Maine Coons and Water

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There is an anecdotal connection between Maine Coon cats and water. They are said to like water and to paw at water bowls etc.

None of the respected and well known books that I have on cat breeds and/or the Maine Coon refer to this likeness for water or playing with water. The CFA website, the Cat Channel says they are fascinated by water, however.

There are no creative commons images that I can find of Maine Coons playing with water. This supports the view that Maine Coons are not necessarily crazy about water.

I have discussed this aspect of Maine Coon cat behavior before. On this page I set out my theory as to why this breed likes water (if it really does). The page included a testament by Helmi Flick, celebrated American cat photographer who lives with two Maine Coons and two Brit SHs.

A colleague of mine VG has a page on her website about how Maine Coons love water and a video.

You'll have to make your own mind up about it. It is possible that Maine Coons like water more than average as they come from farm stock but it is probably more about individual cats liking water rather than a breed. However, not so long ago in the 19th century they were farm cats, probably semi-feral, and used to drinking out of puddles etc. Also the wildcat ancestor would like water so this is a natural throwback to the wildcat. All domestic cats will to varying extents play with water. The Bengal cat a wild cat hybrid and the Savannah cat also a wild cat hybrid like water. This is verified. See water cats for wildcats that like water.

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