Why Do Maine Coon Cats Like Water?(complete guide)
Have you ever observed a Maine Coon feline dedicating extended periods to gently swatting at the liquid within its receptacle, inadvertently creating an aquatic spectacle across the floor?
If you have, you’ve undoubtedly pondered the intriguing question: What instigates the profound affinity that Maine Coon cats harbor for water?
Maine Coon cats possess an innate adoration for water, often immersing themselves in aquatic play for protracted durations. Their fur, partly resistant to moisture, safeguards against cold and dampness, allowing them to freely engage with water, engage in aquatic exploits, and even indulge in bathing. Maine Coons exhibit adept swimming abilities, displaying an affinity for sipping from dripping faucets and playfully interacting with their water vessels.
While this may seem an unusual inquiry, rest assured that this distinctive conduct among Maine Coon cats is far from an isolated occurrence!
Numerous owners find themselves captivated by and charmed by the Maine Coon cat’s infatuation with water.
Continue reading to decipher the enigma behind the Maine Coon cat’s penchant for water, and discover our practical methods for bidding farewell to soggy socks and damp feet!
Do Maine Coon Cats Harbor a Fondness for Water? In stark contrast to the majority of feline breeds, the Maine Coon cat exhibits an intrinsic fascination with water.
In fact, this affection for water is so ingrained in their character that breed connoisseurs have officially recognized it as a prominent hallmark of the Maine Coon breed.
Maine Coons, far from recoiling from water, actively gravitate toward it.
Thus, if you ever find yourself inquisitive about the whereabouts of your Maine Coon, consider investigating these locales to determine if your feline companion is partaking in aquatic exploits:
- Delicately pawing at the liquid within their water receptacle.
- Quenching their thirst from a trickling faucet.
- Immersing themselves in a bathtub filled with water.
- Engaging with water in the kitchen sink.
- Partaking in a refreshing drink from your shower tray.
- Venturing into a swimming pool or natural lake.
While felines are often stereotypically averse to water, it may astonish you to learn that the Maine Coon’s affinity for water is far from an exclusive phenomenon.
Owners of the following feline breeds are also likely to observe their cats’ enthusiastic engagement with water:
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Turkish Angora
- Bengal
- Savannah
- Maz
- Turkish Van
- Snowshoe
- Abyssinian
What Drives the Maine Coon Cat’s Adoration of Water? Despite the mystique that enshrouds the lineage of the Maine Coon breed, speculation hints at its potential descent from either the Norwegian Forest Cat or the Turkish Angora.
Curiously, these two feline breeds are equally renowned for their fondness for water.
Is there veracity within these enduring folkloric narratives?
What motivates the Maine Coon cat’s profound fondness for water?
Maine Coon: A Watery Affection
Pervasive Folklore Legends Throughout the ages, numerous speculations have arisen regarding the true lineage of the Maine Coon cat breed.
Three enduring folklore legends have emerged as prevailing narratives, some even gaining prominence with the passage of time!
When examining the rationale behind the Maine Coon cat’s predilection for water, it becomes imperative to consider these folklore myths, as they may hold the key to the Maine Coons’ ancestral heritage.
- Viking Mariners’ Companions One of the most pervasive myths posits that the Maine Coon cat lineage traces back to the companionship of Viking seafarers.
Historical accounts recount the presence of long-haired cats, possibly Norwegian Forest Cats, aboard Viking ships. These felines, celebrated for their exceptional prowess in rodent control, found a niche as esteemed shipboard “mousers.”
The underlying premise of this folklore narrative is that these feline mariners, accustomed to life at sea, did not harbor the typical aversion to water shared by their land-bound counterparts.
Legend has it that during a layover in Maine, one of these long-haired shipboard cats interbred with a local domestic shorthair, ultimately giving rise to the Maine Coon cat breed we recognize today.
Advocates of this legend assert that the Maine Coon shares its lineage with the Norwegian Forest Cat, offering a plausible explanation for its affinity for water. This hypothesis garners further support from the Maine Coon’s reputation as an adept mouser and hunter.
