How to accustom a kitten to water procedures and can he learn to swim?

The peculiarity of the life of cats suggests that they avoid water procedures because they are afraid of water. In part, this statement is not groundless, but can cats swim? Contrary to the established belief that cats cannot do this, it is worth noting: they swim excellently, and if in case of danger they need to overcome a water barrier, they will do it without difficulty. Moreover, there is a breed of fishing cats, whose life in the wild is unthinkable without hunting in water bodies.

When to bathe a cat

Felines are neat and tidy, quite capable of independently taking care of the cleanliness of their “fur coat.” Mustache-striped cats wash and lick themselves after sleeping, eating and going to the toilet, and also thoroughly clean their paw pads and claws after running along the street. But sometimes circumstances are such that a furry pet needs a bath or a cleansing wash. An urgent reason for bathing may be:

Postpartum period . Mothering cats try to clean up after themselves and their babies in the nest, but if the mother is not feeling well or the litter is too large and watery, amniotic fluid can soak the fur on the back of the body. The problem is contributed to by the animal's long coat and the presence of tangles. When the amniotic fluid dries, it sticks together the fur, and the rapidly developing microflora gives off an unpleasant odor. Felinologists recommend not to disturb the mother in labor for the first time and, if possible, wipe her right in the nest using wet wipes and a small towel. And only 10-14 days after the babies are born, the female can be bathed and combed.
Contamination of wool during walking . A cat walking on its own usually chooses more or less dry and clean places, avoiding deep puddles and sticky soil. However, hunting and sexual instincts can be carried to places where the sanitary situation is far from ideal. Carried away by tracking and catching prey, the cat can get quite dirty, and a fight with a rival for territory can end with two interlocking bodies rolling on the ground. Sometimes a cat accidentally gets smeared with machine oil, paint or other substances that require urgent removal from the surface of the fur.
Skin and coat disease . Eczema and dermatitis require bathing as a therapeutic measure. In this case, use special shampoos recommended by a veterinarian. To alleviate the pet’s condition, a set of procedures is required, repeated every 5-7 days.
Damage by ectoparasites . Fleas, lice-eaters, and ear mites that parasitize cats cause brittleness and hair loss, severe itching, scratching, redness and bald spots. The animals become nervous, constantly itching, licking themselves and picking at the hairs with their teeth. To kill parasites, use special antiparasitic shampoos, sold in pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.
For cooling purposes during hot periods. Cats are unable to cool themselves like humans due to the lack of sweat glands. An analogue of sweating is frequent licking and wetting of fur with saliva, which evaporates at elevated environmental temperatures. Washing with clean water with a temperature of about +36°C will help the thermoregulatory system of the mustachioed tabby and prevent overheating.

Minimizing stress when bathing

In order not to traumatize the cat’s psyche too much, the owner should remember the set of rules “Cats on the Water”, ignoring which will turn bathing into a fierce struggle, and the bathroom into a battlefield.

So, for security reasons, it is strongly not recommended:

Lower the cat into a bathtub or container (basin) already filled with water. Sensing the approach of a large volume of liquid, the animal will turn on its protective instinct and do everything to escape and avoid drowning.
Putting a choke collar on a cat or tying it with a leash in order to forcefully achieve obedience. Fetters will only increase fear, cause pain and even more intensify the desire to leave the terrible place.
Water an untrained cat with water from a flexible hose. Murki instinctively avoid water jets falling on themselves, and therefore always hide from the rain. Excessive dousing in the bathroom will also not bring them pleasure.
Use too cold or too hot water. The skin of cats is very sensitive, so the temperature of the bathing water should be pleasant and not cause discomfort. Usually the water is heated to +38.5-39°C, but on a hot day it can be a little cooler.
Bathe your cat in low light. It has been proven that in bright light the animal becomes more submissive and is more likely to agree to water “execution”.

