Maine Coon Kittens Discovering Water for the First Time Are Too Cute to Resist

Maine Coon cats are a large breed of cat gaining more and more popularity in recent years as people learn about their friendly, affectionate nature, inquisitive, trainable personalities, and magnificent size. They are said to be more “dog like”—a term that people who may actually be prejudiced against cats use to describe cats who like to hang out with their humans, are interested in performing tricks and coming when called, and have other traits that are not often connected with cats, but are generally associated with dogs.

Like loving to swim.

Of course, not all cats hate water, nor is it a guarantee that your Maine Coon kitty will grow up to be a swimmer. After all, it’s not a Golden Retriever. In fact the best way to get your cat to like the water—or at least tolerate the idea of a bath—is to start them young.

Related: Maine Coon Cat Gets 'Brain Freeze' After Eating Popsicle and It's Too Funny

And that is what the Maine Coon breeder in this video is doing with her litter of adorable kittens. They are clearly well upon their way to enjoying that aquatic lifestyle.

In the video, you can see the kittens exploring in a bathtub with a few inches of water in it, as well as what looks like a baby pool and sprinkler pad. A few inches of water give the kittens a safe space from which to experiment with being wet at their own pace. They may dip a paw in, or plunge head first, as they see fit. Some of the kittens are most nervous than others, but all seem to be willing to give the water a try.

To help make is fun for them, she’s released a few pool toys in the bathtub as well, like tiny wind up fish who weave through he water and give the playful kittens something to chase. And of course, the water being used here is probably on the warm side, to make the cats comfortable with a little splashing.

The Best Way to Bathe Your Cat

Though your cats (like mine) may be extremely reticent to sit in the bath, sometimes it’s just necessary. If your cat gets themselves into something extremely stinky, sticky, or even noxious, it’s important to be able to bathe them rather than let them handle cleaning themselves with their tongues. This is especially vital if they are covered in something that may be toxic to them if ingested. I’ve occasionally had to bathe my normally clean-freak cats when they’ve been ill or have experienced unfortunate digestive incidents.

Though many cats will fight baths, the key is being gentle and patient with them. Make sure the water is a good temperature—not too hot and not too cold—and that there are no loud noises (like from the shower head— or unexpected moves. Put a towel down on the floor of the tub so they don’t slip, and make sure not to get soap in their eyes!

Do Cats Like to Swim?

Despite their reputation, many cats do in fact like to swim. Some, like the Turkish Van, even have a nickname of being the “swimming cat.” Hairless varieties like the Sphynx must be taught to tolerate baths from a young age as their special genetics and hygiene needs require regular baths. And of course, Maine Coons are famous for their love of the water, and even water sports.

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