For deeper insights into the distinctive characteristics of Maine Coon cats, consider perusing our complementary article.
Alternatively, if you are curious about discerning the disparities and similarities between the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest cat, navigate here to access my article.
Maine Coon vs. Norwegian Forest Cat
- Marie Antoinette’s Feline Entourage The second folklore narrative linking the Maine Coon cat’s lineage to the past connects this water-loving feline with Marie Antoinette, the former Queen of France.
Could it be possible that the Maine Coon cat breed boasts a regal heritage?
Historical records recount Marie Antoinette’s desperate bid to flee France during the tumultuous French Revolution, undertaken by ship. Her attachment to her splendid long-haired feline companions ran so deep that she implored Captain Samuel Clough to extend safe passage to six Turkish Angora long-haired cats, who accompanied her on this ill-fated voyage to the United States.
Regrettably, her quest for escape met a tragic end, culminating in her execution in 1793. Nevertheless, her cherished Turkish Angora feline companions enjoyed a more fortunate fate, arriving safely in the United States, where Captain Clough graciously set them free, in the region of Maine.
The essence of this legend is that these long-haired Turkish Angora felines, equally smitten with water, later interbred with the local short-haired domestic cats of Maine during their sojourn.
- The Raccoon Connection The final folklore myth proffering an explanation for the Maine Coon cat’s affinity for water posits that this breed is part raccoon!
The core tenet of this myth suggests that a semi-wild domestic cat once mated with a raccoon in the annals of history, thereby giving rise to the Maine Coon cat breed as we know it today.
Despite the seemingly fantastical nature of this legend, scientists have conclusively debunked its biological feasibility.
So, if scientific inquiry has dispelled the genetic link between the Maine Coon cat and the raccoon, why does this folklore endure?
The persistence of this myth is likely attributable to the striking resemblances shared by these two creatures, including visual similarities, a bushy tail, a penchant for water, semi-prehensile paws, a black ring encircling the tail,
and a significant physical stature.
Given these striking parallels, it’s understandable why this legend has endured over time. However, it’s safe to assert that the purported connection to raccoons is not the driving force behind the Maine Coon cat’s affinity for water.
For further elucidation on the potential links between these two species, delve into my article titled “Is A Maine Coon Part-Raccoon?”
Assessing Your Maine Coon’s Water Inclinations Cats are creatures of singular idiosyncrasies. While Maine Coon cats, as a breed, tend to harbor a profound fondness for water, it’s unwise to make any presumptions about individual preferences.
So, how can you discern whether your purebred Maine Coon possesses an affinity for water?
Here are some telltale signs that your Maine Coon may harbor a deep-seated love for aquatic encounters:
- Your Maine Coon ventures into the shower while you’re bathing.
- Your feline companion engages with the water residue in the shower tray, even when the shower is switched off.
- Your cat enjoys playfully pawing at the water in their bowl.
- You catch your cat sipping from a running faucet.
- Your intelligent Maine Coon learns to manipulate the faucet, enabling them to engage with the water at will.
- After your shower, your Maine Coon affectionately rubs against your damp legs.
- You discover your feline companion nestled in the sink, where remnants of water persist.
- Your cat exhibits a penchant for swimming, whether it be in your bath, a pond, or even a swimming pool.
- Your cat demonstrates no qualms about being cleansed with a lukewarm wet sponge or cloth.
- Your Maine Coon displays a mischievous disposition, occasionally tipping over glasses of water for playful interaction.
- You encounter your cat indulging in a less-than-ideal source of hydration: the toilet bowl!
Navigating the Waters of Excessive Fondness Maine Coon kittens are a veritable wellspring of playful antics and charm. Their adorable antics often elicit indulgence and amusement from their doting owners. However, like children, there comes a time when your Maine Coon kitten must transition to adulthood.
