5 Tips to Teach Your Cat to Like Water (Or Just Tolerate It)

Okay, let’s get real—cats and water? Not exactly the best combo. If you’ve ever tried to get your cat near water, you know it can feel like you’re negotiating with a very angry, very furry dictator.

But hey, don’t give up hope yet! I’ve tried a bunch of stuff with my own cat, and while I’m no expert, I can tell you what worked (and what ended with me covered in scratches).

So here are five tips for getting your cat to be a little cooler with water.

1. Start with Positive Associations

The thing about cats is they like to think they’re in charge. So if you just throw them in water, they’re going to hate it forever (and probably you too). Instead, start slow.

Dip your fingers in some water and let them sniff or lick it. If they don’t freak out, give them a treat or maybe a chin scratch.

Another trick? Leave a shallow bowl of water nearby and just let them check it out. Don’t push them; they’ll do it when they feel like it. The key is making them feel like water isn’t some big scary thing.

Talk to them in a calm voice while you’re doing all this. Cats are weirdly good at picking up on your energy, so if you’re nervous, they’ll be like, “Oh, we’re panicking? Cool, I’m out.”

2. Use Toys to Make It Fun

You know what cats can’t resist? Playtime. Use it to your advantage. Toss a floating toy or a ping-pong ball into a shallow pan of water and watch them go nuts. If your cat’s a little braver, try running a small stream of water from the faucet and see if they’ll paw at it.

The idea is to make water less scary and more interesting. When water becomes part of their play routine, they’ll start seeing it as less of an enemy. Even if they just bat at the water a few times, that’s progress.

3. Introduce Water Gradually

Let me tell you what doesn’t work: trying to bathe your cat without warming them up to the idea. If you want them to tolerate water, you’ve got to start small and build their comfort level.

Take a damp cloth and gently wipe their fur while you’re petting them. That’s it. No tubs, no splashes—just a wet cloth. If they seem okay with that, you can try placing their paws in a shallow dish of lukewarm water. Always reward them after any little success. Cats are suckers for treats, even if they pretend they’re above it.

Oh, and don’t use cold water. Cats hate being cold. It’s like the fastest way to make them never trust you again.

4. Make Bath Time as Comfortable as Possible

If you absolutely need to give your cat a bath (and I mean need), set the scene to make it as stress-free as possible. Use a small space, like the sink or a baby tub, instead of a giant bathtub.

Keep the water shallow—just enough to wet their paws. Use a small cup or your hands to pour water over them instead of blasting them with the faucet. And for the love of all things fluffy, don’t forget to put down a towel or mat so they’re not slipping everywhere. Cats hate feeling unstable.

Oh, and be quick. The less time they spend wet, the better for everyone involved.

5. Be Patient and Respect Their Limits

Not every cat is going to become a water-loving superstar, and honestly, that’s okay. The goal isn’t to make them love water—it’s to help them tolerate it when needed.

Watch their body language. If they’re freaking out, take a step back. Forcing them will only make them more resistant. Remember, some cats will never like water, and that’s just who they are.

Even small wins, like letting you wipe them with a wet cloth or paw at a running faucet, are still progress. Cats are stubborn little creatures, and they’ll come around on their own terms—probably when they think it was their idea all along.

Video Lesson

Can’t keep up? Have a look on the video below instead!

FAQ

Q: Why do most cats hate water so much?
Because their fur is super absorbent and takes forever to dry, which makes them uncomfortable. Plus, most cats aren’t exposed to water when they’re kittens, so they grow up thinking it’s something to avoid.

Q: Do I need to bathe my cat?
Not usually. Cats are excellent self-cleaners, so baths aren’t necessary unless they’ve gotten into something gross or have a medical issue that requires one.

Q: What if my cat never gets used to water?
That’s okay! Some cats just won’t tolerate it, no matter what. Stick to alternatives like damp cloth baths or cat-safe wipes if they need cleaning.

Q: Can I use human shampoo?
Nope. Human shampoos can irritate your cat’s skin and mess with their natural oils. Always go with a shampoo made specifically for cats.

Q: Is it safe to let my cat play with running water?
Yes, as long as it’s supervised. Many cats are fascinated by running water, and it can be a great way to help them warm up to the idea of getting wet. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot or too cold.

Final Thoughts

Teaching your cat to like water (or at least not act like it’s the end of the world) takes time, patience, and a lot of creativity. Every small step, whether it’s pawing at a toy in water or letting you wipe them down with a wet cloth, is progress.

Not every cat will ever love water, and that’s fine. Work with their personality, respect their boundaries, and celebrate the little victories. At the end of the day, your cat doesn’t have to be a water enthusiast—they just have to trust you enough to handle it when necessary.

So go ahead, try these tips, and remember: your cat is probably plotting to get even the first chance they get. 😉