Cats are known for their strong bonds with humans, but one feline has taken devotion to a surprising new level.
In a viral TikTok video posted by user @hannahhstuart, her cat Tito calmly steps into a bathtub full of water while she bathes. Instead of panicking, Tito walks confidently around the tub and even rests a paw on her leg, showing no fear of the water.
The clip, captioned “he is so clingy,” has gathered 3.9 million views and thousands of likes. Viewers are amazed by Tito’s calm behavior in a situation most cats would avoid.
Hannah, 24, from Los Angeles, described Tito as the “craziest” cat at the shelter. She recalled, “He was literally climbing on the cage walls,” when asked about getting a cat that likes water.
Tito’s behavior challenges the usual image of cats and water. While some breeds, like the Turkish Van, enjoy water, most house cats strongly dislike it. This dislike has become a well-known trait of cats. But why do cats hate water?
Experts at Purina say several reasons explain this aversion:
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Physical Discomfort: Wet fur becomes heavy, making cats feel trapped and vulnerable.
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Evolution: Domestic cats come from desert ancestors who rarely faced water.
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Chemical Sensitivity: Cats can smell chemicals in tap water that humans cannot, making them wary.
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Negative Early Experiences: Bad experiences with water as kittens can cause lasting fear.
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Loss of Control: Baths remove cats’ footing and escape options, causing stress.
Many viewers expressed surprise and admiration for Tito’s unusual comfort around water.
One commented, “Cats usually dislike water, so this is really unique.” Another asked humorously, “Why are you in your cat’s bath?”
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