22 Cat Breeds That Love Water

Yes, there are some cat breeds that actually love water.

These Cat Breeds Don’t Shy Away From Water

Cats hate water, right? Wrong! There are actually cats that not only tolerate water but absolutely love it. These cats that are comfortable and enjoy water express it in many ways, including playing with it, fishing and even swimming.

The love of water is even in some cats’ DNA. Their ancestors likely had habitats near bodies of water and would drink from them as well as fish in and play in them. Many of these water-loving cats have water-resistant fur, so they can get as wet as they like and still have their coats dry quickly.

Check out the cat breeds that have a deep fascination and appreciation of water.

Abyssinian

Temperament: Loving, Playful, Laid-back

Weight: 8-13 pounds

Longevity: 9-13 years

Bottom Line: Abyssinian

Close up portrait view of the cute Abyssinian purebred

Abyssinians are made for swimming with their sleek swimmer’s bodies and short fur that won’t weigh them down in the water. No containers of water are safe from them, including fountains and garden water features.

If you accidentally leave a faucet running, Abyssinians will turn it into a game and try to stop it with their paws. You may look at a leaky faucet as an annoyance, but they see it as a source of endless fascination and fun.

Aegean

Temperament: Athletic, Sociable, Friendly

Weight: 7-10 pounds

Longevity: 9-10 years

Bottom Line: Aegean

Cat in front of library of Celsus in Ephesus

Aegean cats are native to the Greek Islands known as the Cyclades, so it makes sense that they’d be comfortable around water and fishing ports. They’re great companions to fishermen and are often found on fishing boats earning their keep as mousers.

Aegean cats like to fish for their supper. As opposed to water-hating cats, these cats look forward to bath time, and if there’s a river or lake nearby, they’ll take advantage of it and go swimming.

American Bobtail

Temperament: Sociable, Affectionate, Loving

Weight: 7-16 pounds

Longevity: 13-15 years

Bottom Line: American Bobtail

American bobtail cats are more about playing with water than swimming in it. They have so much fun with water that they won’t wait for you to turn on the faucet; they’ll jump up on the sink and do it themselves.

American bobtails are creative and will come up with fun water games such as catching water droplets from the faucet, swirling water in a bowl, and dunking their toys in the water and watching them bob up.

American Shorthair

Temperament: Loving, Loyal, Pleasant

Weight: 12+ pounds (male), 8-12 pounds (female)

Longevity: 15-20 years

Bottom Line: American Shorthair

American shorthair cats are comfortable around water and don’t put up much of a fuss when they’re given a bath. It’s not unlike them to purposely knock over a water bowl so that they can turn it into a game and play with it.

Water brings out their naughty side, and any contained body of water is tempting to them. If they’re in a mischievous mood, they’ll seek out anything from puddles to toilet water to splash.

Bengal

Temperament: Gregarious, Intelligent, Social

Weight: 8-15 pounds

Longevity: 9-15 years

Bottom Line: Bengal

Bengal cats are fearless, so a little thing like water isn’t going to scare them. They enjoy all kinds of water activities, from splashing around to going for a swim.

Bengals are enchanted by water, and it’s not rare to see them putting their paws in bowls of water and swatting at anything bobbing in it. If you want to keep your Bengal entertained, fill up the tub, put some rubber duckies or other toys in it, and let them have at it.

British Shorthair

Temperament: Faithful, Calm, Collected

Weight: 10-16 pounds (male), 8-11 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-20 years

Bottom Line: British Shorthair

British shorthair cats are captivated by anything that moves, and that includes water. Cat water fountains are especially good for British shorthair cats because it keeps them stimulated and hydrated at the same time.

Since they’re not afraid of getting wet, get used to seeing them playing with water directly from the tap or in the shower. Water brings out their playful side and helps keep them mentally stimulated, engaged and out of trouble.

Burmese

Temperament: Outgoing, Curious, Playful

Weight: 8-12 pounds (male), 6-10 pounds (female)

Longevity: 10-16 years

Bottom Line: Burmese

Burmese cats aren’t born with a love of water, but if they’re introduced to it as kittens, they’ll learn to love it. Many Burmese cats enjoy playing with water and even get to a point where they won't freak out about being bathed.

Water is a big mystery to Burmese cats, and they want to discover its secrets but in controlled doses. Burmese cats like to scoop water out of their bowls, playfully stick their paws in the water and see what happens.