Rules for bathing cats

Veterinarians and felinologists recommend adhering to a number of rules when bathing small kittens:

Kids are not so timid, so you can build a “children’s pool” for them right in the bathtub. However, you need to pour only a little water so that it only covers the paws, which will not cause panic in the baby.
At the same time, it is recommended to put your hand in the water so that the kitten knows that it was not abandoned, the owner is nearby and everything is in order.
The fur is moistened with a damp palm or a small sponge is used, which is squeezed on top of the kitten. It is not recommended to wet the head to avoid water getting into the ears (read more about why a cat should not get his ears wet).
If the baby meows pitifully and tries to climb onto your hand, he is gently lowered into the water and the training continues, gradually increasing the time of the procedure.
At the end of bathing, the wet kitten is wrapped in a fluffy, clean towel and dried with gentle blotting movements.

A baby who has just taken a “bath” is still hot and may catch a cold, so they carefully keep the windows closed in the room.

Bathing adults. Adult cats can be much more obstinate and express their obvious displeasure. Murka bathing ritual:

A large plastic basin is used as a container, into which the cat could easily fit in length.
The cat is placed in an empty basin, gently held and attempts to escape are prevented.
To wet the animal, use a bath sponge saturated with water, which is passed over the fur, gradually squeezing and soaking the entire “coat”.
Having collected a small amount of shampoo, apply it to the wet coat with foaming movements and gently massage the skin.
Next, the soaped wool is combed with a comb to remove excess foam. This procedure is also good for destroying ectoparasites.
Gently pour the cat with a ladle and support it under the chest, rinse off the detergent, making sure that the water level does not rise above the cat's paws, which will cause panic.
The bathed cat is wrapped in a towel and taken to a warm place without drafts. Long-haired pets must first be blotted with thin towels and only then wrapped in a terry bath.

You can bathe a healthy cat no more than once a month, so that warm water and detergents do not harm the skin and fur with their natural protection. Gradually, the pet will get used to the procedure and will tolerate it less nervously.

How to accustom a cat to water. Practical advice

Born to kill, survive, and fight for territory, wild cats were domesticated and experienced all the “charm” of civilized life. If you don't bathe your cat, will it be dirty? No, this is not a stupid question, think about it. Yes, a pet needs to be bathed when it gets into something that can be toxic when licked, “caught” parasites, before an exhibition, that’s all for valid reasons. How to accustom a cat to water, at what temperature to bathe and what to prepare for?

Waterfowl wild cats

For a person who has recently forced a cat under water, it may seem implausible that wild cats do not care about most of the above reasons for fear of water. They are not afraid of germs, do not care about the presence of smell and the possibility of disrupting thermoregulation.

Take, for example, a speckled cat. If a wiverina were told that some people believe that cats are afraid of water, it would greatly surprise her. After all, this little predator not only loves to splash around, but also dives deep, swims underwater and hunts fish. Because of this, the wiverina is also called the fishing cat.

Yes, your pet is not a wild animal that is not afraid of anything and does everything to survive. But he is not as timid as he might seem. And, if you ask the question - why is a cat afraid of water, maybe the answer is hidden not in the animal, but in you. Imagine yourself in the place of a proud, free, sometimes even arrogant animal, which was roughly grabbed and began to be lathered with an unknown-smelling substance. And at the same time they hold you by the scruff of the neck, like a naughty kitten. What kind of love for water can we talk about here? There is no fear of her either, there is a fear of again experiencing the humiliation received during water procedures, nothing more.

Why don't cats like water?

No, this is not a whim or character flaws, but an instinctive fear. In nature, a wild cat will go into the water based solely on survival instincts. There are exceptions, for example, tigers are swimmers and fishermen who can easily endure water procedures due to the water-repellent structure of their fur. It just so happens that more than 80% of domestic cats hate bathing, while the remaining 20% tolerate it. From the point of view of cat psychology, purrs do not like water because their fur quickly gets wet, and water, especially with shampoo, dries out delicate skin.

If you hope to “twist” your pet and bathe it “somehow”, give up the illusion; without washing the fur, you are risking the health of your ward. In addition, true fear provokes animals to desperate actions, fighting charms and torn clothes are provided to you, and after that, wet slippers and torn wallpaper as moral compensation for the “abuse”.

