Most cats freak out when they touch water, which makes bathing always a challenge or, in some cases, a disaster.
But one exception: the Maine Coon.
This big, fluffy, and majestic cat breed is known for their gentleness, sociability, and love for water.
What makes Maine Coons so fond of water? And how can you enjoy this unique feature with them?
Do Maine Coon Cats Like Water?
The answer is yes. Most Maine Coon cats like water and enjoy playing with it in various ways.
Some of the common water-related activities that Maine Coons like are:
• Drinking water from the tap or the faucet: Maine Coons prefer drinking fresh and running water, rather than still water from a bowl.
They may even try to turn on the tap or the faucet to get a drink.
They may also like to lick, bite, or splash the water stream with their paws.
• Sleeping in the sink or the bathtub: Maine Coons may find the sink or the bathtub a cozy and comfortable place to nap.
They may also like the coolness and smoothness of the porcelain or metal surface.
They may also enjoy being close to the water source, in case they get thirsty or bored.
• Taking a shower or a bath with you: Maine Coons may be curious about what you are doing in the shower or the bath and may want to join you.
They may also like the warmth and humidity of the bathroom, as well as your attention and affection.
They may also try to catch or play with the water droplets or bubbles.
• Playing with water toys or bowls: Maine Coons may like to play with anything that involves water, such as water toys, bowls, cups, bottles, or ice cubes.
They may like to paw at them, knock them over, chase them, or carry them around.
They may also try to fish out any floating objects in the water.
Of course, not all Maine Coons are equally fond of water or swimming.
Some may prefer to play with water from a safe distance, while others may jump right in without hesitation.
It also depends on the individual personality and experience of the cat.
Some may have a negative association with water due to a traumatic event or a forced bath, while others may have a positive one due to early exposure or encouragement.
Why Do Maine Coon Cats Like Water?
There are several possible reasons why Maine Coon cats like water so much.
Genetic Heritage
One of them is their genetic heritage.
Maine Coons are believed to be descended from long-haired cats that were brought to America by European sailors in the 18th century.
These cats may have been used as ship cats, meaning they had to deal with water regularly.
They may have also interbred with local wildcats, such as bobcats or lynxes, known to swim and hunt in water.
This suggests that their ancestors may have had to swim or hunt in water to survive, and this trait has been passed down to their descendants.
Way To Cool Off
Another reason why Maine Coons like water is that it provides them with a way to cool off.
Cats are very sensitive to heat and do not sweat like humans.
When it is hot outside, cats will often seek out cool places to lie down, such as in a puddle of water.
This helps them lower their body temperature and prevent overheating.
Maine Coons have thick fur that helps them stay warm in cold weather, but it can also make them hot and uncomfortable in warm weather.
Therefore, they may enjoy splashing or swimming in water to refresh themselves.
Curiosity and Playfulness
A third reason why Maine Coons like water is that it stimulates their curiosity and playfulness.
Maine Coons are very intelligent and playful cats that love to explore new things.
They are unafraid of water and may even seek it out for fun.
They enjoy splashing, chasing, and catching water streams or bubbles. They also like to test their skills and abilities by swimming or fishing.
Water provides them with various sensory experiences that keep them entertained and satisfied.
Do Maine Coon Like Baths?
The answer is it depends.
Some Maine Coons may like baths and see them as another opportunity to play with water.
Others may hate baths and see them as a stressful and unpleasant experience.
Generally speaking, Maine Coons do not need baths very often, as they are very good at grooming themselves and keeping their fur clean and shiny.
However, there may be some situations where you need to give your Maine Coon a bath, such as:
• When they get dirty or smelly from playing outside or getting into something messy
• When they have fleas, ticks, or other parasites that need to be removed.
• When they have a skin condition or infection that requires a medicated shampoo.
• When they go to a cat show or a vet visit, they need to look their best.
If you need to give your Maine Coon a bath, you should follow these tips to make it easier and more enjoyable for both of you:
• Choose a mild and gentle shampoo that is specially formulated for cats.
Avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or dyes that may irritate your cat’s skin or eyes.
You can also use a conditioner to moisturize and detangle your cat’s fur.
• Use warm water that is comfortable for your cat. Avoid using hot or cold water that may shock or burn your cat.
• Start by wetting your cat’s fur with a spray bottle or a cup. Avoid wetting their face, ears, eyes, nose, or mouth. You can also use a face cloth to wipe their face if needed gently.
