How does a cat be able to swim?

Cats either instinctively know how to swim, or are instinctively afraid of water. You can't teach a cat to swim. Certain breeds such as Abysinnians are known to be fond of water, and might jump into the bathtub with you to paddle around. Many big cats, like tigers, enjoy swimming. Cats swim similarly to the "dog paddle" but their feet don't usually break the surface, making them less splashy and more graceful than dogs swimming. It is also survival instinct. If you fell into water, you would most likely be able to somewhat swim.