What does the gesture express and when does the cat use it?

Most people perceive this gesture as a sign of the cat's affection and good nature. And that's true. An animal will never behave this way in the absence of sympathy.

Sometimes in this way pets attract the attention of their owners. This is especially true for some breeds, such as the Ragdoll. They love to be the center of attention and cannot live without affection.

Another reason is unfamiliar smells. Touching surfaces saturated with unknown fluids, the animal, as it were, appropriates them for itself, mixes them with its own and other familiar odors.

Cats butt and rub their legs, begging for food, and, conversely, this behavior can be a manifestation of gratitude for a tasty dinner. In addition, it simply serves as a sign of good spirits.

“Tactics” for training a cat to use the bathroom

Before teaching a cat not to be afraid of water, you need to overcome all the accompanying discomfort. Carry the animal into the bathroom in your arms; if the cat does not strain, try turning on the water for a short time. Calm your cat down, let him know that he is protected, but be prepared, the sound of running water can throw the cat into panic.

Try putting the animal in a dry bath; most likely, the pet will immediately run away, but this is only the first stage. Agree with your pet, do not try to wet the fur or force the cat not to be afraid, forcing events will only add to the hassle. Gradually, patiently, agreeing to the animal’s conditions and that’s the only way!

Important! Bathroom lighting is a separate issue. It has been established that animals experience fear if there is not enough light in the room. Change the light bulbs to brighter ones or install an additional light above the bathroom while you study.

Naturally, it is easier to accustom a kitten to water; the little one who unconditionally trusts you will accept or at least tolerate water procedures after 3-4 “training swims”. It is difficult, sometimes impossible, to train an adult cat. If your pet doesn't go outside, it's easier to give him a quick bath than to torment him for months of training.

The main thing is patience

Everyone knows that by nature cats are very cautious creatures. And it will not be possible to quickly accustom them to water. It is necessary to accustom your pet to water procedures gradually, carefully and for a long time. Therefore, first you need to be patient.

You can start training by getting the cat used to at least the flowing stream of water from the tap. This stage of training will take a little time. And, as soon as the cat understands that water is not such a terrible thing, you should move on to the second stage.

You will need a container. For example, a basin. You need to fill the basin with water. At least 1/3. Then you should take the cat and put it in the basin. It is very important that the water temperature is slightly above 40 degrees. If the cat's favorite toy is thrown into the water, then perhaps this stage of training will be much easier.

So, for the first time, as we mentioned, you should fill 1/3 of the basin with water. So that only the pet’s paws are in the water. As soon as the cat begins to get used to the water, after a few days you can increase the amount of water in the basin. And then you can gradually fill the bath until the cat begins to feel confident in the water.

Preparing for a swim

Half the success is quality preparation, especially when it comes to training an adult cat that has not yet experienced the “joys” of water procedures. You will need:

2 shallow but wide basins for water.

Comb with large rounded teeth.

Sponge.

Capacity for pouring up to 250 ml in volume.

Large bedspreads or sheets.

Several thin ones and one bath towel.

Gloves and thick clothing to protect the body.

Water thermometer.

Shampoo, if necessary.

It’s very good if there is a “second pair of hands” to help.

Important! The cat should not be tied up while bathing. If your pet panics, he may hurt himself with the collar or leash.

How to teach a cat to bathe without unnecessary stress

One of the basins is filled completely, the second so that the water barely covers the bottom. Water temperature 38.5–39 degrees.

You and your assistant dress in ammunition and gloves. The bathroom floor is completely covered. Any “force majeure” will be accompanied by turmoil in which it is easy to slip.

Carefully and slowly, holding the animal from above, lower the cat's paws into a basin without water. The animal will tense up and start shaking with its paws - we calm it down, pet it, hold it (there will be attempts to escape), do not try to sit it down or lay it down.

After wetting the sponge with water, run it over the animal’s fur and calm the pet again.

As a result, all the wool should be wet. The exception is the muzzle and ears. The second step is to lather the wool, if necessary.

We comb the “fur coat” with a comb. In general, combing is necessary to remove foam if you use shampoo, but when training, we do not deviate from the algorithm.

