Mom Takes Her Tuxedo Cat to the Beach-and Makes a Surprising Discovery
A trip to the beach isn't something most cats get excited about, since they're not usually big fans of water. But this tuxedo cat named Selleck had a completely different reaction. His mom brought him along, not quite sure how it would go, and what happened next caught her totally off guard.
When she tried to coax him to dip his paws in, Selleck didn't hesitate; he went all in. Not only did he like the water, but he also loved it, even going for a full swim instead of just standing in it. Judging by Mom's reaction, a swimming cat was the last thing she expected to deal with that day!
@mr.selleck Selleck's first time to the beach! Safe to say he loves the water Instagram: Mr.selleck
original sound - Selleck The Mustache Cat
Selleck was a natural in the water! Mom shared in the caption, "Selleck's first time to the beach. Safe to say he loves the water."
Selleck's video was an instant viral hit, racking up more than 56 million views, 9.5 million likes, and over 30,000 comments!
Related: Cats Completely Shock Their Dad by Swimming Across a River to Get to Him
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Why Some Cats Surprisingly Like Water
Commenter @A got 569,000 likes when she shared, "I've never seen a cat swim on purpose before."
According to Four Paws, there's a good reason why most cats don't like getting wet. "Most cats have coats that trap water, which can weigh them down when they get soaked. Inherently, cats prefer to be in control and have the freedom to escape if danger arises. But with a waterlogged coat, they feel at a disadvantage." On top of that, wet fur takes a long time to dry, leaving them cold, uncomfortable, and stressed.
But some are naturally more curious or adventurous and actually enjoy splashing around in the water. Early exposure to water, personality, and breed can play a big role in how they react to new environments like the beach.
Four Paws notes that breeds like the Maine Coon, Bengal cat, Abyssinian, Norwegian Forest cat, and the famously water-loving Turkish Van, often called "the swimming cat", are more likely to enjoy it.
What these cats tend to have in common are water-resistant coats, ancestors that lived near water, or a general familiarity with swimming in their feline lineage.
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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 8:00 PM.