In instances where a Maine Coon becomes excessively fixated on water, this can pose a challenge. The issue lies in the fact that such behavior may have been tacitly condoned when your kitten was younger, owing to its endearing qualities. Yet, from a pragmatic perspective, the charm of wet kitchen floors or a fully submerged Maine Coon in a shower tray may have diminished over time.
So, what can be done to mitigate the deluge of water splashed across your kitchen, bathroom, and utility room floors?
The most effective strategy involves channeling your Maine Coon‘s profound intelligence and curiosity. Encourage your cat to engage with toys that provide both mental stimulation and physical exertion.
These are my favored Maine Coon toys, which our adult Maine Coon finds irresistibly captivating.
Once you’ve acquired these engaging cat toys, simply deploy them whenever you intend to partake in a shower or bath. These diversions will effectively divert your Maine Coon’s attention away from its aquatic inclinations.
One particularly favored Maine Coon toy boasts features that encourage movement, mental acuity, and includes a built-in scratching mat at its core. Discover more details here.
Alternatively, if you’re content with your Maine Coon’s presence in the bathroom, consider situating one of these toys adjacent to the bath or shower. This will ensure your feline companion remains entertained while you conduct your ablutions.
Subsequently, once you’ve completed your bathing regimen, be sure to secure the toilet lid and close the bathroom door behind you. This precaution will prevent your Maine Coon from returning to indulge in aquatic pursuits.
Do Maine Coons Delight in Baths? Many Maine Coon cats derive genuine pleasure from swimming and frolicking in the bathtub, as exemplified in the video below, where a Maine Coon playfully bats a ball around a bath.
Credit for the video goes to the YouTube channel ‘Oli S’.
For those contemplating the prospect of bathing their Maine Coon cats, it is advisable to initiate this practice while your cat is still in its kitten phase. Kittens, renowned for their exuberance, activity levels, and occasional mischievousness, are more amenable to acclimatizing to bathing and swimming in the tub.
This approach capitalizes on their adaptability, as adult Maine Coons, particularly the males, tend to be more resolute and set in their ways. Consequently, they may exhibit greater reluctance when confronted with the prospect of bathing and aquatic endeavors.
Is Bathing Your Maine Coon a Necessity? It is important to note that it is not obligatory for owners to bathe their Maine Coon cats. Cats, by nature, are impeccably fastidious creatures, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to maintaining their fur in pristine condition.
In fact, cats are celebrated for their innate cleanliness. This arises from their intrinsic psychological dependence on maintaining clean and healthy fur. Should a cat’s coat become severely matted, it will experience profound distress, adversely affecting its overall well-being.
There may be specific scenarios, however, in which an owner might opt to bathe their Maine Coon cat:
- To eliminate loose, dead hair from the cat’s coat.
- When the cat has become soiled, such as through outdoor activities.
- If the cat suffers from a dry skin condition.
- When the cat exhibits an excess of dander on its fur.
- To minimize shedding levels of cat fur.
How Frequently Should You Bathe Your Maine Coon? For those contemplating the introduction of bathing into their Maine Coon cat’s routine, it is crucial to establish a consistent schedule. Failing to do so may result in resistance from your Maine Coon kitten, making it less amenable to this grooming ritual.
Ideally, Maine Coon cats should be bathed no less than once a month. This routine ensures the removal of excess dander, diminishes shedding, and preserves the cleanliness and health of your cat’s dense, luxurious coat.
Bathing Your Maine Coon: Key Considerations Two essential considerations must be borne in mind when embarking on the bathing process for your Maine Coon cat:
- Groom your Maine Coon before commencing the bath.
- Use only cat shampoo specially formulated for feline use.
Grooming your Maine Coon is imperative to ensure that any loose or matted fur is addressed before the bathing process begins. The use of cat shampoo tailored to feline requirements guarantees a safe and effective cleansing experience for your beloved pet.
In conclusion, while the Maine Coon cat’s penchant for water may remain a subject of intrigue, understanding their water-loving nature can enhance your bond with these exceptional felines. By recognizing their unique characteristics and catering to their individual preferences, you can ensure a harmonious coexistence with your Maine Coon companion.