We pour the cat over from a small container several times.

We blot the wool with thin towels and wrap it in a bath.

Take your time, but don’t delay either, the procedure is not pleasant and the sooner it ends, the better.

Repeat the procedure no more than once a month; even bathing with clean water partially washes off the protective layer of fat from the animal’s skin.

Note! The smell of catnip can help your pet relax, but don't get carried away! A surge of tenderness and calmness is associated with intoxication in the literal sense of the word.

A few words about exactly how to hold a cat. Your grip must be strong, because you will have to hold your pet with one hand. Grab the skin fold on the animal's withers, instinctively, the cat will calm down a little. Try to avoid the area under the belly - a convenient position for attacking with the hind legs.

If the animal panics, pick it up by holding it by the skin at the withers, wrap it in a towel and take it out of the bathroom. Even if there is foam left on the pet, act; the cat must be sure that you will come to the rescue at the right time. Remaining foam can be removed with a damp towel, but restoring trust is not so easy.

How to accustom a kitten to water procedures and can he learn to swim?

The peculiarity of the life of cats suggests that they avoid water procedures because they are afraid of water.
In part, this statement is not groundless, but can cats swim? Contrary to the established belief that cats cannot do this, it is worth noting: they swim excellently, and if in case of danger they need to overcome a water barrier, they will do it without difficulty. Moreover, there is a breed of fishing cats, whose life in the wild is unthinkable without hunting in water bodies.

Bathing is stressful

In cats, like most species of mammals, the ability to swim was developed during evolution, even before the process of domestication. In nature, it is survival of the fittest, so from the age of a kitten, animals can float on the water without any problems.

In the event of an attack by predators or disasters (floods, fires), saving their own lives, they rush into the water and are able to stay there for a long time. Some individuals are driven into the water by hunger.

This happens when there is not enough food on land.

If necessary, the cat can easily overcome water obstacles

Cats swim “like a dog”: scooping up water under themselves with their front paws. It turns out that this is simply wonderful for the cat family, but if you throw your pet into the water to test swimming skills, you can instill in the animal a fear of water procedures for a long time. It is necessary to accustom it gradually and better from an early age, then when bathing the pet will not violently resist.

Much depends on the breed and character of the cat. While some representatives are afraid of even the sounds of flowing water, others bathe with pleasure. Unfortunately they are a minority.

Note! It is more difficult to train an adult cat to bathe than a kitten.

Why cats can't stand water procedures

How to wash a rat at home, accustom it to water

It would seem that for pets, taking water procedures is a common occurrence; for most cats, bathing is still stressful. This is due to genetics, self-defense, again rooted in the distant past.

Maine Coon loves to swim

The instinct of self-preservation forces the cat not to put its own life in danger and not to go into the water unnecessarily, protecting it from a number of dangers:

Hypothermia. Getting the fur wet can lead to hypothermia. The fact is that in cats there is an air gap between the skin and the pile. It plays the role of a thermostat and prevents the body from becoming overcooled. When the fur gets wet, the layer does not cope with the task, and the animal may simply freeze.
Overheating. In hot conditions, this same layer saves you from overheating and maintains normal body temperature.
Smell. Wet wool has a strong odor that attracts predators and repels prey. Cats go hunting, silently sneaking up on prey and attacking from ambush, and the smell of wet fur gives away its location. The opposite situation, when the cat becomes a victim of predators, forces it to avoid getting wet even in the rain.
Infections. More dirt and microbes that cause various diseases stick to wet wool. When licked, they inevitably enter the body and lead to weakened immunity.

What kind of cats love water?

How to accustom a cat to a house and sleep in it

There are cat breeds that do not have such a negative attitude towards water.

Maine Coon

Cats of this breed, although large, are not at all aggressive, as it seems at first glance. On the contrary, immigrants from the USA have a rather peaceful character and friendliness, and quickly become attached to their owners.

It is worth noting their laziness: animals love to sleep and soak up the sun. However, when it comes to swimming, then a real little devil wakes up in them: they frolic, play, showing the character of a real hunter. The owner runs the risk of getting wet from head to toe, as their activity increases during water procedures.

