatures. They can land on their feet after a fall, they have superior hearing and vision, and they make great house pets, but do cats know how to swim?
The answer may surprise you! In this blog post, we will explore the truth behind feline swimming ability.
We will discuss whether or not cats are natural swimmers, and we will look at some of the reasons why your cat might enjoy a good swim. Stay tuned – it’s time to find out once and for all if cats can swim!
Can Cats Swim?
The short answer to this question is yes, cats can swim! In fact, they are actually quite good swimmers.
If a cat fell accidentally fell into water, they would instinctively know how to swim and automatically start to paddle.
One reason why many people assume that cats can’t swim is because they don’t see them do it very often.
Cats typically spend most of their time lounging around or playing on land, but that doesn’t mean they can’t handle the water.
That being said, if a cat isn’t used to water or has never been in water, they may panic which could put them in danger of drowning.
How Do Cats Swim?
The way cats swim is actually quite fascinating. Their bodies are perfectly streamlined and they use a side-to-side motion to move through the water. They also have powerful hind legs that help them propel themselves forward.
Cats can even tread water for short periods of time by using their back and front paws alternately to keep their head above water.
How Far Can Cats Swim?
Large species of cat such as the Tiger and Lion can swim for up to 9 miles (14.4). Domesticated house cats would not have the energy or strength to swim anywhere near this kind of distance as they are a lot smaller.
How Fast Can Cats Swim?
A cat cannot swim anywhere near as fast as they can run. An average healthy cat can run at a speed of around 30 mph. It’s estimated that a cat can swim at around 15 miles per hour, although this is a guess as it has not been extensively studied.
Why Cats And Water Do Not Mix
There are a number of reasons why cats hate water, and why water and cats do not make the best combination. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Water Makes Their Coat Heavy
A cats fur is water resistant, but it’s not waterproof. Water causes their coat to get heavy which means the cat will have a harder time staying afloat in the water.
2. Domestic Not Evolved For Swimming
Modern domestic cats evolved from Middle Eastern Wildcats, who are not great swimmers. The ability to swim wasn’t a necessary trait for them since they lived in in dry locations.
This means that they never really needed to develop any kind of swimming skills, and couldn’t even if they wanted to because of the lack of large bodies of water.
3. Negative Experience With Water
A cat may be afraid of water due to a previous negative experience. For example, if a cat was once sprayed by a hose while trying to drink from it, she may be hesitant to approach any water in the future.
Or perhaps as a kitten, she fell into a bathtub and got wet. This could make her scared of all bodies of water moving forward.
4. Bad Smell
A cats sense of smell is 9-16 times stronger than that of a human. This means that they may be able to smell things we can’t, and the scent of water (especially saltwater) may not be appealing to them.
5. Cats Dislike The Cold
Cats love to be warm and their fur is designed to help them stay warm. A cats coat is meant to be dry and if they get wet, it can take a long time for their fur to completely dry out. This could make your cat feel uncomfortable until she finally dries off.
6. Not In Control When Wet
Cats are very agile and nimble creates who are fast and very athletic with the ability to jump high and who love to climb. They will use these abilities to both catch prey, and avoid being caught themselves.
A wet and heavy coat will slow them down and make it difficult to move as they normally would. This can create a feeling of being out of control, which is something most cats try to avoid.
Breeds Of Cat That Love Water
Not all breeds of cat hate water, and there are some breeds of cat that actually love water. Let’s take look in more detail.
- Maine Coon: Has a water-resistant fur coat and is well known to love water.
- Turkish Van: Known as “swimming cat” for their love of water and stunning waterproof coat.
- Abyssinian: This playful short-haired breed is well known for their love of playing in water.
- Bengal: The Bengal is a beautiful and playful breed that love playing in water due to their wild heritage.
How To Teach A Cat To Swim
You may be wondering, can you teach a cat to swim? It is possible and can be done at home.
However, it’s not recommended to teach a cat to swim if you have a breed that is known for hating water and swimming.
You should also never force your cat into water as this could cause psychological damage and make them fearful of the world around them.
If you do teach a cat how to swim, here are some tips to follow:
- Introducing your cat to water: You can use their favourite treats to entice them to get closer to the water and encourage them to hang out there.
- Carry them: Once they get used to be around the water, the next step is to walk around your pool whilst holding your cat. Gradually expose them to the water by slowly dipping their tail into the water.
- Sit them down: When they get used to the previous step, you can then sit them down in the water. Make sure to keep holding them during this step.
- Let them go: You can now let your cat go, but do not fully let go straight away. The best way is to gradually loosen your grip over time. A cat should always be supervised and never left alone encase they get into any trouble in the water.
You will have a greater chance of success by exposing them to water from a younger age.
A lot of time and patience will be required, so do not expect your cat to take to water immediately. All cats are very unique and some will take longer than others.
Famous Internet Cats Who Love Water
Here are some internet cat stars who have no fear when it comes to water.
Nathan_the beach cat
A rescue cat who loves swimming at the beach.
Check out the Instagram account here.
Fisherthemainecoon
A beautiful Maine Coon cat who loves to travel and swim.
Check out the Instagram account here.
Merlin the Cat
A Turkish Van cat who loves to swim.
Backpackingkitty
A very adventurous cat that loves to climb, hike, and swim.
Check out the Instagram account here.
Common Questions
Can kittens naturally swim?
All kittens are born with the ability to swim, but some will take to it quicker than others, and most will struggle to swim in comparison to adult cats.
Can a cat drown?
If your cat is a confident swimmer, their natural instincts should keep them safe. However, if it’s not something they do regularly or you have kittens who aren’t strong swimmers, the risk of drowning could be higher. It’s important that all cats are supervised when swimming.
Can cats swim in pool water?
Although a short dip may not harm your cat, chlorine and other chemicals found in pool water may be a danger to your cat if consumed, or for if a cat has sensitive skin.
Cats Can Swim Conclusion
Can cats swim? The answer is yes, but most cats dislike getting wet. Cats have a unique physiology that allows them to survive in the wild.
While they are not natural swimmers, some cats do enjoy swimming. For the majority of cats, however, water is something to be avoided at all costs.
Understanding why cats and water don’t mix can help you keep your cat safe and healthy.
If you have a breed of cat that loves swimming, make sure you provide a place for them to safely enjoy the water.
