Maine Coons and Their Fascination with Water

A Breed That Breaks the Rules

Most cats famously dislike water, making the Maine Coon's fascination with it even more remarkable. Many Maine Coon owners report their cats playing with water bowls, joining them in the shower, or sitting in sinks waiting for faucets to drip. This unusual behavior is rooted in the breed's history and physical characteristics, making them one of the few cat breeds that genuinely enjoys aquatic activities.

Historical Origins of Water Affinity

The Maine Coon's relationship with water likely traces back to their origins as working cats on ships and in coastal Maine. Ships' cats needed to tolerate and even thrive in damp, maritime environments. Those who could handle wet conditions, catch fish, and navigate water had survival advantages, possibly passing these traits to successive generations.

Additionally, Maine's climate includes abundant snow, rain, and bodies of water. Ancestral Maine Coons living in this environment developed physical adaptations for dealing with moisture, including their distinctive water-resistant coat. Over generations, cats comfortable around water were naturally selected, contributing to the modern breed's unusual aquatic interests.

The Water-Resistant Coat

One key to Maine Coons' comfort with water is their unique coat structure. Unlike many cat breeds with purely decorative fur, the Maine Coon coat serves important protective functions:

Three-Layer Protection

Maine Coons have a dense undercoat for insulation, a middle layer for additional warmth, and a longer, glossy outer coat. This outer coat has a slightly oily texture that repels water rather than absorbing it. When a Maine Coon gets wet, water beads and rolls off the outer layer, similar to waterproof fabrics. The undercoat remains relatively dry, maintaining body temperature.

Uneven Length Advantage

The coat is shorter on shoulders and longer on the stomach, sides, and britches. This design helps water drain away from the body rather than pooling. The frontal ruff and ear tufts also channel water away from sensitive areas like eyes and ear canals.

Common Water Behaviors

Paw Dipping and Splashing

Many Maine Coons dip their paws in water bowls, creating splashes and puddles. This behavior might stem from ancestral fishing behaviors or simply fascination with water movement. Some cats won't drink until they've thoroughly "tested" their water by pawing at it first.

Faucet Fascination

Maine Coons often become obsessed with running water. They may sit at sinks requesting faucets be turned on, bat at the stream, or even try to drink directly from the flow. This preference for moving water is common among cats (it signals freshness in nature) but particularly pronounced in Maine Coons.

Shower and Bath Interest

Some Maine Coons join their owners in showers or baths, sitting on the tub edge or even venturing into water. While not all Maine Coons enjoy full immersion, many tolerate it better than other breeds. Stories of Maine Coons swimming in bathtubs or even pools aren't unheard of, though they remain exceptions rather than the rule.

Toilet Water Exploration

Maine Coons sometimes play in toilet bowls (keep lids closed if you use cleaning chemicals!). This behavior, while less appealing to owners, demonstrates their comfort with water in various forms.

Encouraging Safe Water Play

If your Maine Coon shows interest in water, you can safely encourage this natural behavior:

Cat Water Fountains

These devices provide continuously circulating water that appeals to Maine Coons while encouraging adequate hydration. Choose large capacity fountains suitable for their size, with quiet pumps and easy cleaning.

Water Play Stations

Create designated water play areas using shallow plastic containers, kiddie pools on covered decks, or specially designed cat water tables. Add floating toys like ping pong balls for extra entertainment. Place these in areas where splashing won't damage flooring.

Bath Time Bonding

While most cats don't require regular bathing, Maine Coons' water tolerance makes occasional baths less stressful if needed (after illness, for show preparation, or if they get into something messy). Use lukewarm water, cat-specific shampoo, and lots of positive reinforcement with treats. Start gradually, potentially just wetting paws at first.

Important Safety Considerations

While encouraging water interaction, always prioritize safety:

• Supervision Required: Never leave your Maine Coon unattended around deep water, even if they seem comfortable. Cats can tire quickly or panic.
• Drowning Risks: Cover or secure fish tanks, hot tubs, and pools when not supervising. Maine Coons' curiosity can lead to dangerous situations.
• Temperature Awareness: Ensure water is lukewarm, never hot or cold. Cats are sensitive to temperature extremes.
• Chemical Dangers: Keep toilet lids down if using cleaning products. Rinse sinks and tubs thoroughly after using cleaning chemicals.
• Exit Routes: Any water container deeper than a few inches should have easy exit options (ramps, steps) in case your cat falls in.
• Drying Off: Even with water-resistant coats, Maine Coons can get chilled if thoroughly soaked. Provide warm, dry towels and a cozy space for drying off after water adventures.

When Water Interest is Excessive

While water fascination is normal for Maine Coons, excessive drinking or water obsession can signal medical issues. Increased thirst (polydipsia) may indicate diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid problems. If your Maine Coon suddenly shows dramatically increased interest in drinking or seems constantly thirsty, consult your veterinarian for evaluation.

Not All Maine Coons Love Water

It's important to note that while many Maine Coons show water interest, not all do. Like humans, cats have individual preferences. Some Maine Coons want nothing to do with water beyond drinking. This doesn't make them any less authentic Maine Coons—personality variation is normal and healthy. Never force water interaction on a cat who dislikes it, regardless of breed expectations.

Fostering Water Confidence in Kittens

If you want to encourage water comfort, start young with gradual, positive experiences. Let kittens explore shallow water in safe containers, play with dripping faucets, or investigate water fountains at their own pace. Reward curiosity with treats and never force interactions. Early positive water experiences can develop into lifelong comfort, though always respect individual preferences.

Celebrating This Unique Trait

The Maine Coon's water affinity is one of many characteristics that makes this breed special. Whether your Maine Coon splashes in their bowl, joins you in the bathroom, or simply tolerates an occasional bath more gracefully than other cats, this trait reflects their fascinating heritage and adaptability. Embrace and enjoy this unusual feline behavior while keeping safety paramount.