Bengal cats

But Bengal cats are distinguished by their waywardness. Although they adore affection, they do not tolerate it if it is imposed.

Bengal cats decide when to bathe.

The beauties, with soft fur and a peculiar leopard pattern, are very smart and curious, but if you force them into water, they will certainly show their temper. Despite the fact that they can swim perfectly, cats decide for themselves when to do it.

American Bobtail

Another cat breed from the USA, the American Bobtail, which has more features in common with a dog than with individuals of its own kind, is also not afraid of water. To say that these cats can swim is an understatement. They are not only wonderful swimmers, but they are easy to train and require walking, so why not dogs?

Soukok

Purebred representatives of the African shorthair breed - Soukok - resemble a wild animal in their appearance. They have elongated hind limbs and original coloring.

Cats are very energetic and love affection and actively show it themselves, rubbing against their owners’ legs. They are playful and love to frolic on land. If there is a pool at the cottage, they swim with pleasure.

In a city apartment, while bathing, they flirt with the stream of water flowing from the tap.

Manx

There are legends about the tailless English Manx that he lost his tail when he jumped on Noah's Ark during the Great Flood. The door slammed at the last moment and cut off his luxurious decoration. This did not deprive them of their natural skills; cats swim perfectly.

Manx are very curious

The water seems to hypnotize them. They can spend hours watching the murmuring of the toilet flush, even flirting with it. They are trying to use it as a source of drinking water, but they do not like to swim forcibly. They do this only if they wish.

How to accustom a cat to water

Can dogs and cats laugh?

No matter how negatively cats feel about water, they still need to wash themselves. This is a hygienic procedure that allows you to cleanse the animal of parasites after treatment. Here it is important not to make mistakes and remember a few important rules.

If this is already an adult pet, but is experiencing the need for bathing for the first time, it is better to give it a sedative intended specifically for cats before the process. The dosage must be determined by a veterinarian, since, as already mentioned, adult animals have difficulty getting used to this kind of activity.

Water procedures are necessary for pets

While bathing, do not shout at the animal, do not scold it, and be extremely calm yourself. It is better to wash your pet with an assistant whom he knows and trusts. Do not delay the washing process. The water temperature should be comfortable.

Frequent forced bathing is not healthy for cats. Wash them if necessary, if they are very dirty or have fleas. The standard regime is no more than once a year. They are already manic about their own appearance: they constantly lick their fur after every meal and visit to the toilet. Teaching an adult cat to love a bath is difficult.

Note! It is better to teach cats to bathe from childhood.

How to accustom a small kitten to water

Mistakes the owners make when bathing their little pet for the first time lead to the fact that later, when he becomes an adult, he will experience stress every time and try to avoid an unpleasant ceremony.

Fear that appears once will haunt him throughout his life. Accustoming should occur gradually; if everything is done correctly, the baby will stop being afraid and, perhaps, will fall in love with water procedures.

How to make addiction easier

You need to wash in a shallow basin standing on the floor. Little kittens experience an instinctive innate horror at the sight of high sides of the bathtub and pouring water. They associate them on a subconscious level with flooding, which means they are a command to escape. It’s good if the cat managed to get acquainted with the basin, sniff it, and play in it before bathing.

Bath a kitten from the age of 4 months

Before the process itself, put the kitten in a basin, let it get used to it and run around side by side. Pour non-chlorinated water into it, no more than 5-7 cm. The most comfortable temperature is 38-40 degrees. Place the kitten in the basin. Quickly wet his head, being careful not to get water into his ears and nose.

You need to be patient, do not scold or shout at the baby while bathing; it is better to calm him down with kind words if he meows loudly, showing fear. Do not delay the procedure.

After bathing, the baby should be wrapped in a warm towel, thoroughly blotted, and encouraged: milk, a favorite treat, a toy. If you are shaking, it means you are freezing, you need to change the towel to a dry and warm one, hold it in your arms, and calm it down. Use only special, hypoallergenic shampoos.

