Cat Enjoying Day Out to the Beach in a Tiny Cap Melts Hearts

Most cats usually hate water, but one called Rocco has melted hearts online after a video of him enjoying a day trip at the beach in Tampa Bay went viral on social media.

In the clip, shared on TikTok by his owner on August 9, under the username @mryan108, the Maine coon can be seen dipping his body in the ocean as he wears a blue, cat-sized hat. The hilarious video, which has been reshared thousands of times, comes with a caption that reads: "Ahh, to relax like a cat."

Rocco's owner, Michelle, told Newsweek: "Our Rocco is a total joy. He is a soon-to-be 2-year-old Maine Coon cat. He has loved the water and boating adventures with our family since he was 3 months old. He is more than happy to train anyone to give high fives and fist bump for treats.

"Rocco has been recovering from hip dysplasia, hanging out in his cat dad's music studio. Part of his recovery is water rehab, it's just [too hot] to take him on walks and he actually likes the beach better."

While most cats are usually afraid of water and can't stand being near it, some breeds do. The website Maine Coon Central says these cats love water. They will do anything to try to get near it and always spend copious amounts of time playing with it.

The website adds that the Maine coon's semi-water-resistant fur helps keep them warm and dry, enabling them to play with water, and swim, as well as taking baths. Maine coons are also strong swimmers.

Other cat breeds that are also very likely to love water include the: Norwegian forest cat; Turkish angora; Bengal; Savannah; Turkish van; snowshoe; and Abyssinian.

Just because most Maine coons love water, though, it doesn't mean that all of them do, and owners shouldn't just be assuming that their cats will enjoy it.

Some signs that your Maine coon loves water: include your cat entering the shower when they hear water; them playing in the shower even when it's off; patting the water in their water bowl; drinking water from the running tap; and rubbing their head against your wet leg when you finish taking a shower.

The video quickly went viral on social media, getting viewers from across TikTok. It has so far received over 8.5 million views and more than 1.1 million likes on the platform.

One user, Lance, commented: "The hat is adorable but kitty ears need sun protection." And Sweetkiss65 posted: "Rocco is so smart, entertaining and I love him! My two would freak completely out! They have never had their feet on the grass or sand."

Bonnie MacKinnon wrote: "Super cute! but the ears are sensitive so perhaps getting/inventing a coat that has lightweight umbrellas over the ears."

Update 8/15/23, 11:45 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comments from the OP, Michelle, and new pictures.

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