When you think of cats, their affinity for water probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, some breeds absolutely thrive in aquatic environments, showing a surprising love for splashing around! From kittens playfully dipping their paws in water bowls to adventurous adults who enjoy a swim, these felines break the typical cat stereotype. Breeds like the Turkish Van and Norwegian Forest Cat are well-known for embracing water, even making bath time a fun activity. Get ready to meet 22 cat breeds that adore water and discover the fascinating traits that set them apart!

1. Turkish Van

The Turkish Van is renowned for its unique affinity for water, often earning the nickname “swimming cat.”

This love stems from its origins in the Lake Van region of Turkey, where these cats developed an instinct for swimming.

Their semi-long, water-resistant coat protects them from the cold, making them well-suited for aquatic activities.

Turkish Vans are also known for their playful and adventurous nature, which draws them to water sources like rivers and lakes.

Their curious personalities encourage them to engage with water, whether splashing in it or paddling around, showcasing their playful spirit and confidence in an environment that many cats typically avoid.

2. Maine Coon

Maine Coons are well known for their love of water, a trait that surprises many cat owners.

Originating in the rugged northeastern United States, these cats were bred to adapt to a harsh climate, leading to their water-resistant fur that keeps them warm and dry.

Their large size and strong build make them natural swimmers, allowing them to navigate through streams and ponds with ease.

Maine Coons are also playful and curious, often attracted to running water.

Whether it’s splashing in their water bowls or investigating the bathtub, their playful spirit shines through, showcasing their affinity for aquatic adventures while bonding with their humans.

3. Bengal

Bengal cats are known for their striking appearance and unique love for water, a trait that sets them apart from many other breeds.

This fascination can be traced back to their wild ancestry, as they are descendants of the Asian leopard cat, which often encounters water in its natural habitat.

Bengals are highly energetic and playful, and water provides an exciting outlet for their adventurous spirits.

Their sleek, athletic bodies make them excellent swimmers, and many Bengals enjoy splashing in sinks or bathtubs.

This playful behavior not only showcases their intelligence but also highlights their instinctual connection to water, making them delightful companions for aquatic fun.

4. Japanese Bobtail

Japanese Bobtails have a unique affinity for water, a characteristic that has deep cultural roots in Japan.

These cats were historically depicted in art and folklore, often associated with good fortune and prosperity, which included their playful interactions with water.

Their lively and curious nature drives them to explore their surroundings, including any nearby water sources.

Japanese Bobtails have a distinctive coat that is water-resistant, allowing them to enjoy splashing around without discomfort.

Their playful demeanor makes them more willing to engage in water activities, whether it’s batting at water droplets or playing in shallow pools, adding to their charm as delightful companions.

5. Sphynx

Sphynx cats are known for their hairless appearance, but their love for water is one of their most endearing traits.

This playful breed often seeks out water for fun, whether it’s splashing in a bowl or joining their owners in the shower.

Their unique lack of fur makes them more temperature-sensitive, leading them to enjoy warm water as a way to stay comfortable.

Additionally, Sphynx cats are highly social and enjoy interactive play, so water activities provide an engaging way to bond with their humans.

Their adventurous spirit and curiosity drive them to explore aquatic environments, showcasing their lively personalities and affectionate nature.

6. Turkish Angora

Turkish Angoras are famously drawn to water, a trait that originates from their historical roots in Turkey, particularly around Lake Van.

Their long, silky coats are not only beautiful but also water-resistant, allowing them to thrive in aquatic environments.

This breed is characterized by its playful and curious nature, often seeking out water sources to explore and play in.

Many Turkish Angoras enjoy swimming, displaying an innate confidence and comfort in water that is rare among cats.

Their fascination with water can also be seen in their love for playing with running faucets or splashing in shallow pools, showcasing their energetic personalities and adventurous spirit.

7. Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cats have a natural inclination to water, a trait linked to their origins in the rugged landscapes of Norway.

These cats developed thick, water-resistant fur that helps them stay dry and warm, making them well-suited for their cold, wet environment.

Their strong, muscular build allows them to be agile swimmers, which is particularly useful in their native habitat where rivers and lakes are common.

Norwegian Forest Cats are also playful and curious, often drawn to running water and engaging in splashy play.

This adventurous spirit encourages them to explore their surroundings, leading to their reputation as “water-loving” felines, always ready for a new aquatic adventure.

8. Siberian

Siberian cats are known for their impressive rapport with water, a trait that can be attributed to their origins in the harsh climates of Siberia.

These cats possess a thick, water-resistant coat that keeps them warm and dry, enabling them to thrive in wet conditions.

Their strong, muscular build makes them proficient swimmers, allowing them to navigate rivers and lakes with ease.

Siberians are also naturally curious and playful, often engaging in water-related activities, such as splashing in their water bowls or batting at droplets.

This love for water not only showcases their adventurous spirit but also highlights their adaptability to various environments, making them delightful companions.

9. Aegean

Aegean cats are also known for their liking of water, a trait deeply rooted in their origins on the islands of the Aegean Sea.

This breed developed as natural swimmers, using their agility to navigate the coastal waters while hunting for fish.

Their medium-length, water-resistant fur helps keep them dry, making them comfortable in wet environments.

Aegeans are playful and inquisitive, often engaging with water through splashing or playing in shallow areas.

Their affinity for water also reflects their adventurous personalities, as they enjoy exploring and interacting with their surroundings, making them charming and lively companions for families.

10. Savannah

Savannah cats are known for their striking appearance and energetic personalities, and many of them also have a surprising affinity for water.

This attraction can be traced back to their wild ancestors, the serval, which often encounters water in their natural habitat of the African savannah.