Egyptian Mau

Temperament: Active, Faithful, Understanding

Weight: 10-14 pounds (male), 6-10 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-15 years

Bottom Line: Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is a very athletic breed of cat, and you can add swimming to the list of physical activities they excel at. They will happily play in pools, fountains, sinks and water bowls.

Egyptian Maus often test their drinking water by putting their paw into it before lapping it up. This behavior is said to come from when their ancestors would pee in streams to keep their enemies from picking up on their scent.

Highlander

Temperament: Intelligent, Playful, Patient

Weight: 15-20 pounds (male), 10-14 pounds (female)

Longevity: 10-15 years

Bottom Line: Highlander

For highlander cats, water is one of their favorite things — they can’t get enough of it. They don’t care if their fur gets wet; they’re going to go for a swim or have fun with It.

Some of their creative water games include making swirls, trying to catch the liquid as it moves and playing tag with it. If you can’t find your highlander, you’ll probably find them chilling in the bathroom sink, staying cool and waiting for the water show.

Japanese Bobtail

Temperament: Entertaining, Social, Affectionate

Weight: 6-9 pounds

Longevity: 9-15 years

Bottom Line: Japanese Bobtail

Japanese bobtail cats, like other bobtail breeds, seem to have an affinity for water. It’s not odd for people to stick their feet in the pool or ocean, but it’s less ordinary when a Japanese bobtail puts its paws into a pool of water as if they’re testing to make sure it’s not too cold.

There’s something about water that these cats can’t resist, so keep a lid on your water glass, and make sure the toilet seat’s down if you don’t want them to stick their paws in it.

Kurilian Bobtail

Temperament: Sweet, Gentle, Friendly

Weight: 8-15 pounds

Longevity: 15-20 years

Bottom Line: Kurilian Bobtail

A beautiful Kurilian Bobtail cat walks in the spring on a leash

Kurilian bobtails may look like wildcats, but they’re mild-mannered and easy-going big softies. These beauties can’t resist investigating any type of water they see, including reservoirs, streams, water tanks and individual water bowls.

Sometimes, they forget they’re cats and that they’re supposed to hate water and will jump right in, splashing themselves and everybody around them. Who knew playing in puddles could bring so much joy as it does for the Kurilian bobtail. If Hollywood does a remake of “Singing in the Rain,” they know who to call.

Maine Coon

Temperament: Loyal, Loving, Sociable

Weight: 6-18 pounds

Longevity: 10-13 Years

Bottom Line: Maine Coon

In the days of the great ships, Maine Coon cats were put aboard to keep the rodent situation under control, which can help explain why they’re comfortable being around water and fascinated by it. Since they’re highly intelligent, it’s not unusual for them to learn how to turn on water faucets by themselves so that they can watch a water show.

It’s a good thing that they have water-resistant fur because not only do they like water in its fluid form, they like snow, too!

Manx

Temperament: Sweet-tempered, Affectionate, Friendly

Weight: 8-12 pounds

Longevity: 9-13 years

Bottom Line: Manx

Manx cats have a natural inclination toward swimming and the water, which must be because they originated on the Isle of Man, an island in the Irish Sea. Manx cats will take a shower with you if you let them, and it’s funny to see them place their paws in a bowl of water as if they were getting a manicure.

They see water like a toy they can play with, and it’s an endless source of curiosity, wonder and fun for them.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Temperament: Social, Independent, Smart

Weight: 12-18 pounds (male), 8-12 pounds (female)

Longevity: 13-16 years

Bottom Line: Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian forest cats are fond of water and have water-repellent, three-layered fur for extra warmth and protection. While they like playing with water, they have a more practical interest in water as avid fishers.

Norwegian forest cats enjoy a “catch-it-yourself” fish dinner when out in the wild. For your domestic cats, it’s a good idea to keep them away from fishbowls and aquariums, as they'll want to practice their fishing skills and grab a snack at the same time.

Ragdoll

Temperament: Tolerant, Charming, Intelligent

Weight: 20 pounds or less (male), 10-15 (female)

Longevity: 13-15 years

Bottom Line: Ragdoll

Ragdolls are enthralled and entertained by water. They’ll sit on the edge of the bathtub for hours staring at the water, and sometimes, when the mood is right, they’ll jump in.

The ragdoll’s obsession with water is so strong that if you want to summon them, you don’t have to call their name; just turn the faucet or shower on, and they’ll magically appear. Happiness is the sound of running water for the ragdoll cat.

