Cats generally don't like water because getting their fur wet is uncomfortable and inconvenient for them. Wet fur becomes heavy, takes a long time to dry, and makes it harder for cats to move with their usual agility, which they rely on for escaping danger and hunting. This aversion also has evolutionary roots; domestic cats descended from wildcats that lived in dry environments where there was little need to interact with water bodies. Additionally, cats have a powerful sense of smell and can detect chemicals in tap water that are unpleasant to them. Negative or traumatic early experiences with water can reinforce this dislike. Lastly, cats tend to avoid situations where they feel a lack of control, such as being submerged in water, which can create anxiety.
However, there are exceptions with some breeds like the Maine Coon, Turkish Van, and Abyssinian, which have water-resistant fur and may actually enjoy water.
