Top 10 Cat Breeds Who Love Water

You may think cats hate water, but that isn’t always true. There are many cats that actually love to romp around in the water, whether it's in a swimming pool, lake, a small stream or just laying under a dripping faucet.

Here are the Top 10 Cat Breeds that just can’t get enough of the wet stuff.

10. Maine Coon:
This big, furry lug was a popular ship’s cat in his native New England. No self-respecting sea captain left on a voyage without one. The Maine Coon boasts a dense, water-repellent coat that comes in many colors and patterns.

9. Norwegian Forest Cat:
It has an un-kitty-like affinity for water, and has even been known to catch fish in lakes and streams.
(Watch out if you have an aquarium!) Cousin to the Maine Coon, he also sports a thick coat that repels water.

Well designed by nature for an outdoor life, the Norweigan Forest Cat can also be happy as an indoor cat, provided it has lots of room to play, and plenty of things to climb on. This kitty likes to survey its kingdom from on high - a stimulating environment with plenty of toys and especially things to climb on will be much appreciated.

8. Abyssinian: The adventurous Aby hails from Indian Ocean coastal areas, so it’s no surprise that he takes to water play. It’s likely that this energetic and fun-loving cat came to Europe by ship in the 19th century, which may have reinforced his comfort with the wet stuff. Don’t be surprised when your Aby learns to turn on the faucet so he can have his own personal water park.

7. Manx: A native of the Isle of Man, off the coast of Britain, the Manx is an island cat par excellence. It’s not unusual to find him dabbling his paws in his water dish or even joining his person in the shower. His double coat can be short or long and comes in many different colors and patterns.

6. Japanese Bobtail: Another island-born cat, the Japanese Bobtail is fond of splashing in water. Keep an eye on him to make sure he isn’t raiding your koi pond or aquarium, and check your faucet frequently to make sure he hasn’t turned it on to run a bath.

His tricolor coat of red and black on a white background also comes in other colors and patterns and is water-resistant.

5. Bengal: 
This cat has the exotic appearance of a small wildcat, and indeed he was created by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat with a domestic feline. The breed today doesn’t retain any wild blood, but that heritage is probably the source of the Bengal’s love of water. If given half a chance, he will happily join you in the bath or shower.

4. American Bobtail:
This short-tailed cat is the result of a natural genetic mutation. Along with that mutation, apparently, came a love of water. He can often be found dunking his toys in water. The American Bobtail has a shaggy coat that comes in short and medium lengths and any color or pattern.

3. Savannah:
This large, active, and curious cat was created by crossing the serval, a small wild cat, with domestic cats. That no doubt accounts for the pleasure he takes in playing with and in water. He is very smart and can be a handful. The Savannah stands out for his boldly marked coat, long neck, and large ears.

2. Turkish Angora:
Don’t let his delicate, beautiful appearance fool you. Like his cousin the Turkish Van, the Angora is fond of water and will play in it readily.

He swims through life in a long, silky coat that comes in many more colors than the trademark white for which he is known.

1. Turkish Van: Legend has it this Turkish breed swam ashore from Noah’s Ark after it came to rest on Mt. Ararat. Nicknamed “swimming cat” for his love of playing in water, the Turkish Van won’t hesitate to explore any body of water he comes across — from your toilet to your swimming pool. He can be a klutz, so make sure he can swim in case he falls in. (It’s not always a natural skill.) You may want to provide him with a child’s pool that he can lie in during the heat of summer.

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More Cat Breeds That Like Water

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Many shelters and rescue groups have quite a large number of cats to choose from. If you're looking for a certain breed, you can go online and put in your preference. They'll let you know when your "special" kitty has arrived.

Cats are the #1 animal killed in shelters, so please adopt and save a life!