Savannah

Temperament: Affectionate, Bold, Territorial

Weight: 12-25 pounds

Longevity: 12-20 years

Bottom Line: Savannah

Stunning exotic leopard cat with gorgeous fur

Savannah cats are attracted to water and seek it out whenever possible. They enjoy many different water activities including swimming, observing water patterns and playing with water.

Fishing their toys out of some water is cool but not as satisfying for them as catching live fish. This is because they have strong hunting instincts, and like other cats, they find catching their own food extremely satisfying. If you have a Savannah, you may want to reconsider getting an aquarium.

Selkirk Rex

Temperament: Smart, Sociable, Versatile

Weight: 6-16 pounds

Life expectancy: 15-20 years

Bottom Line: Selkirk Rex

Selkirk rex cats aren’t afraid of water and don’t flinch when some of it gets on their fur. Water is a constant source of delight for them, and they’ll play in it at any opportunity they get, not even shying away from it at bath time.

Running water especially intrigues them. Don’t be surprised when you’re taking a shower and the Selkirk rex tries to join you or sits on the edge of the tub when you’re taking a bath.

Siamese

Temperament: Social, Intelligent, Playful

Weight: 6-14 pounds

Longevity: 8-12 years

Bottom Line: Siamese

Siamese cats combine their love for spending time with their humans and their love of water, so they can do both things at once. If their people are in the kitchen, the Siamese cat is content to play Splish Splash in their water bowl.

If their human is in the bathroom, Siamese cats are there to offer advice and help while their human is washing their face or brushing their teeth.

Siberian

Temperament: Delightful, Affectionate, Personable

Weight: 10-20 pounds

Longevity: 10-18 years

Bottom Line: Siberian

Adult Woman Washing Siberian Cat in Bathtub

Siberian cats are considered a national treasure to the people of Russia. To handle the bitter cold of a Russian winter, Siberian cats have thick, dense fur, which is water repellent.

Their coats prevent them from getting chilled and keep them dry when they indulge in their love of playing in the water or walking through the melting snow. If a Siberian cat hears the sound of running water, it won’t be able to resist checking it out.

Snowshoe

Temperament: Sociable, Affectionate, Loyal

Weight: 7-14 pounds

Longevity: 14-20 years

Bottom Line: Snowshoe

Snowshoe cats are often drawn to water and will gladly jump into the water for a swim, especially if they’re feeling dirty and stinky. Snowshoe cats are big fans of both still and running water and will often take matters into their own paws.

If they feel like having some water fun, don’t be surprised to come home and find your water running and them nearby. If you want to give them a treat, fill a small water container and let them splash around in it.

Sphynx

Temperament: Silly, Devoted, Extroverted

Weight: 6-12 pounds

Longevity: 9-15 years

Bottom Line: Sphynx

Sphynx cats are hairless, but that doesn’t mean they’re bald. Instead of fur, they have a layer of fuzz covering their bodies. Due to the oily nature of their skin, they need regular baths.

While they’re not born with an appreciation of water, if exposed to it early enough, they’ll learn to love it and will look forward to getting a bath. Once comfortable with water, the Sphynx cat can add splashing in the sink and swimming to their list of fun activities.

Turkish Angora

Temperament: Noble, Intelligent, Mischievous

Weight: 8-15 pounds

Longevity: 9-14 years

Bottom Line: Turkish Angora

Turkish Angora cats look so pretty and delicate, you’d think they’d steer clear of water, but it’s quite the opposite. If they hear you running water for a bath or shower, you can count on them to come and investigate.

Not all Turkish Angoras love the water, but those that do will take full advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. The water-loving Turkish Angoras can be found in shallow streams and ponds, demonstrating their natural swimming ability.

Turkish Van

Temperament: Energetic, Sociable, Playful

Weight: 10-20 pounds

Longevity: 12-17 years

Bottom Line: Turkish Van

Turkish Van cats are sometimes referred to as "the swimming cat" since they’re native to Turkey’s Lake Van region. Rumor has it that their ancestors were on Noah’s Ark, and when it came to rest on Mt. Ararat, the Turkish Vans swam to shore.

After a swim, instead of looking washed up, they’ll appear bone dry thanks to their fur, which seems impervious to water. Since they tend to be clumsy, if you find them in the pool, make sure they’re meant to be there, not that they fell in accidentally.