While big “cats” like tigers and lions enjoy swimming in the wild, small house cats don’t seem to like being in water. Many cat owners have stories to tell about trying and often ________ to give their cats a bath at home.

However, we sometimes see cats stick out their paws(爪子) to play with flowing water. So,what exactly is the relationship between cats and ________? Do they dislike being near water, or do they ________ hate taking baths?

The earliest house cats date back to more than 10, 000 years ago. In the Middle East, when ancient humans started ________ and storing grains, mice came to get their share. The African wildcat was then coming into the lives of humans to help ________ this problem. It is considered to be the ancestor(祖先) of the common house cat. The wildcats helped ________ keep the mice under control. So, when the early farmers began to ________ to other parts of the world, they took their cat friends with them.

In other words, the ancestor of the common house cat actually came from the ________. They lived in hot and dry places. As a result, cats are not physically suited to be in water. You may have seen a dog ________ water off their fur(皮毛). This is because their fur is somewhat like a raincoat. A cat’s fur, however, is similar to a woolen cloth. Its fur becomes heavy ________ it gets wet, which will make the animal quite uncomfortable and cold.

Since cats don’t like to be in water, how do they keep ________ tidy? Well, the answer is using their tongues(舌头). A cat’s tongue is ________ a little hair brush. It has sharp, spiky structures(刺状结构) that help ________ any dirt. Cats spend hours each day licking(舔) themselves. This helps them keep their fur clean.

Now we have clear understanding of ________ cats do not like water. So, the next time your cat ________ to take a bath, try being a little more patient. Your little one isn’t scared of water, he or she may simply not be used to it.