Note! Kittens aged 1-3 months should not be bathed unless absolutely necessary. The optimal age for the first wash is 4 months.

If the baby gets dirty in the cat litter box, it is better to wipe it with wet wipes or wash only the paws, but do not bathe the baby completely.

Interesting facts about waterfowl cats

The Turkish Van is considered a special waterfowl breed. Their front paws are equipped with special membranes that allow them to quickly row in the water, and their fur repels dirt and moisture well and practically does not get wet.

The Turkish Van is an excellent swimmer

The Turkish Van is an unsurpassed hunter; he chases not only rodents, his attention is attracted by various insects: beetles, butterflies, grasshoppers. If you need a fishing companion, he will be only too happy. He will happily spend time in nature, chasing a school of small fish in the shallows.

However, the fishing cat is rightfully considered the record holder for fishing. The wild swimming cat lives in southeast Asia (Indochina, Ceylon). Another name is speckled. Its weight can reach 15 kg. The cat has powerful jaws. It is unlikely that it would occur to anyone to tame an aggressive animal.

The front paws of the fishing cat, like those of the Turkish Van, are equipped with membranes. They prevent the claw plates from retracting and help in diving and fishing. With such equipment, it is not scary to swim long distances in search of prey. Swimming is his strong point, so the hunter lives near swamps, small lakes, and slow rivers flowing through tropical forests.

Cat fisherman with prey

Experts' opinion

Zoologists agree that most domestic cats are susceptible to a “genetic fear of water.” They also have a very sensitive olfactory system, and their owners, without thinking about these subtleties, use shampoos whose smell irritates them. All this makes cats shy away from water procedures, but they know how to swim.

Water treatments are a necessity for pets. But you should take into account their fear of water and act carefully. If the animal belongs to a breed that loves to swim and splash, it is worth providing it with this opportunity.

Source: https://gafki.ru/koshki/umeyut-li-plavat.html

Why wash your cat?

Felinologists confirm that water treatments for cats are not a human whim, but a necessity. The fact is that when an animal washes itself, it does not cleanse itself of all the dirt that has settled on its fur.

Attention! Cats most often lick to remove foreign smell from themselves.

There are other reasons to arrange a wash day for your pet at least once a month:

while taking a bath, the cat’s skin is moisturized and softened, dead particles of epithelium are removed;
water washes away excess matted fur;
disease prevention;
harmful substances deposited on the fur coat are carried away;
less wool will accumulate in the animal’s stomach;
your pet will look much better.

"Waterfowl" cats

Do cats that live in the wild swim? As for large wild cats, they all take part in water procedures with pleasure. Most often it depends on the environment and lifestyle of the furry hunters. Tigers, leopards, cheetahs, pumas and lions - the entire cat family knows and loves to swim. And some even manage to hunt in water. There is such a breed of cat - viverrina (from the Latin felis viverrina), which in translation means Asian fish, and in common people a fishing cat. This cat lives in damp, swampy areas, lives near rivers and streams, loves to walk in shallow water and swim in deeper water. Its main occupation is fishing.

So why are domestic cats afraid of water? The answer is banally simple! Wet cat fur loses its heat-insulating qualities and the animal freezes. A wet cat freezes twice as quickly and cannot warm up for a long time. The instinct of self-preservation tells the animal that it needs to stay away from water! But despite this, cats remain excellent swimmers!

How to wash a cat if she is afraid of water

Many owners who decide to bathe their pet do not know how to do it correctly. Most cats are terrified of water and, when they see the bathroom, they begin to get very nervous, struggle and meow.

If you know some tricks, you can wash your pet quite easily (and painlessly for yourself). Experienced owners share tips on how to bathe a cat who is afraid of water:

first, find yourself a partner: one person should hold the animal, and the second should soap it;
It is best to bathe your pet in a basin or bath; prepare a towel in advance;

Important! Do not turn on the shower: the noise of the water can frighten the animal.

using a ladle or other container, wet the cat’s fur and lather it;
Use only shampoos specially made for animals for bathing; cats do not need balms and conditioners;
try not to get into your eyes, nose, mouth and ears (the latter can be covered with cotton wool for safety);

Important! Comfortable water temperature for bathing cats is 30-38 degrees.

try to calm the animal by talking to it;
wash off the foam using a ladle;
do not make sudden movements or shout;
wrap your pet in a towel.

