Proudly owning a cat could be fairly an expertise at occasions. Typically their peculiar behaviors are simply defined. For instance, we all know that their pure searching instincts make them nice mouse catchers. Different occasions, we’re perplexed and surprise why they’re exhibiting displeasure.
Take water, as an example. Many cats hate water and keep away from it in any respect prices! Listed below are 4 causes for this habits.
The 4 Causes Cats Hate Water
1. It Is a Scent Factor
Cats have a rare sense of scent. In truth, their smelling capabilities are 14 occasions higher than people. There are chemical compounds 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 maintaining themselves clear and odor free. So, they’re prone to keep away from getting moist to maintain from smelling just like the chemical compounds within the water.
Cats additionally talk with others and mark their territory by releasing pheromones. If you happen to put your cat in water, it would take away this scent, and your furry pal is not going to be blissful.
2. Concern of the Unknown
Cats want to be round issues which might be acquainted to them. There are occasions when your cat might specific concern of issues which might be unusual or unknown. For instance, your feline would possibly have interaction 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 counsel playtime in your furry pal. Luckily, cats are spectacular groomers and most frequently don’t require bathing.
3. Evolution
It’s in a cat’s nature to typically be leery of water. Home cats have developed in arid climates and they also weren’t uncovered to giant our bodies of water like lakes and rivers. The relative dearth of water sources of their surroundings meant they weren’t inspired to study to swim. They spent their days napping within the solar. There are exceptions to the rule, nevertheless.
Sure, there are giant wild cats like tigers and lions that take pleasure in 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 in addition prefer 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 shouldn’t be so fantastic when it will get moist, nevertheless. In truth, 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 means to maneuver round freely.
As well as, everyone knows that cats prefer to be heat, and a moist coat could make them really feel chilly and uncomfortable.
Bathing a Cat
If you end up in a scenario the place it turns into crucial to wash your cat, listed here are some suggestions that will help you keep away from traumatizing your valuable 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 doable. This added safety might assist to ease your cat’s stress. Place the drying towel on a heated towel rack when you have one. Cats don’t prefer to be chilly, so it would add consolation to an disagreeable expertise.
- Create a peaceful ambiance: Fill the sink or tub with water (maintain the water degree to a minimal) previous to bringing the cat into the room. You don’t want to emphasize the cat out with sounds which may be alarming. Shut the toilet door, keep away from loud noises, and calmly reassure the cat.
- Be light however agency: At this level, your cat is not going to be blissful and can attempt to run away. Firmly maintain 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 optimistic 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 you rinse slowly, and completely to keep away from pores and skin irritation. Additionally it is necessary to make certain 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 you keep away from wetting their heads. Doing so will solely make your kitty mad.
- Towel Dry: One other misstep when bathing your cat could be to return at it with a blow dryer. Gently dry the cat with a smooth (hopefully heated) towel. Put your furry pal in a heat cozy room till it’s dry.
- Give your feline treats and go away the room: Your cat now wants time to sit back and get well from its latest distress. Give it treats and go away the room. It will give it time to settle down and chill out.
- Spend time with the cat: If you happen to each survived the ordeal, have interaction in playtime, and restore happiness in your house.
Conclusion
There you may have it! 4 causes your cat might hate water. Luckily, many cats are stored indoors, and they’re extreme groomers. That’s the reason they not often have to be traumatized by getting submerged in giant 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 mild so the expertise shall be much less demanding for you and your pet.
Featured Picture Credit score: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
