Do Maine Coons Like Water?

Do Maine Coons Like Water? Maine Coons do like water. Many pet parents report their Maine Cats splashing in puddles, playing with running water from a tap, or even jumping in the shower with their favorite human. However, every Maine Coon is different, as some Maine Coons do not like water at all.

Maine Coon enthusiasts often find themselves wondering whether the gentle giants of the feline world like water. The answer is yes! Maine Coons are one of the few feline breeds that not only like water but can also swim. Experts state this might have something to do with their past as mousers aboard ships. 

If you’re curious about the topic or unsure how your fur baby will react to its bath, we’ve got you covered. This article will cover all there is to Maine Cats and water, including how to tell your pet likes water and how to tackle bathing your Maine Coon. So, let’s get on with the guide without wasting more time!

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Do Maine Coon Like Water?

Believe it or not, Maine Coons love playing or frolicking in the water. They’re not the only cat breed to demonstrate a love for H2O, but they’re pretty unique in how they express their fondness for water. 

For example, it’s not uncommon to catch these cats hanging around kitchen and bathroom sinks, waiting for someone to turn on the tap.

You might also observe your kitten dipping his paws in the water bowl for fun. But not all Maine Cats share a love for the water. Some will tolerate being wet, while others hate it. 

If you’re indecisive about what your Maine Coon feels about water, here are some quick pro tips to help you out. 

• If your feline likes hanging out around sinks, bathtubs, or showers, it’s highly likely your pet doesn’t mind getting its fur wet. Cats will rarely spend their time doing something they don’t like. If your pet is found around water sources around the house, there’s a reason. 
• Does your Maine Cat like rubbing up against your legs as soon as you get out of the shower? If yes, there are possibly two reasons. One, your cat’s rubbing against you to mark you with its scent, or two because your pet knows rubbing against your wet legs is a convenient way to dampen its fur.  
• Is your Maine Coon’s drinking bowl often overturned? Some Maine Cats can get a little too enthusiastic playing with water and turn their water bowls over. If you see little puddles spreading away from the bowl, that’s a sign that your cat may have been having some fun with water. 
• What really tends to fascinate water-loving Maine Coons is a cat fountain. Can you imagine loving water and having access to a water fountain 24/7? If you catch your Maine Coon spending long periods staring, pawing, or circling the fountain, that should tell you your cat likes what it’s seeing. 

Why Do Maine Coons Like Water?

It’s difficult to give a definitive answer why Maine Coons like water because, well, they can’t talk. However, animal behaviorists and cat experts have identified several possible reasons why Maine Cats aren’t hostile to H2O like other feline breeds. Here are a few of the more popular conclusions. 

Natural Instincts

Maine Coons may have evolved from seafaring cats that were brought to the United States from Europe on ships. This means they have a natural affinity for water and are unafraid to get wet, or they’ve developed a tolerance for water out of necessity. 

Some Maine Cats are also great at catching fish and can swim with great skill. Their ancestors were used on ships to help eliminate rodents, so that’s likely another reason they have such strong swimming abilities.

Cooling Off

Unlike other short-haired felines, Maine Coons have long, thick fur that can make them feel hot and uncomfortable in the summer months. They may seek out water as a way to cool off and regulate their body temperature. They can also control their body temperature by licking their fur, but water is a much more effective way of cooling down when it gets too hot outside.

Additionally, the thick double coat of Maine Cats is water-resistant to some extent. This might also contribute to the breed’s liking of water because they don’t get wet to the skin very quickly. 

Playful Nature

Felines with playful personalities are often more adventurous and love exploring their surroundings. Maine Coons aren’t any different. Water provides an exciting new environment for them to play in and satisfy their curiosity. 

They enjoy playing with water and splashing around in it, and it also serves as a great pastime. Maine Coons are also very social cats, and they enjoy spending time with their owners. Water activities like playing around the sprinkler with their humans may naturally attract these felines because it combines their interests. 

READ ALSO: Are Maine Coons Hypoallergenic?

How to tell if your Maine Coon Cats Like Water?

Pet owners are often anxious about giving their felines their first bath. While not all Maine Coons share a love for the water, most tolerate it admirably well. However, if you don’t want to take any chances and require a definite answer for whether your cat is a water lover, here are ten ways to help you ascertain if the breed Maine Coon Like Water or not.

