We think cats hate swimming – and while many do – you might be surprised to hear that many wild cats swim regularly, and (whisper it) they don’t actually hate it.
From jungle rivers to African wetlands, several wild cat species are not only capable swimmers, they actually enjoy it. Whether it’s hunting, cooling off or just exploring their habitat, these felines prove that swimming comes naturally. Let’s dive in.
Can all cats swim?
Generally speaking, yes. Instinct will kick in if they need to swim, and they’ll do it. But most domestic cats dislike getting wet and won’t swim unless they have to. This is most likely due to the fact that they are thought to have descended from desert-dwelling wild cats, which didn’t encounter many bodies of water.
Do wild cats like swimming?
While domestic cats often dislike water, this isn’t so much the case with wild cats, many of whom enjoy swimming. Big cats such as tigers, jaguars and leopards are good swimmers, and often swim to cool off or even travel distances. They will often live in habitats near rivers and lakes, so will be used to wading through water to regulate their body temperature.
What’s more, cats often catch prey near water sources, so sometimes they are required to swim or wade through water to feed.
Which cats are the best swimmers?
Fishing cat
Fishing cats are famed for their remarkable ability to hunt in water. Their webbed feet and powerful tail (used as a rudder for swimming) and water-resistant coat enable them to move about freely in the water. Their diet mostly consists of fish, so they can get most of the food they need from bodies of water.
Ocelot
Ocelots are extremely proficient animals when it comes to climbing, leaping and swimming – they’re the ultimate multi-sport athletes. As a result, these nocturnal feline hunters can track down prey in a number of environments, eating fish, insects, small mammals, birds and reptiles.
Jaguarundi
Jaguarundis are sometimes known as “otter cats” because of their otter-like appearance and innate swimming ability. They can swim across medium-sized rivers, but are also efficient climbers.
Serval
The graceful serval cat isn’t just one of the world’s fastest cats – it often wades into water to hunt flamingos and fish. In its native Africa, it inhabits grasslands and wetlands, catching prey in and around water.
We named the serval as one of the weirdest wild cats.
Tiger
Unlike many other cat species, tigers are drawn to water and have physical adaptations like muscular bodies and partially webbed paws that make them efficient swimmers. As they live in some of the world’s hottest climates, they often head to water to regulate their body temperature and also swim for pleasure.
Jaguar
Jaguars are strongly associated with water and are particularly fond of swimming. They have been spotted diving into water to catch food, as they often live near water in swamps, wetlands and tropical rainforests. Their jaws are so strong they can even bite through a crocodile skull or turtle shell.
Leopard
Leopards are very comfortable in the water, eating fish and crabs – but they’re not found near bodies of water as often as jaguars, as they tend to live in savannas, deserts and mountains.
This article by Freya Parr was first published by Discover Wildlife on 4 June 2026. Lead Image: Bengal tigers having a swim (credit: Getty Images).
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