9 Cat Breeds That Enjoy Water Activities

Cats are often thought of as water-shy creatures, yet many pet parents have watched their feline companions bat at dripping faucets or investigate a running hose with intense curiosity.

While most cats prefer to keep their paws dry, a select group of breeds goes far beyond casual interest. These cats don’t just tolerate water—they actively seek it out, turning splashes and streams into part of their daily entertainment.

The reasons behind this unusual behavior often trace back to a breed’s history and personality. Cats with strong hunting instincts, adventurous temperaments, or roots in regions shaped by lakes and rivers tend to feel more comfortable around water. Their confidence, athleticism, and curiosity make swimming, wading, or water play feel natural rather than threatening.

For owners drawn to energetic, outdoors-loving companions, water-friendly cats offer a refreshing twist on feline behavior. Whether it’s pawing at ripples, joining supervised swim sessions, or simply lounging near water features, these breeds bring excitement and novelty to pet ownership.

In this guide, we’ll explore cat breeds that genuinely enjoy water activities—and how to keep them safe while making a splash together.

Cat Breeds That Enjoy Water Activities

1. Turkish Van

Also known as the Van cat or famously called the “swimming cat,” the Turkish Van originated near Lake Van in Turkey. This natural breed is admired for its sturdy, muscular build, expressive eyes, and semi-long, water-resistant coat designed for a demanding climate.

According to Britannica, the Turkish Van is a semi longhaired domestic cat breed best known for its distinctive color pattern—mostly white, with colored markings limited to the head and tail.

The Turkish Van’s love of water is deeply rooted in its evolution. Historically, these cats adapted to fishing and swimming for survival, which explains why modern Vans remain comfortable splashing, wading, and even swimming alongside their owners.

Science helps explain this fascination: their unique coat texture repels water, dries quickly, and insulates the body, making aquatic activity far less uncomfortable than it is for most cats. Combined with curiosity and playfulness, this physical advantage encourages water-based exploration.

Social and intelligent, Turkish Vans often turn water play into interactive games, whether batting at bowls or following people near lakes or pools.

Fun fact: the Turkish Van’s seasonal coat shedding helps it swim more efficiently during warmer months.

2. Maine Coon

Often called the “gentle giant,” the Maine Coon is one of the oldest natural cat breeds in North America. According to PetMD, the Maine Coon—true to its name—originated in Maine, where it is still recognized as the official state cat.

Known for its impressive size, dense fur, and sociable nature, this big breed is admired for its calm demeanor and dog-like personality.

What makes the Maine Coon stand out among water-loving cats is its heavy, water-resistant coat. The thick fur offers protection in cold, wet conditions, allowing these cats to comfortably explore sinks, tubs, or shallow water without distress.

Their approach to water is thoughtful rather than reckless. Maine Coons tend to observe first, cautiously test with a paw, and return later once curiosity builds. This steady confidence makes water play a controlled and enjoyable activity rather than a chaotic one.

For households curious about water-friendly cats, the Maine Coon’s relaxed temperament and adaptability make it an excellent choice.

Fact: Maine Coons were historically barn cats and skilled hunters, a background that contributes to their curiosity and comfort around water.

3. Bengal

Also known simply as the Bengal cat, this striking breed descends from crosses between Asian leopard cats and domestic cats. According to WebMD, Bengal cats are known for their leopard-like coats and can be a great choice for families.

Its sleek, muscular build and rosette-spotted coat give it a wild appearance, matched by high intelligence and an energetic, people-focused personality.

Bengal cats are especially famous for their fascination with water. Many willingly splash in fountains, investigate ponds, or trail their owners into the shower, showing curiosity rather than caution around wet environments.

Their playful, aquatic instincts pair well with their high energy levels. Bengals enjoy interactive activities that involve movement and exploration, making supervised water play an exciting outlet for both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Because they are intelligent and responsive, Bengals quickly learn cues during play and water-based games.

Fun fact: many Bengal owners report their cats lounging near bathtubs or joining them in the shower due to their love of water.

4. Savannah

Often called the Savannah cat, this striking hybrid breed descends from the African serval and stands out for its tall, athletic build and exotic spotted coat. Known for intelligence and confidence, Savannahs are adventurous companions that thrive on stimulation and interaction.

Unlike most domestic cats, Savannahs are naturally drawn to water. Their serval ancestry traces back to African regions near wetlands, which helps explain why many Savannahs enjoy splashing, paddling, or supervising bath time from the tub’s edge.

Indoors, this curiosity shows up as playful water behavior, from dunking paws into bowls to joining their owners during sink time. With proper supervision, water play becomes an enriching activity that matches their high energy and need for engagement.

For cat lovers fascinated by water-loving breeds like the Turkish Van, the Savannah offers a similarly bold experience with an even more athletic twist.

Fun fact: Savannah cats may paddle in water much like dogs and often choose to hang around bathtubs and sinks.

