The British Shorthair also love cuddling and playing with “their” humans! A great family cat – also recommendable for cat “beginners” with little experience. No need for “terra firma”: As opposed to many other breeds, the British Shorthair loves water! If there is no paddling pool in sight, the water tap will do.
What Should I Do if My British Shorthair Cat Gets Into Water?
Although the thick fur of British Shorthair cats helps shield them from the cold, they still become wet easily. Get your British Shorthair out of the water as soon as you can if it falls in. Dry them off right away with a warm, gentle towel, and comfort them. Your cat needs to be in a warm, quiet, and stress-free environment because they will probably be under a lot of stress.
After your cat falls into the water, pay close attention to their behavior and respiration, especially how they are breathing. After a potentially traumatic event, some cats bounce back quickly, but others will hide and might not come out for food or playtime. If your British Shorthair refuses to come out of hiding, you can keep them comfortable by creating a safe area for them with their food, water, and litter box close by. Just be sure you can check on their breathing on a regular basis.
Aspiration pneumonia, which can be fatal if left untreated, can be brought on by breathing in water, particularly from ponds or pools. Signs of aspiration pneumonia to watch out for include:
- Increased breathing rate
- Increased heart rate
- Green or yellow nasal discharge (snot)
- Coughing or wheezing
- Lethargy
- Respiratory distress and open-mouth breathing
This indicates that your cat inhaled water that contained bacteria and made its way to their lungs. Once it spreads, it may result in an infection that makes breathing difficult. If your cat shows any symptoms of pneumonia, take it to the veterinarian.
Do British Shorthair Cats Like Water?
It’s true that most cats don’t like water. But some breeds seem to like it better than others, like the British Shorthair. They have a reputation for adoring and being enthralled with movement, especially that of flowing water. This means that while a dripping tap or flowing water may encourage them to investigate, it’s impossible to tell for sure if your British Shorthair cat will enjoy the water.
Some people will be mesmerized by the water’s movement and find it impossible to resist taking a dip, while others will bolt at the first drop that touches them. The way a cat was socialized to water as a kitten often determines how well the cat tolerates it.
Pet parents are well aware of cats’ fascination with dripping faucets and leaky hoses, but what about the breeds that go above and beyond? Some cats have a deep affinity for water due to their curiosity and eager temperament, as well as their history as hunters and travelers.
“A cat’s love or dislike of the water depends on how they are raised as kittens,” the expert stated. “It makes a big difference if they bathe early, and as adults, they might enjoy being in the bathtub.” ”.
Miller stated, “They like to watch everything go on, are curious about a shower, and will jump right in if you let them.” They adore floating toys and frequently do the “splash” game in water dishes. ”.
Miller notes that one possible drawback of owning a water-loving breed is that they are easily trained to open kitchen and bathroom sink fixtures. “You’ll need to watch out for overflowing sinks because some will learn to open the faucet if they can,” she said.
Jessica spends her days trying not to helicopter parent her beloved shelter pup, Darwin.
FAQ
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