Bathing always upsets a cat, so be sure to calm him down: pet him, hold him in your arms. After a bath, you can give an additional portion of tasty food so that the animal quickly forgets the unpleasant moment. By the way, by giving your cat a treat every time after a bath, you will teach him to tolerate the water more calmly: he will know that a tasty morsel awaits him afterwards.

Other reasons

Experts who study domestic cats identify several more reasons for this cat behavior:

Treatment. Many ancient civilizations considered cats to be sacred animals capable of healing. Some peoples still believe in this. This fact is confirmed by modern research: scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development found that cats come to rub and purr to improve human well-being. This is how the pet tries to relieve pain, relieve stress and fatigue, and cheer up the owner.
Removing negative energy. Followers of esoteric teachings believe in the psychic abilities of cats. The animal senses the bad energy of Sha, takes it upon itself and transfers it to the ground.

Filial affection. Some animal psychologists believe that the reason for this behavior is the parent-child relationship between the kitten and the cat. Over time, the kittens begin to treat their owner as a caring mother, and with the ritual of “butting” they inform him of their good health and express gratitude for his care. Street kittens show their goodwill in this way and try to get affection and attention.
Destroying the marks of other animals. If the owner was visiting, where there were other cats, whom he stroked and picked up, other people’s marks remain on the clothes. The pet is in a hurry to rid its person of foreign odors and marks him with his saliva, actively “butting” him.

How to accustom a cat to water

Almost all cat breeds are terrified of swimming. The exceptions are Mei Coons and Chausies. But many have noticed that quite often cats look fascinated at the water in a full bath. Curious by nature, they carefully study an unfamiliar space. Sometimes animals touch the water with their paws or even jump if there is not enough water. It is at such moments that you think about how to accustom your cat to water.

It is important to introduce your pet to bathing as early as possible, but not from infancy. Then the animal will not be afraid of this necessary procedure.

Important! Veterinarians strongly do not recommend bathing kittens under three months of age. The pet may not tolerate much stress or become seriously ill.

In the bathroom, the cat should stand firmly on its paws and not slip, then it will feel confident. Place a rubber mat on the bottom. Pour just a little water and try to launch the cat into the “pond”. Try not to scare your pet: calm him down by playing and talking, distract him with toys.

With each new bath, the water level can be increased. Come up with a code word (for example, “wash!”) so that your pet understands what awaits him. If the animal continues to be nervous, give it a little sedative.

If your cat bravely endured an unpleasant procedure, do not ruin the situation by drying it. First, let it lick itself or shake itself off, and only then dry it with a towel.

Important! Do not try to dry your pet with a hairdryer. Cats can't stand this sound. This will be another stress for them. And then it will be more difficult to accustom the cat to bathing.

After bathing, be sure to put the cat in a warm place, without drafts. A wet animal can catch a cold.

Your pet may not become an avid water lover, but he can calmly endure the necessary bathing. The main thing is to be patient. If your cat trusts you, the process of getting used to water will be easy and quick, and you can safely bathe your pet.

It's real!

Firstly, I would like to note that there are cat breeds that have a love of water in their blood. They are not afraid of her, on the contrary. They happily jump into the water and swim in it, as if they were natural swimmers. But, fortunately or unfortunately, there are very few such cat breeds.

Some cats are not too afraid of water. They can contemplate it, but they still won’t risk going and swimming. However, for example, having settled somewhere near a lake, a contemplative cat is not at all opposed to catching fish with the help of its claws. Accustoming such cats to water will not be difficult.

Most cat owners can confidently confirm that their pet loves to watch the movement of water, look at it and even touch it with its paws. But if the cat needs to be bathed, then problems appear instantly.