5. Burmese

Also known for the nickname “bricks wrapped in silk,” the Burmese is a sturdy, muscular cat with a sleek coat and striking gold eyes. This people-focused breed is sociable, confident, and deeply attached to its family, often following owners from room to room.

When it comes to water, Burmese cats are surprisingly enthusiastic. Many willingly explore sinks, ponds, or even swimming pools, and some will paddle around without hesitation. Their calm, adaptable temperament makes baths and gentle water play far less stressful than with most breeds.

Much like Abyssinian cats and their curious nature, Burmese thrive on interaction and novelty. Their intelligence and playful streak mean water becomes another source of stimulation, whether it’s batting at ripples or investigating dripping faucets under supervision.

For households interested in water-loving cats, safety is essential—easy exits from pools or ponds are a must.

Fun fact: Burmese cats are often described as dog-like and have been known to play fetch and even go for a swim.

6. Siamese

Also known as the Thai cat, the Siamese is famous for its sleek body, pointed color pattern, and expressive, vocal personality. This social breed thrives on human interaction and is deeply involved in everyday household activities.

Siamese cats are naturally curious, and that curiosity often extends to water. They’re known to investigate sinks, bowls, and dripping faucets, making gentle water play an engaging activity when introduced slowly and positively.

To safely introduce water activities, start with shallow containers and let the cat explore at its own pace. Supervision is essential, along with calm encouragement and interactive toys that float, keeping the experience fun rather than overwhelming.

Because Siamese cats are intelligent and energetic, combining water play with enrichment helps burn energy safely.

Fun fact: Siamese cats are so fascinated by water that they often “assist” their owners at sinks and bathrooms, splashing and observing closely.

7. Abyssinian

Also known as the Aby, the Abyssinian is an ancient breed admired for its fine-boned, athletic build and silky, ticked coat that shimmers with multiple tones. With expressive green or gold eyes and a wedge-shaped head, this breed combines elegance with constant curiosity.

Abyssinians are famously energetic and brave, traits that often draw them toward water. Unlike many cats, they enjoy splashing, watching ripples, and even swimming, making water-based play a natural extension of their adventurous personality.

Interactive water toys are ideal for this breed. Dripping fountains, floating balls, shallow tubs, or moving water bowls can keep an Abyssinian mentally stimulated while satisfying its instinct to track motion on the water’s surface.

Games that involve chasing reflections or retrieving lightweight toys from shallow water channels test their intelligence and agility.

Fun fact: Abyssinians were once kept on ships and were considered good luck because sailors believed they could sense storms by watching water movement.

8. Turkish Angora

Also known as the Ankara cat, the Turkish Angora is one of the oldest natural breeds, originating in central Turkey. Smaller and more slender than the Turkish Van, it’s known for a graceful build, silky coat, sharp intelligence, and an affectionate, people-focused personality.

When it comes to water activities, Turkish Angoras are often drawn in by excitement rather than water alone. They love being where the action is, which is why sinks, bathtubs, and even pools quickly become part of their daily curiosity-driven adventures.

Their eagerness to please and playful nature make supervised water play enjoyable, especially when owners are nearby. Shallow water, calm environments, and gentle encouragement allow them to explore safely without stress or overstimulation.

Because they form strong bonds and can be clingy, safety is essential during water activities.

Fact: Turkish Angoras are known to splash in sinks and may even hop into pools or ponds when given the chance.

9. Egyptian Mau

Also known simply as the Mau—meaning “cat” in ancient Egyptian—this rare spotted breed traces its roots to Egypt and is closely related to cats from antiquity. With a sleek, athletic body and naturally spotted coat, the Egyptian Mau combines historical mystique with striking beauty.

Renowned for speed and agility, the Egyptian Mau thrives in active homes and often shows an unusual interest in water. Many enjoy splashing in sinks, watching running faucets, or playing near sprinklers, making them a surprising fit for water-focused play.

Their curiosity and intelligence mean water activities are best introduced thoughtfully. Interactive environments with supervised access to shallow water can satisfy their instincts while keeping them safe and engaged, especially in warm settings they prefer.

For households considering a water-loving cat, understanding energy levels is key.

Fun fact: The Egyptian Mau can reach running speeds of up to 30 miles an hour and is known to enjoy swimming in warm water.

Conclusion

Cat breeds that enjoy water activities challenge the common belief that cats hate water. While not all felines are drawn to splashing or swimming, certain breeds stand out for their curiosity and comfort around it.

Influenced by biological instinct, early exposure, and individual personality, these intelligent cats often show water interest from a young age, setting them apart from other cats in the wider feline world.

For owners of pet cats like the Bengal Bengal, American Bobtail, or Japanese Bobtail, water play can become an enriching part of life with a feline friend.

Even breeds not typically associated with water, such as British Shorthair cats or the Selkirk Rex, may surprise you. Many water-loving cats are highly energetic, highly intelligent, and skilled as excellent hunters, sometimes benefiting from regular baths, especially those with a single coat.

Understanding your cat’s comfort level ensures safe, enjoyable experiences inspired by their wild roots—much like wild cats themselves.