Savannahs are naturally curious and playful, which encourages them to engage with water, whether it’s splashing in a bowl or investigating a dripping faucet.

Their athletic build and strong instincts make them agile swimmers, allowing them to enjoy aquatic activities more than many domestic cats.

This playful behavior not only showcases their adventurous spirit but also highlights their unique connection to their wild heritage.

11. Abyssinian

Abyssinian cats are known for their playful and inquisitive nature, and many exhibit a surprising love for water.

This fascination may stem from their active lifestyle and natural curiosity, as they are one of the oldest known breeds with origins in ancient Egypt.

Abyssinians are agile and athletic, often using their skills to explore various environments, including water.

Their unique ticked coat, which resembles the wild cats of Africa, also contributes to their adventurous spirit.

Many Abyssinians enjoy playing with water by batting at droplets or splashing in their bowls, making it a delightful way for them to engage with their surroundings and bond with their owners.

12. Ragdoll

Ragdoll cats, known for their striking blue eyes and gentle personalities, often display an unexpected fondness for water.

This breed’s easygoing nature encourages exploration and playfulness, making water an intriguing element for them.

Many Ragdolls are drawn to the sound and movement of water, whether it’s a running faucet or a bathtub filled with a few inches of water.

Their semi-long, silky fur also helps them stay comfortable in wet environments, further enhancing their enjoyment.

This playful interaction with water not only reflects their curious disposition but also allows for unique bonding moments with their human companions, showcasing their affectionate and sociable traits.

13. British Shorthair

British Shorthairs may not be the first breed that comes to mind when you think of cats that love water, but many individuals within this breed display a surprising curiosity toward it.

Known for their calm and easygoing temperament, British Shorthairs often enjoy interactive play, which can include engaging with water.

Their robust build and dense coat provide some comfort when they venture near water sources, allowing them to explore without discomfort.

While not all British Shorthairs will jump into a bathtub, many will happily play with running water or bat at droplets, reflecting their inquisitive nature and providing delightful moments for their families.

14. Chartreux

Chartreux cats, with their striking blue eyes and plush gray coats, can have a unique fondness for water that surprises many cat owners.

Originating from France, these cats are known for their playful and adventurous personalities, which often lead them to explore their surroundings, including water sources.

Chartreux are naturally curious and may engage in water play, whether it’s batting at a dripping faucet or splashing in a shallow bowl.

Their muscular build and strong, agile bodies make them adept swimmers, adding to their comfort around water.

This playful behavior not only showcases their intelligence but also highlights their affectionate nature, as they enjoy interacting with their human companions during these aquatic adventures.

15. Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds are renowned for their distinctive folded ears and sweet demeanor, but many of these charming cats also have a surprising interest in water.

Their playful and curious nature often leads them to explore various elements of their environment, including water sources.

Scottish Folds tend to be quite social and enjoy interactive play, which may include splashing in their water dishes or pawing at faucets.

This playful behavior showcases their intelligence and adaptability, allowing them to engage with their surroundings in unique ways.

While not all Scottish Folds will take to water, those that do find joy in it often bring delight to their families with their antics and affectionate personalities.

16. Himalayan

Himalayan cats, known for their stunning blue eyes and luxurious long fur, often exhibit a fondness for water.

This playful breed enjoys engaging with its environment, and many Himalayan cats are drawn to the movement and sound of water.

Their calm and sociable nature makes them open to exploration, allowing them to investigate running faucets or even join their humans during bath time.

While not all Himalayans will jump into the water, those that do display a curious and adventurous spirit.

This behavior provides unique bonding moments with their families, showcasing their affectionate personalities and love for interactive play.

17. Russian Blue

Russian Blue cats are known for their stunning green eyes and elegant, dense blue-gray coats, but many in this breed also show an affinity for water.

Their curious and playful nature encourages them to explore their surroundings, including engaging with water sources.

Russian Blues are often drawn to the sound of running water, and some enjoy playing with faucets or splashing in shallow dishes.

This attraction may stem from their intelligent and active personalities, making water a stimulating element for play.

While not all Russian Blues will leap into the water, those who do enjoy it often create delightful moments for their families, reflecting their affectionate and lively character.

18. Cymric

Cymric cats, with their sturdy build and charming personalities, often exhibit an attraction for water.

This breed, known for its long-haired variety and playful demeanor, is naturally curious and enjoys exploring its surroundings.

Many Cymrics are drawn to water due to their adventurous spirits, engaging in playful antics like splashing in their water bowls or batting at dripping faucets.

Their muscular bodies and agile movements make them comfortable around water, allowing for a confident exploration.

This love for water not only provides entertainment for these cats but also fosters delightful interactions with their families, showcasing their affectionate and playful nature.

19. Korat

Korat cats, known for their striking silver-blue coat and vivid green eyes, often display a curious bond to water, setting them apart from many other breeds.

Originating from Thailand, these cats are playful and intelligent, which drives them to explore their environment, including any nearby water sources.

Korats are known to engage with running water, showing interest in faucets and even enjoying a splash or two during playtime.

Their strong, agile bodies make them comfortable around water, allowing them to indulge their curiosity without hesitation.

This affinity for water adds an extra layer of charm to their affectionate and social nature, making them delightful companions for families.

20. Munchkin

Munchkin cats, recognized for their short legs and playful demeanor, often display an liking for water.

Their playful and curious nature drives them to explore their surroundings, leading many to investigate water sources with enthusiasm.

Munchkins are known to enjoy splashing in their water dishes or batting at droplets from a running faucet, engaging in playful antics that delight their owners.

Despite their unique stature, their agility and playful spirit allow them to navigate watery environments with ease.

This playful relationship with water not only highlights their adventurous personalities but also strengthens their bond with their human companions through interactive play.