Maine Coons have a rather unique trait that sets them apart from other cats – they often have a strange fondness of water. We all know that other cats generally hate water, so it is kind of mind boggling to see a cat that likes it. This unusual preference is pretty amusing to those lucky enough to own a Maine Coon. Some people believe that the reason that they like water is due to the history of their breed. These cats were used on ships to deal with rat infestations, and this might be where they got accustomed to and even grew a liking to water.
Do All Maine Coons Like Water?
While it’s true that many Maine Coons love water, it’s important to remember that, just like humans, each cat is different. Not all Maine Coons will necessarily enjoy water. And that is okay. If this is your cat, don’t worry that something is wrong. There are a lot of different influences that affect what a cat likes and doesn’t like, and the breed of the cat is just one part in a very complicated equation.
Your Maine Coon could have had a negative experience with water in the past that prevents it from liking it to this day, maybe they hate the feeling of being in water like some humans do, or they just decided early on in their minds that water is not fun to be in. If your kitty shows you that they don’t want anything to do with water other than drink it, please respect them. Of course, bathe them when necessary but don’t force them to swim or do anything in water just because Maine Coons are supposed to like water.
If the fact of the matter is simply that your cat hasn’t been properly introduced to water, then later on in this article, we have a section discussing how to do this. But if you have already done that and your cat still doesn’t like it, then as I said, don’t force it. Just love them for who they are and not what you expect them to be.
Do Maine Coons Like to Swim?
Maine Coons have been known to go beyond just playing with water and will actually swim in it. If this is your kitty, more power to them. It is pretty cool to see a swimming Maine Coon, so if your cat enjoys this, allow them to do so under safe conditions.
Make sure to supervise them at all times and only let them swim in controlled environments such as a pool or a bathtub.
It’s important to remember that not all cats are natural swimmers and some may not enjoy it at all. That is completely fine, and it doesn’t make your Maine Coon any less of an amazing pet.
How Can I Test if My Maine Coon Likes Water?
Introducing your Maine Coon to water should be done gradually and carefully. Start by allowing them to explore water in a controlled environment, like a shallow basin. Their reaction can give you a good indication of their preference. If the reaction seems positive then slowly introduce them to deeper water, still with supervision.
However, if your cat shows signs of distress or discomfort, it’s best to respect their preferences and not make them do anything they’re not comfortable with.
Of course, sometimes you might feel that getting them in water is necessary but that is not always the case. For example, you may feel like they need to take a bath, but there are ways to get your Maine Coon clean without making them get in a tub full of water. If you are curious about this, I found this informative article on how to do so.
Do Maine Coons Like Baths?
While Maine Coons may be more accepting of baths compared to other cat breeds, the action of bathing is very different than giving your cat the freedom to act how they want in water.
During a bath, you are forcing them to stay still, and you are cleaning them all over which might be too much for your kitty.
So, while the average Maine Coon might be okay with the water aspect of the bath, other aspects of the bath might make them not like taking baths.
Conclusion
While many Maine Coons are fond of water, it’s important to note that not all of them share this trait. The key is to respect your Maine Coon’s individual preferences and make sure they feel comfortable when engaging with water.
If the only thing your cat likes about water is drinking it, then respect that.
Remember, by treating your Maine Coon with love, care, and respect, they will continue to be the amazing companions they are known to be.
Blaine is a pet owner and animal lover. His two passions of cats and blogging met and KittyCatReviews was formed.