1. Water Bowl Fun

The easiest access any domestic cat has to water is his drinking bowl. Some cats even have a drinking fountain to encourage them to stay hydrated. If you spy spills around the Maine Coon Water bowl or Maine Coon Water fountain, set up shop near the area and observe your pet’s behavior. 

If you see your Maine Cat dipping his paws in or splashing water all over the place, you can be sure your feline isn’t averse to H2O. 

2. Walking Through Puddles

Generally, felines will avoid stepping into shallow bodies of water or even puddles. It’s a natural instinct for most cats to keep themselves dry and avoid water. 

But what does any of that have to do with finding out if Maine Coon Cats Like Water?

That’s simple.

If you notice your Maine Coon playing in Water puddles instead of avoiding them, it’s a good sign your pet isn’t afraid of water. If your feline becomes playful and exuberant around water, you don’t have to worry about your pet losing its cool during bath time. 

3. Stalking The Shower

If your Google search history contains the term ‘Maine Coon cat Like Water’ here’s another pointer to decipher your cat’s feelings about H2O. Try to remember if your Maine Coon has ever followed you into the bath or shower. 

If your pet insists on accompanying you when you’re bathing or showering, it’s letting you know it feels safe around water. If your feline likes walking on the bathtub edges and dipping paws in the water, that’s a daredevil of a kitty with no fear of getting wet. 

4. Guarding The Tap

We’ve already mentioned how some Maine Coons like sitting near faucets and sinks in the kitchen and bathroom, waiting for someone to turn the water on.

If your feline behaves like a tap guard or has ingeniously figured out how to work the tap itself, you can be sure this isn’t about your Maine Coon drinking Water. 

Nope, your fur baby is letting you know playing with water is important enough to spend hours waiting near the water source for a chance to get his paws wet. 

5. Getting His Tail Wet

Another way to detect whether Maine Coon in Water will behave during bath time is to look for a very specific action. Have you seen your Maine Cat dipping his tail in water only to flick water everywhere? 

If yes, your fur baby is also a water baby. More often than not, felines don’t want to have anything to do with water unless they’re thirsty.

So, if you see your kitty wetting his tail deliberately and then using it to scatter water droplets, your furry pal will likely be having fun. 

6. Fascination With Moving Water

While observing your Maine Coon cat in Water can tell you loads about how it feels getting wet, here’s another pro tip to help. If your feline prefers to drink from the tap or the water fountain only, your fur baby is fascinated with moving water. Generally, when cats don’t like water, they avoid going anywhere near taps and showerheads. 

7. Lounging In The Bathtub

It’s not often you see a feline taking a nap or getting comfy in places like the shower or the bathtub. While cats with long coats like resting on bathroom tiles because they’re cool, they don’t venture near areas where they know water comes from. 

So, if your Maine Coon doesn’t mind taking a nap or getting cozy in a wet or semi-wet bathtub, your kitty is possibly the kind that likes water. 

8. Bathing In Water

Cats can learn to tolerate water and bath time if they learn to accept it during kittenhood.

But, if your Maine Coon Cat likes bathing in a bathtub fill with a water, then you can be sure that your feline loves water. That’s because not every kitten likes to be in paw-deep water. 

9. Playing With Toys In The Water

While this is pretty rare, there have been reports of Maine Coons playing with rubber ducks and the like during bath time. This highlights an extraordinary amount of ease with H2O, and you should expect it from all cats.

But, if you’re lucky enough to have a feline that likes to enjoy bath time, consider yourself very lucky. Your pet is one in a million. 

10. In-home Fishing

Have you caught your Maine Coon trying to go fishing (catch fish) from your aquarium and blamed it on your feline’s hunting instinct? The truth is, your pet may not actually be trying to catch its next meal but having fun playing with water. 

What to do when your Maine Coon Cats Like Water too much?

There are pet parents who say their Maine Coons Like Water, but then there are owners who say their felines are obsessed with the stuff. If you suspect your Maine Coon Cats Like Water a little too much, this section has pointers to help you control the situation. Here’s how. 

Use A Silicone Mat

If your feline loves turning its drinking bowl over and making a watery mess, invest in a silicone mat. Silicone mats are non-slip, which means your fur baby won’t be able to slide the mat around. These mats also provide a grip for whatever you place on them, so your cat won’t be able to overturn the bowl easily. 

Keep The Food And Water Bowl Apart

If your feline’s love of water leads to soggy cat biscuits or the food bowl filled with water puddles, try placing the food and water bowls at some distance from each other.

