I daresay that a cat in the water is like a fish out of water. But even though most breeds avoid large bodies of water and even the slightest chance to get wet (as an owner of the long gorgeous fur, I don’t blame them at all), there are cats who take to water like ducks to a pond, feeling right at home rather than finding it intimidating.
But we are talking about only my breed here. So, do Ragdoll cats like water, and can they swim? I, your beloved Ragdoll Kylie, will help you figure it out today.
Do Ragdoll Cats Like Water?
We Ragdolls are fascinating and diverse animals. Every one of us has our own characteristics, preferences, personalities, and habits. Some cats prefer to spend the majority of their time resting and sleeping, some love to play, while others are agile hunters. But do Ragdolls like water? Well, guys, the answer about the Ragdoll-water relationship is not as simple as it might seem at first glance.
Broadly speaking, most cats detest it and even fear it to some extent. Of course, I’m talking primarily about large bodies of water and slippery bathtubs because, for example, the water in a bowl or a puddle after the rain doesn’t give us a fright at all. Getting our paw beans wet with the water flowing from the tap or taking a sip from the toilet – oh boy, we absolutely love it!
So it’s hard to say for sure whether Ragdoll cats like water in general. At the very least, we need a bowl of water to quench thirst, and everything else is a matter of the cat’s character and personality.
Why Are Ragdolls Afraid of Water?
There is as yet no scientific explanation as to why Ragdoll cats don’t like water. One assumption is that we lose our characteristic smell in the water, which is necessary to distinguish ourselves from other cats in our territory. But for me personally, our thick, long fur soaks up too much water, increasing our weight when swimming and making it harder to clean & dry afterward. This can be an unfamiliar and bothersome feeling for cats, and I’m sure most of my fellow brothers and sisters will support me here.
We Ragdolls are curious and love to explore our surroundings. If a curious kitten gets too close to the edge of the full bathtub and slips in, it could be traumatized so much that it will retain this negative memory for the rest of its life. Therefore, the mother cat will definitely keep her kittens away from the tub and lay the foundation of the Ragdoll cat-water relationship, teaching them that water is scary from a very young age.
Can Ragdolls Swim?
Most cats like touching the water with their paw; however, they don’t appreciate immersing their whole body in it. If your pet accidentally falls into the water, though, it becomes clear that Ragdolls can swim and will paddle to shore safely. In fact, swimming is our innate skill that helps save ourselves in such situations.
As soon as they are in the water, Ragdolls make reflex swimming movements to keep themselves afloat. Even light waves do not cause them any difficulties. The exception is waters with strong currents, like rivers or seas – but most of us instinctively stay away from these anyway.
Of course, Ragdolls can swim in more favorable conditions and even have a blast! A great proof of this is a number of YouTube videos showing Ragdoll cats swimming in the pool without any issues (yeeeah, I won’t do that even for a million fish crackers). However, it is clear that their goal is always to get out of the water.
I don’t recommend repeating this practice with your pet unprepared, as your cat can easily panic, get traumatized, and begin to distrust you. Are million views worth it? Hence, double-check if your Ragdoll and water are a perfect match before setting your YouTube/TikTok career in motion.
What if a Ragdoll Doesn’t Like Water?
Well, there’s probably nothing you can do about it personally. If your Ragdoll cat doesn’t like water, somehow forcing them to love them won’t bring much results. On the contrary, it will only cause stress and possible distrust towards you.
The best thing you can do is to keep them away from large bodies of water. For example, if your cat likes going for a walk outside, you should make sure that there are no water traps on your property.
Rain barrel, pool, and garden pond – Ragdolls can fall in unintentionally. It then also depends on the water level and whether they can get out again on their own. So, if your Ragdoll loves taking a stroll without your super, make your garden cat-proof by covering your rain barrel. This will prevent cats from falling in in the first place. There are special “cat savers” for pools, which you simply click onto the edge of the pool. The cat can then get out of the water on its own and jump over the edge.
If we are talking about home conditions, then you should pay attention to the washroom and try to keep your Ragdoll out of it when you are fetching water for having a soak.
Tips to Accustom Your Ragdoll Cat to Water
Nevertheless, you can help your pet tame water so that they won’t skedaddle at the very sight of it. The main thing is to accustom your Ragdoll cat to water from a young age, posture-wise, and monitor their reaction along the way.
So, to help your Ragdoll cat like water, try following these tips:
- Gradually accustom your cat to the sound and sight of water by opening a tap near them or buying a cat fountain that creates a constant stream of water and allows them to smell or touch it.
- In a place where your pet often hangs out, put an easily accessible shallow bowl of water.
- Periodically and gently wipe your Ragdoll with a warm, damp cloth.
- Try to shower them several times after that, letting them in up to 10-15 cm of warm water, soothingly talking to them constantly, and offering treats afterward.
Last but not least, listen to your cat’s preferences and do everything you can to make them feel comfortable. Ragdoll cat and water may not be 100% compatible, but dedication and consistency can make miracles happen!
Well, and if it still doesn’t work out, there’s no point crying over spilled milk; better pour some into your pet’s bowl and enjoy bath-free life together!
