Why do Cats Hate Getting Baths?

Question

Our cats are the sweetest ever, but when we get them wet, they turn to Satan Kitties! Why is this?

Answer 1

I don't think cats are afraid of water. I think they just don't like getting wet. Its like, when you have child that doesn't want to take a bath, doesn't mean he's afraid of water, it just means he doesn't like taking baths.

I got a harness to give my cats baths. They still don't like getting wet but it's a lot easier to get them to hold still.

Answer 2

First I must tell you that cats CAN swim and they are very good at it. However, most cats do not realize this.
Most cats are afraid of the unknown, thus the saying "afraidy cat".
Some cats are brave and they will try anything once. Mainly it is what they are exposed to from birth on, and their individual personalities.
I have three cats, and have never tried to bathe any of them. I know one would not tolerate it. One of them I could not punish like that, and the other absolutely LOVES water. He will get in the shower with you if you let him.
So you see, it all depends on the individual cat. If you want one that likes water, that should be something you test out before you get a new kitty.
I have spent time with lions and tigers, and the tigers also love to be in water. If it rains, they come out to play, and if they have a pool of water, they will lay in it.

Answer 3

Cat's find getting soaked in water to be very uncomfortable and it will generally create a phobic reaction. Cat's can swim just fine, they just don't want to have to. Cat's are pretty clean animals and usually groom themselves so baths aren't really necessary like they are for dogs.

Answer 4

They are scared of getting wet because it takes a lot of time before they get dry.. They are also afraid of having colds after the bath stuff. They believe that they can clean their body without our help. its common to all cats..

Answer 5

My vet told me cats don't really need baths...they clean themselves very well and to bathe my kitten no more than once a year. My friend however gives her cats baths every week cause she thinks it will help alleviate her allergies..... I say she just needs to get allergy medicine lol.

Answer 6

Cats clean themselves and it's rare for a cat to like water. I have heard, however, that using a small window screen or towel for them to "cling" to in the bottom of the basin/tub can help alleviate their fear of slipping and sliding if they do need to be washed in water. Also, a nice gentle baby shampoo is useful. And don't try to submerge them in water...try using a gentle spray but don't let the water accumulate.
Good luck! I know my cat would try to kill me if I put her in water!

Answer 7

I can only speak from personal experience... My cats don't mind the odd bath. My vet said if you do it from a really young age then they are usually quite comfortable with the bath concept. Having said that one of them really isn't fond of them but will accept it quite peacefully.

Answer 8

You know...I would have said they fear water....but my cat will play in water, jump in the shower when you're in there, stick her head under the faucet while I try to do dishes....but she tears me up when I give her a bath....I think it has more to do with being held down and the feeling of being trapped.

Answer 9

They can't swim, and they knwo it so they have a fear of water.......... a BIG fear of water. So don't even TRY to give your cat a bath. I gives itself a bath every day by licking its fur. Awww....... it's so cute!

Answer 10

cats don't like water ... i face the same problem ..
it gotta be a lazy cat if u wanna make that works !