Cats Chef
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Most of us grow up believing that cats absolutely hate water. Bathtime is usually an ordeal; even getting them wet unintentionally can provoke disdain, hissed protests, and a sprint to dry territory. But every so often, a cat comes along who defies the stereotype—one who doesn’t just tolerate water, but absolutely embraces it.
Meet Marlin, an adventurous orange tabby from Hatteras Island, North Carolina, who has wholeheartedly fallen in love with the ocean. From his earliest days, Marlin was surrounded by water-loving influences—and it turns out, those influences changed his world.
Marlin joined his family when he was just five and a half weeks old. His mom, Caroline Jarvis Hopkins, is a professional photographer who lives with her husband, Mack, and their three dogs. Their home life is one of sun, sand, and surf. The dogs? They investigate every beach, every boat ride, every wave—while Marlin, still a kitten, followed close behind.
Being around the dogs became Marlin’s everyday classroom. Every splash they made, every dip they dared in water, Marlin watched, learned, and absorbed. He trailed after them, determined not to miss a single moment of their adventures. If they went on a walk along the shore, he followed. If they boarded the boat, he insisted on tagging along.
The Day the Ocean Became His Playground
One afternoon, during an outing on the boat, the dogs used steps to enter the water. Marlin observed carefully. His curiosity—already strong—became irresistible. He slipped, fell in, and for a moment, Caroline and Mack braced themselves, expecting panic.
But shockingly, Marlin surprised everyone. He didn’t claw. He didn’t cry. Instead, he started swimming—naturally, confidently. According to Caroline, he swam just as well, or even better, than the dogs he had so long been watching. That first unexpected plunge was more than a slip— it was Marlin’s gateway to a new passion.
From then on, the water was no longer something to approach warily but something to be embraced. He went from tentative paw-in-the-sand dips to full swims in the ocean, following waves and currents with joy.
From Curiosity to Ocean-Loving Confidence
What started as curiosity became routine. Marlin began to eagerly explore every beach trip. He became a regular on the boat, loved long walks along the shore, played in splashes, and eventually took full swims. The waves that might intimidate most cats simply didn’t faze him. Surf, salt, spray—these became part of his happy place.
Along the way, Marlin’s reputation grew. Locals couldn’t help but notice the swimming cat. Children pointed. Neighbors stopped to stare. Other pet owners asked about him. Caroline shares that he quickly became something of a local celebrity on Hatteras Island—people recognized him by sight, awaited his appearances at the shore, and loved watching his confidence in the water.
His fame spread beyond the island when People Magazine featured his story, and soon videos of his ocean adventures accumulated thousands of views. Photos and clips of Marlin paddling in the surf, riding the boat with composure, and boldly entering the ocean became a source of joy for many viewers.
Raised by Dogs, Inspired by Waves
Caroline often reflects that much of Marlin’s fearlessness comes from growing up alongside his canine siblings. Watching the dogs taught him not only what water was, but that it could be fun, safe, and worth exploring. And though Marlin is the only cat of his kind in his social circle, his curiosity and willingness to risk a splash or two made him truly exceptional.
In turn, Marlin seems to have taught the dogs a bit, too—especially when it comes to grooming. While this detail might be playful, it’s a reminder that animals of different kinds can influence one another in surprising ways.
A Celebrity of the Shore
Today, Marlin continues to live a life many would hardly expect from a cat: beach trips, boat rides, relaxed swims, saltwater fur tousled by the breeze. He’s become a fixture of Hatteras Island life—someone people look for when they arrive at the water’s edge.
When Caroline posts videos on Instagram or YouTube showing Marlin’s ocean antics, people respond with delight. They’re not just entertained—they’re inspired. His story reminds cat owners that cats are individuals. Some may hate water, others may avoid it, but some—like Marlin—defy expectation altogether.