Bathtub Full of Ragdoll Kittens Getting Their First Wash Are Shockingly Calm

I can barely clip my kitty’s nails without her threatening to scream bloody murder but other cats take to grooming with far more equanimity, and it’s all about teaching them as kittens that the world will not end just because they have to take a bath.

Look at these precious little Ragdoll kittens, crowded into a bathtub with a few inches of water because they got their itty bitty toe beans muddy. Can yo imagine if they complained about being washed? It would be pure chaos. Instead, the most their human caretaker has to deal with is a bit of complaining meows.

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“Maybe they respond to the calming energy of the current owner,” suggests one person in the comments of this video of a bathtub with no fewer than ten Ragdoll kittens inside. The kittens are there to get their feet washed, and though a few have their little paws up on the rim of the tub, expressing their displeasure, most seem resigned to their fate.

Related: Ragdoll Cat Grandma Who Can't Stop Purring Over Daughter's New Kittens Is Sweetest Thing

Is it because they are Ragdolls, a notoriously easy-going breed? Because they are Ragdolls, a breed rumored to have more “water tolerance” than your average alley cat, or because they are kittens, and have not yet learned to fight back?

Maybe it’s a mix of all three.

The Truth About Ragdolls

The fluffy, beautiful breed is known for their docile nature and playful personality. Ragdolls are supposedly easy going when it comes to cat behavior. Ragdolls were first developed as a breed in the 1960s by cat breed enthusiasts who wanted a “glamorous” looking cat like a Persian with a friendly, affectionate personality. They wanted a fluff ball better suited for family life, and named the resulting breed to indicate its soft personality.

Ragdoll cats are beloved for their gorgeous appearance, with long, silky fur, big ruffs, and dynamic coloration (especially their blue eyes). Some believe that they love the water, and this litter certainly does — we’ve watched these kittens playing in their water fountain.

Cats Who Like Water

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that cats do not like the water—but it’s also a myth. Plenty of cats are perfectly fine with both swimming and bathing, and for some it’s even a requirement. There are plenty of instances out there of cats who enjoy a nice dip, or water sports like kayaking. Some breeds of cats are known for their swimming ability, such as the Turkish Van and the Maine Coon. Others, like the hairless Sphynx, needs to be trained to endure water from a young age, as its specialized appearance means that oils will build up on its skin and make it very smelly without regular bathing.

And with all cats, the trick to making it agree with various activities like bathing is getting them used to the concept from an early age. That’s why it’s good for this Ragdoll breeder to introduce bathing to her kittens—knowing that they are safe in the water from kitten hood is a huge developmental and socialization lesson which I’m sure their future families will greatly appreciate.

Of course, they are cats, and making them like water too much can backfire, as anyone who has had their kitty jump in the shower with them to attack the faucet can certainly attest.

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