Reasons Cats Fear Water: Understanding Their Aversions

Many cat owners mistakenly believe that their feline friends are inherently afraid of water, thinking it's just a fear of baths. However, the truth is that cats don't fear water; they simply dislike getting wet.

1. The Structure of a Cat's Body

Firstly, a cat's ear canal is quite intricate, with deep passages and a bend. In such a structure, if water enters a cat's ear, it's particularly difficult to drain. This can hinder hearing and lead to infections, which can be fatal for wildlife, especially cats. Cats rely heavily on their sense of hearing for survival, so any damage to this sense is a serious concern.

Secondly, a cat's fur has a unique characteristic. The outer layer of fur has some waterproof properties, but the inner layer is completely defenseless against moisture. When a cat gets wet, its fur absorbs water, which then evaporates and takes away heat, causing the cat to struggle to maintain its body temperature. In cold seasons like winter, this can be a deadly threat for cats living in the wild.

2. Instincts Passed Down Through Generations

Not all cat breeds are afraid of water, and this is related to the living environment of their ancestors.

Domestic cats originated from African cats and Asian wildcats, which mainly inhabited grasslands and deserts. The lack of large water sources in these environments meant that cats had a low dependency on water, aside from their necessary drinking. Moreover, as both hunters and prey, cats were particularly cautious when drinking, to avoid being attacked by predators like crocodiles lurking in the water. This cautious attitude towards water in the ancestors of cats has been fully inherited and preserved to this day.

3. High Alertness

Cats are highly alert animals. When you turn on the showerhead and spray water at them, based on their aversion to water, they may perceive this as an attack and will immediately try to escape or retaliate.

Additionally, cats dislike being forced to do things against their will. For example, when a cat is alone and curious, it might approach a running tap with its paws to investigate. However, if you try to force the cat to go near the tap, it will show extreme resistance.

Lastly, cats regularly clean themselves using their barbed tongues, which is akin to our 'bathing.' Therefore, don't assume that cats that don't bathe are dirty; in fact, they are the cleanest animals of all!