• Apply a small amount of shampoo on your cat’s fur and massage it gently with your fingers. Work from the head to the tail, avoiding the face and genitals. You can also use a soft brush to help distribute the shampoo evenly and remove any dirt or loose hair.
• Rinse your cat thoroughly with clean water until all the shampoo is gone. You can use a spray bottle or a cup again, but make sure you don’t leave any soap residue on your cat’s fur.
• Wrap your cat in a large, fluffy towel and gently dry them by patting and rubbing their fur. You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting if your cat tolerates it. However, be careful not to overheat or scare your cat with the noise.
• Praise your cat and reward them with treats for being calm and cooperative during the bath. You can also give them some extra cuddles and playtime after they are dry.
How To Bathe Your Maine Coon?
Bathing your Maine Coon can be a challenging task, especially if they are not used to it or don’t like it.
However, with some preparation and patience, you can make it a positive and rewarding experience for both of you.
Here are some steps to follow to bathe your Maine Coon:
Prepare the bathing area.
Choose a suitable place to bathe your cat, such as the sink, the bathtub, or a large plastic tub.
Make sure the area is clean, spacious, and secure. You can also place a rubber mat or a towel on the bottom of the bathing area to prevent slipping.
Gather all the necessary supplies, such as shampoo, conditioner, towels, brush, comb, spray bottle, cup, treats, etc., and keep them within reach.
Prepare your cat.
Before you start bathing your cat, you should brush their fur to remove any knots or mats.
This will make the bathing process easier and less painful for your cat.
You should also trim their nails to prevent scratching yourself or damaging the bathing area.
You can also put a collar or a harness on your cat to have more control over them during the bath.
Prepare yourself.
Bathing a cat can be a wet and messy affair, so you should wear appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty.
You should also wear gloves to protect your hands from scratches or bites.
You should also be calm and confident when handling your cat, as they can sense your mood and react accordingly.
Introduce your cat to water.
If your cat is not used to water or bathing, you should introduce them gradually and gently.
Never force your cat to swim or throw them into the water.
This will only scare them and make them hate water. Instead, you should follow these steps:
• Let your cat explore the bathing area and get used to the sounds and smells of water.
You can also place some toys or treats near the edge of the bathing area to entice your cat.
• Next, you can try to lure your cat into the water with a toy or a treat.
You can also use a spray bottle or a hose to create some gentle water streams for your cat to chase or catch.
• If your cat shows interest in the water, you can gently pick them up and lower them into the water.
Ensure you always support their body and head and keep them close to you. You can also use a harness or a leash to keep them secure.
• Praise your cat and reward them with treats for being brave and curious. You can also play with them in the water with toys or your hands.
Follow the bathing tips
Once your cat is comfortable in the water, you can proceed to shampoo and rinse your cat’s fur, following the tips I mentioned earlier.
You can also apply a conditioner to moisturize and detangle your cat’s fur.
Make sure you rinse your cat thoroughly and don’t leave any soap residue on their fur.
Wrap your cat in a large and fluffy towel and dry them gently.
You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting if your cat tolerates it.
Praise your cat and reward them with treats for being calm and cooperative during the bath.
You can also give them extra cuddles and playtime after they dry.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Maine Coon?
The answer is not very often.
Maine Coons are very good at grooming themselves and keeping their fur clean and shiny.
They also have natural oils in their fur that protect them from water and dirt.
Bathing them too frequently can strip away these oils and make their fur dry, brittle, or prone to matting.
It can also damage their skin and cause irritation or infection.
Therefore, you should only bathe your Maine Coon when they really need it, such as when they get dirty or smelly from playing outside or getting into something messy, when they have fleas, ticks, or other parasites that need to be removed, when they have a skin condition or infection that requires a medicated shampoo, or when they are going to a cat show or a vet visit and need to look their best.
The frequency of bathing your Maine Coon may vary depending on their lifestyle, activity level, health condition, and personal preference.
Some Maine Coons may need a bath once a month, while others may need it once every few months or even once a year.
You should monitor your cat’s appearance, smell, and behavior to determine when they need a bath.
Maine Coon cats are amazing creatures that can bring joy and happiness to your life.
They are loyal, affectionate, intelligent companions who will never bore you.
If you are looking for a cat that loves water and swimming, the Maine Coon is the perfect choice for you.
Just make sure you provide them with enough water sources, toys, and attention to keep them healthy and happy. You will not regret it!