Firstly, it is necessary to remember that the most important reason why a cat refuses to bathe is fear. They can and do swim. But they don't want to. And it is precisely this reluctance and fear that must be fought first. But you shouldn’t do everything by force. After all, coercion will cause not only aggression in the cat, but also fear of its own owner.

How to accustom a cat to water?

The attitude of cats towards water is a fact from the “everyone knows that...” section. Well, for example, everyone knows that the Earth is round or that mothers-in-law and sons-in-law are always at war. But in fact, our planet is spherical and slightly flattened at the poles, and the relationship between mother-in-law and son-in-law has in reality as many variations as even the most desperate science fiction writer could not come up with.

So the cat’s relationship to water is not at all as clear as it seems, and it is influenced by several factors. These include negative life experiences. Often a person spends a cat's first acquaintance with water as torture. The cat is grabbed and forcibly held in a very uncomfortable environment. As freedom-loving creatures, cats resist and remember for the rest of their lives: water is violence.

However, as the videos below show, it is possible to train a cat to bathe. It is worth getting acquainted with water gradually, without coercion - and everything will work out!

Own territory

Domestic cats are just as territorial as their larger wild counterparts. They make regular rounds of their properties, establishing their own boundaries through smells. Cats have special glands that secrete secretions, and they are located:

along the entire length of the tail
between the fingertips
in the temple area
in the corners of the mouth and chin
near the ears

Most of them are on the animal’s head, therefore, by “butting” furniture and walls, they mark them with their smell in this way. The ritual must be repeated regularly, because the smell gradually disappears. Thus, cats living in a private house with access to the street can sometimes go on a spree for several days and the first thing they do upon returning is update their boundaries. Strangers' cats will immediately understand that they have entered someone else's territory, and the pet itself feels calmer and safer when it is surrounded by familiar smells.

Stage 1: accustoming the cat to water

An example of how you can teach a cat not to be afraid of water, but to bathe in the bathtub without any fear or stress (including for the owner), is the video from the Traveler's Garden channel - Der Garten der Reisenden. As the author of the video (Rita) says, her two Siamese cats (one of which was already 9 years old at the time of training!) had never swum before and even had negative experiences.

Rita used a reward system - that is, she tried to reinforce pleasant associations with bathing in her pets. And what could be nicer than a treat? So, you will need a favorite treat (in the case of Rita's cats, wet food), a basin, a rag, water and a lot of patience.

Please note that the author of the video makes sure that the cats do not immediately jump out of the basin after receiving the treat, but rather stomp on the spot and turn around so that there is some kind of splash of water. You need to start with the lowest possible water level that is psychologically acceptable for the cat. You may have to start with a wet rag at the bottom of the basin. As Rita notes, with one of the cats the process went faster, and she immediately raised the water level higher - everything is individual here.

The water temperature should not be cold, but also scalding - like for a child. Don't forget to towel dry your cat after bathing.

Possible hypothermia and fear of being overheated

Cat fur has a specific structure.
The fur provides her with impeccable protection. A pet's fur coat plays the role of thermal insulation, due to the fact that air is retained with the help of fur hairs and a protective layer is formed. Water that gets on a cat's fur displaces the air membrane, and the fur loses its ability to insulate heat. A wet cat quickly freezes and cannot warm itself until it dries. A cat that gets into water can get sick.

That is, the cat is not afraid of water, it avoids the possible negative consequences that await it as a result of getting wet. They cannot shake water off their fur and it is very unpleasant for them to get wet.

In hot weather, cats also do not want to bathe, and the reason again has to do with insulation. Losing this ability, wool cannot protect the animal from heat and sunlight.

Stage 3: Cats Begin to Swim Freely

In these videos, Rita shows how her Siamese cats begin to swim freely in the bathtub - first with a life vest to help them stay afloat, then without a life vest.

At the very end, the animals are swimming freely to earn rewards.

Apparently, Rita has a colossal supply of time and patience, and the character of her cats is quite typical. In general, we believe that in this way any cat, even an old one, can be taught not to be afraid of water. If you have your own ideas and tips on how to teach mustaches to swim (humanely) - share your experience in the comments.