Do Cats Swim: What You Should Know Story

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Do Cats Swim?

What You Should Know

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The thing about cats is that they never fail to surprise you.

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There’s probably a lot that cats can do that we are unaware of like driving, or playing golf. But let’s start with something simple: Can cats swim?

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The short answer is yes. When pressed to do so, cats will more than likely float and swim to safety.

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Domestic cats are not the most efficient swimmers. Their paws are relatively small, their coats absorb water, and while their bodies are flexible and explosive, they aren’t really built for power.

Can Cats Swim? The Biological Explanation

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Tigers are probably the best swimmers. They (and other big cats) have large paws that can propel them through the water more easily.

But Big Cats Can Swim Quite Well

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Well… maybe. What we do know is that cats may simply dislike the inconvenience of water.

But Cats Hate Water (Don’t They?)

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This is why it’s never a good idea to toss a cat into the water. Besides being outrageously cruel, it may actually result in serious injury or death.

They Could Panic

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Under normal circumstances, they can simply curl up and preserve body heat. But drenched in icy cold water, it’s not that easy.

Cold Isn’t Nice For a Cat

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