WHY DO CATS HATE WATER?

Everyone knows that cats have an aversion to water, but this rule also has exceptions. It seems that cats of the Turkish Van breed enjoy going into the water, just like their ancestors who bathed in the waters of Lake Van (Turkey) to cope with the very high summer temperatures.

However, if your cat is of a different breed, it is very possible that any contact with water will make it "sweat" and have "palpitations." It seems that cats' fear of water develops mainly because they interpret previous experiences negatively. For example: forced bathing, water spray used by some owners to take disciplinary measures, a heavy rain.

Unlike dogs, cats very rarely need bathing because they usually groom themselves, but if your cat manages to get dirty with something sticky, smelly, or has a skin condition that requires bathing, you will want them to be cooperative. That is why it is very important to make sure the first bath is a pleasant experience and to prepare the ground from an early age.

Our recommendation for bathing is:

1. Start from an early age, so they will get used to the process much more easily.
2. Put the cat in the sink or tub while it is still empty, pet it and try to speak to it as calmly and soothingly as possible.
3. Wet its fur with a cloth dampened with room temperature water. If you feel it is calm enough, you can start filling the tub/sink or gently pour lukewarm (not hot) water on its fur.
4. Apply a small amount of cat shampoo, starting the actual washing from head to tail.
5. Be careful to rinse it twice to prevent any possible irritation caused by shampoo remaining on the skin and to prevent it from ingesting it when licking itself.
6. Dry it with a fluffy towel and congratulate it for being obedient.

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