Doing so might also help curb your Maine Cat’s instinct to turn over the water bowl because he’ll have to walk between bowls during mealtime. 

Curtail Access To The Bathroom

One of the easiest ways to curtail your Maine Coon’s frolicking in water is to keep the bathroom door closed. If your feline likes playing with water in the sink or tub, you can keep them out of trouble by ensuring they don’t get the chance to go after water sources they like best. 

Create A Safe Environment For Your Cat To Play In

If your Maine Coon is a water baby, it’s best not to keep it from what it loves completely. Instead, you can work out a way to create a safe space for your cat to play in. For example, you can allow your feline to play in water once or twice a week by filling some water in the tub and adding its favorite toys to the mix. 

Why does my Maine Coon not like water?

As we stated earlier, there are Maine Coons that don’t share their breed’s liking for water. There may be several reasons why your Maine Cat doesn’t like water.

Let’s start with the most likely cause, exposure. Once upon a time, Maine Coons were mousers aboard ships, which meant they had to get used to water or getting wet. However, nowadays, Maine Cats are popular as feline companions, meaning they have no need to acquaint themselves with water except at bath time. 

If your Maine Coon is not a big fan of H2O, it’s possible it comes from a long line of felines with no exposure to water other than when it’s necessary. Not introducing your cat to water during its kitten years may have also increased your cat’s dislike of water. 

Another explanation for this behavior is that Maine Coons have a dense coat that requires a lot of maintenance. Their fur is water-resistant, meaning it takes a long time to dry when they get wet and can become matted. Since Maine Coons are careful groomers, they may avoid getting wet to keep their fur in good condition.

Maine Coon and Water

The relationship between Maine Coons and Water is surprising to some because felines aren’t typically crazy about the stuff. This makes water-loving cat breeds like Maine Cats fascinating to the cat community. 

However, the important thing to note about Maine Coon Cats and Water is that not all Maine Cats like getting wet. Whether it’s related to keeping their fur dry and groomed or not having enough exposure to water, some Maine Cats like keeping themselves dry at all times. 

If your Maine Coon cat and Water don’t mix, it’s best not to introduce your feline to the stuff in one go. Instead, allow your fur baby to get used to water in degrees.

For example, try cleaning your cat with a warm and damp towel a few times instead of progressing directly to bathing. 

It’s also essential not to drop your feline in a tub full of water, no matter its feelings about water. Some cats may react with fear if there’s too much water in the tub. Keep the water paw-deep so your cat can stay safe while having fun. 

Do Maine Coons Like Baths?

Bathing a Maine Coon might seem a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. But do Maine Coons actually like baths? The answer is it depends on the individual cat. Some Maine Coons love water and enjoy taking baths, while others hate it and will do everything they can to avoid it.

If your Maine Coon enjoys water, then bathing can be a fun experience for both you and your cat. You can use this opportunity to bond with your pet and make bath time a positive experience.

However, if your Maine Coon hates water, then forcing them to take a bath can be a traumatic experience. It can make your cat stressed and anxious, and they may become aggressive or fearful.

It’s important to note that Maine Coons are naturally clean animals and do not need to be bathed frequently. Bathing Maine Cats too often can strip their fur of natural oils and result in skin problems. 

Should I bathe my Maine Coon?

Bathing Maine Coons is a must if you want to maintain your feline’s grooming and hygiene. However, unless your cat is super dirty, bathing your pet once a month is more than enough. 

When bathing your cat, use a cat-friendly shampoo with organic ingredients to promote fur and skin health. Also, ensure the water or soap doesn’t enter your pet’s eyes or ears. Water in a cat’s ear can lead to ear infections and should be avoided. 

How often should you bathe a Maine Coon Cat?

You can bathe your Maine Coon once every four to six weeks. Although, if your feline has outdoor access or has managed to soil its fur with dirt, you can break the once-a-month rule and give your pet a quick bath to restore its hygiene. 

How to bathe a Maine Coon Cat?

Bathing Maine Coon Cats can be a challenging task, but with advice and preparation, it can be a stress-free experience for both you and your cat. Here are the steps to follow for a hassle-free Maine Coon Cat bath:

Step 1: Prepare the Bathing Supplies

Choose a warm room with a flat surface to bathe your cat. Cover the surface with a non-slip mat to prevent your pet from slipping. Fill the bathtub with paw-deep warm water.

Make sure the water temperature is comfortable for your cat. Gather all your necessary bathing supplies, including the best cat shampoo for Maine Coon, a cup or spray nozzle, and towels.

