Why do Turkish Angoran cats have a fascination with running water?

) June 25th, 2018

There have been many Youtube videos showing Turkish Angoran cats staring at water faucets, slightly running, in fascination. Many of them will paw at the water. My Turkish Angoran does the same thing, but she will actually drink from the slightly running faucet. Why is this a common behavior with this breed? My guess is that this cat was a favorite amongst the elite of Turkey and many other Middle Eastern nations. Such people may have had gardens with plumbing that could support gushing fountains. These cats, hanging out in the gardens, may over time bred into themselves a fascination with running water by being exposed to garden fountains.

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I have no experience with Turkish Angoran cats, but had a long-haired no-particular-breed black cat who loooooved running water.

She would rocket up to the bathroom sink when I turned on the faucet.

Our bathtub was a free-standing claw-foot type and she walked the rim while we showered, poking her paw in the curtain gaps to catch some spray.

Call_Me_Jay (13846

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Many cats love running water. As long as they control what’s happening with it. They DON’T like baths…

MrGrimm888 (19008

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It’s a cat thing.
Not specifically Angora cats that do this.
I’ve had half a dozen cats, and in our yard there are at least a dozen, any give time, and most of these kitties love the faucets and hoses.

rebbel (35549

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I have a black cat who is fond of running water.

Dutchess_III (46813

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I think it’s interesting that two (out of maybe a dozen or so) breeds of cats that have a particular affinity for water are Turkish.

Have you read about Turkish culture and cats? It’s pretty cool. I would guess that has something to do with it.

And add in the fact that Constantinople had one of the most advanced aqueduct systems in ancient Europe. Not surprised their cats feel at home around water.

raum (13206

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