Proudly owning a cat might be fairly an expertise at instances. Generally their peculiar behaviors are simply defined. For instance, we all know that their pure searching instincts make them nice mouse catchers. Different instances, we’re perplexed and marvel why they’re displaying displeasure.
Take water, as an illustration. Many cats hate water and keep away from it in any respect prices! Listed below are 4 causes for this conduct.
The 4 Causes the Cats Hate Water
1. It Is a Scent Factor
Cats have a rare sense of scent. In reality, their smelling capabilities are 14 instances better than people. There are chemical substances in water that we might not scent, however cats might discover these odors offensive. Since they’re additionally extreme groomers, they’re very explicit about their cleanliness and spend a considerable amount of time retaining themselves clear and odor free. So, they’re prone to keep away from getting moist to maintain from smelling just like the chemical substances within the water.
Cats additionally talk with others and mark their territory by releasing pheromones. When you put your cat in water, it would take away this scent, and your furry good friend won’t be glad.
2. Worry of the Unknown
Cats want to be round issues which might be acquainted to them. There are occasions when your cat might categorical concern of issues which might be unusual or unknown. For instance, your feline may interact in water fights along with your faucet or paw at its water bowl. And but, a bigger physique of water like a pool or bathtub doesn’t recommend playtime to your furry good friend. Luckily, cats are spectacular groomers and most frequently don’t require bathing.
3. Evolution
It’s in a cat’s nature to usually be leery of water. Home cats have developed in arid climates and they also weren’t uncovered to massive our bodies of water like lakes and rivers. The relative dearth of water sources of their surroundings meant they weren’t inspired to be taught to swim. They spent their days napping within the solar. There are exceptions to the rule, nonetheless.
Sure, there are massive wild cats like tigers and lions that get pleasure from cooling off within the water on a scorching summer season day. There are additionally home breeds, just like the Maine Coon cat, Abyssinian, and Norwegian Forest cats, that like to take a swim. These cats like to swim alone but additionally wish to take a dip with their canine companions.
4. Cats Do Not Like Moist Fur
Everyone knows cats like their coats to be clear. We additionally like petting their meticulous coats. A cat’s fantastic fur is just not so fantastic when it will get moist, nonetheless. In reality, the feline coat is sort of a sponge. It soaks up the water and takes a very long time to dry. The moist fur can weigh your cat down and have an effect on its potential to maneuver round freely.
As well as, everyone knows that cats wish to be heat, and a moist coat could make them really feel chilly and uncomfortable.
Bathing a Cat
If you end up in a state of affairs the place it turns into essential to bathe your cat, listed below are some ideas that will help you keep away from traumatizing your treasured kitty.
- Put together forward of time: Put together for the tub by getting collectively the grooming provides, toys, treats, rinsing container, and towel. Place a towel or rubber mat within the sink or tub, if potential. This added safety might assist to ease your cat’s stress. Place the drying towel on a heated towel rack when you’ve got one. Cats don’t wish to be chilly, so it would add consolation to an disagreeable expertise.
- Create a peaceful ambiance: Fill the sink or tub with water (hold the water stage to a minimal) previous to bringing the cat into the room. You do not need to emphasize the cat out with sounds that could be alarming. Shut the lavatory door, keep away from loud noises, and calmly reassure the cat.
- Be light however agency: At this level, your cat won’t be glad and can attempt to run away. Firmly hold the cat in place however do it gently to keep away from pointless stress. Proceed to reward and guarantee the cat with out wrestling and stressing it out. Take your time, take note of the cat’s physique language, and provides constructive reinforcement with treats.
- Rinsing your cat: Keep away from utilizing the bathe head to rinse the cleaning soap out of your cat. The pressure of the spray and the noise might trigger stress and concern. Use a jug or a big cup and make sure to rinse slowly, and completely to keep away from pores and skin irritation. It’s also necessary to make sure all of the lingering shampoo is eliminated, so the cat doesn’t lick it up when it’s grooming itself. Since cats have delicate whiskers, eyes, and ears, make sure to keep away from wetting their heads. Doing so will solely make your kitty mad.
- Towel Dry: One other misstep when bathing your cat can be to come back at it with a blow dryer. Gently dry the cat with a delicate (hopefully heated) towel. Put your furry good friend in a heat cozy room till it’s dry.
- Give your feline treats and depart the room: Your cat now wants time to relax and recuperate from its latest distress. Give it treats and depart the room. This may give it time to relax and chill out.
- Spend time with the cat: When you each survived the ordeal, interact in playtime, and restore happiness in your house.
Conclusion
There you’ve it! 4 causes your cat might hate water. Luckily, many cats are saved indoors, and they’re extreme groomers. That’s the reason they not often must be traumatized by getting submerged in massive our bodies of water. In conditions when a cat might have a medical situation or damage that forestalls them from self-grooming, be calm and delicate so the expertise will likely be much less disturbing for you and your pet.
Featured Picture Credit score: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