Step 2: Brush Your Cat’s Coat

Before bathing your Maine Coon, brush its coat thoroughly to remove any tangles or mats. This will make working the Maine Coon shampoo through the coat easier and prevent further matting. You can use a wide-tooth comb or a slicker brush for this task.

Step 3: Wet Your Cat’s Coat

Use the cup or spray nozzle to wet your cat’s coat with warm water. Avoid getting water in your cat’s ears or eyes. Wet the coat thoroughly, making sure there are no dry spots.

Step 4: Apply Shampoo

Take a small amount of the best shampoo for Maine Coon(s) and apply it to your cat’s coat and work it into the fur.

Be gentle and avoid rubbing too hard. Pay special attention to areas that accumulate dirt, such as the belly, armpits, and tail.

Next, rinse the shampoo for Maine Coons off with warm water.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Make sure all the shampoo for Maine Coon Cats is rinsed out of your cat’s coat. Use the cup or spray nozzle to rinse your cat’s coat with warm water thoroughly. Make sure there is no shampoo Maine Coon residue left on the coat.

Step 6: Dry Your Cat

Try and rid your Maine Coon’s fur of excess water by pressing your hands to its fur gently. Next, wrap your pet in a towel and gently pat them dry. Don’t be tempted to rub the fur because this can hurt your feline and damage its coat. 

You can also use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process, but make sure it’s not too hot. Keep your cat warm until they are completely dry.

Step 7: Reward Your Cat

After the bath, reward your cat with treats and praise. This will help them associate bathing with positive experiences.

Can Maine Coon Cats swim?

Many cat owners are curious about the topic of Maine Coon swimming. Maine Cats are also active and adventurous cats that enjoy exploring their surroundings, including bodies of water.

While not all cats are natural swimmers, Maine Coons are born with a natural inclination and ability to swim. They often play in the water or dip their paws into a pond. Swimming is a great form of exercise for Maine Coons, and it can help them burn off excess energy.

It’s important to note that not all Maine Coons will enjoy swimming or feel comfortable in the water. As with any activity, monitoring your cat’s behavior and comfort level is essential to ensure their safety. 

Do Maine Coon Cats like to swim?

There’s no hard-and-fast rule about Maine Coon Cat swimming. Some Maine Cats like water and swimming, while others don’t.

No matter your feline’s preferences for H2O, it’s essential to never force your cat to do something.

For instance, if your pet isn’t comfortable about taking baths, try and get your fur baby used to the experience in small degrees. 

Various other Cats that Like Water

Believe it or not, there are quite a few other Cats that Like Water besides Maine Coons. These felines enjoy playing in the water to pass the time just as much as Maine Cats. Scroll below to learn more about this topic. 

What other Cats Like Water?

If you thought all cats hate water, think again! While most cats do not enjoy getting wet, some breeds actually love water and enjoy playing in it. If you’re looking for a cat that Likes Water, the compilation below can help.

Turkish Van

This breed is often called the “swimming cat” because it loves water. Turkish Vans are playful and energetic cats that enjoy being in and around water.

Bengal

Bengal cats are known for their love of water and enjoy getting wet. They are curious cats that love to explore their surroundings and have the advantage of a water-repellent coat that makes them great swimmers.

RELATED: Maine Coon Bengal Mix (Complete Guide)

Abyssinian

What other Cats Like Water? Say hello to the Abys. Abyssinians are playful cats that enjoy frolicking in the water. Abyssinians are often found playing in water bowls or splashing in puddles.

American Shorthair

This is a popular breed that is known for its love of water. Like Maine Coons, American Shorthairs are often found lounging around water sources or drinking from faucets.

What are some big Cats that Like Water?

When it comes to big Cats that Like Water, one of the most well-known is the Tiger. Tigers are excellent swimmers and often take a dip in rivers and lakes to cool off. They have been known to swim up to three miles at a time and can catch fish with their paws. 

Another big cat that enjoys water is the Tigre Americano. Jaguars hail from Central and South America and are found near bodies of water. They are excellent swimmers and have been known to hunt fish, turtles, and even caimans in the water.

So, Do Maine Coon Cats Like Water?

We’re at the end of our Maine Coon-centric guide about the breed’s love for the water, and hope all your queries have been answered. While most Maine Cats like water, some aren’t crazy about getting wet. In the end, keeping your feline’s preferences in mind when coming up with a play or hygiene routine is what matters. 

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