Cat owners may be familiar with their pets drinking from the tap but they dare not attempt to bathe them, at least if they want to keep their eyes intact. However, one owner hasn’t got this issue as her feline is more than happy to take a dip.
It may sound hard to believe but owner Meg has provided video evidence of her black cat Murphy joining her in the bathtub.
“I can’t keep this cat away from H2O! He’s like a Labrador,” states the caption of the video on social media. “I’ve never met a cat as comfortable around water as Murphy is! It’s the strangest thing but I love it.”
Racking up 39.2 million views, the Instagram video from @megs__adventurecats shows Murphy sliding into the bath, drinking the water, and having a little walk in it.
The popular video has amassed 2.9 million likes and over 6,000 comments.
One user said: “My cat sits next to me (OUTSIDE OF THE TUB) and screams until I get out. She’s terrified I’ll drown because she doesn’t know CPR. Did your cat come with water accessibility as a factory setting or is it an after market mod?”
“Mother is drowning…. I shall have to drink the sea to save her… and yet she is ungrateful,” said another.
A third commenter asked: “So this is the infamous catfish..?”
Why Do Cats Dislike Water?
Stock image of a cat putting its paw into a bathtub. A similar feline’s love for water has gained a lot of interest online. Stock image of a cat putting its paw into a bathtub. A similar feline’s love for water has gained a lot of interest online. senata/iStock/Getty Images Plus
It’s safe to say that the majority of felines do not like water. Murphy seems to be a rare breed of his own. Other videos showcase the moggy joining Meg on hikes and even camping in a tent.
Unlike dogs, most cats would be too afraid to go swimming, Anna Ewers Clark, veterinary research and standards lead at the U.K. pet charity Blue Cross, previously told Newsweek why.
She said: “Historically, cats lived in dry, desert environments which means they weren’t adapted to swim or spend time in water, and this trait has passed down to many of our domestic cats.”
Some cats may also develop a fear of water due to past negative experiences with getting wet, “such as being squirted as punishment or have had traumatic bathing procedures,” Pam Johnson-Bennett, an expert from Cat Behavior Associates, told Newsweek. Cats do not understand punishment, so training them with treats and rewarding good behavior is far more effective and less likely to harm their relationship with you.
Can You Teach a Cat How To Swim?
Contrary to common belief, owners can teach their furry friends how to swim, states the Alexander Animal Hospital based in Severna Park, Maryland.
The veterinary clinic website has provided the following five tips:
Gradual Introduction: Start by slowly introducing your cat to the water, ensuring the environment is safe and stress-free.
Hold and Comfort: Initially hold your cat while in the water to help them get accustomed without feeling threatened.
Instinctive Paddling: Allow your cat to paddle on their own while you provide close support and encouragement.
Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and affection to reward your cat for its bravery and progress in the water.
Patience and Consistency: Be patient and consistent with the lessons to help your cat build confidence and skill over time.
Newsweek reached out to @megs__adventurecats for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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