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3 reasons why your cat hates water

Discover the reasons cats avoid getting wet, and what it means for bath time

Yansi Keim / Unsplash

Cats have built a reputation for being fearless hunters, graceful climbers, and curious explorers—but mention bath time, and many of them suddenly become Olympic-level escape artists. Whether it's leaping out of the sink, scrambling up your shoulder, or giving you a look of complete betrayal, most cats seem determined to avoid getting wet at all costs. It's such a common behavior that many people simply assume cats are born hating water.

According to a report by Reader's Digest, the truth is a little more complicated. Domestic cats inherited many of their behaviors from wild ancestors that lived in dry climates where large bodies of water were uncommon. Add in a thick coat that becomes heavy and uncomfortable when soaked, and it's easy to see why bath time isn't exactly on a cat's list of favorite activities.

That doesn't mean every cat is terrified of water. Some breeds are surprisingly comfortable swimming or splashing around, and many cats enjoy watching or drinking from a running faucet. But for the average house cat, getting wet can feel unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and even a........

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