Why Do Cats Like Bathrooms? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons
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Anyone who is a cat parent is familiar with their cat following them into the bathroom or making noise if the door is closed without them being let inside.
So, why on earth do cats seem to love the bathroom? To answer this question, we interviewed a few cats and did the research, and now we present, in no particular order, why cats seem to like bathrooms so much! Or at least this is the closest to a guess we can get to.
The 10 Possible Reasons Why Cats Like Bathrooms
1. They Get Attention
When your cat is in the mood for attention, the bathroom is a great place for them to be! While you are sitting there, your cat probably weaves around your legs, or jumps in your lap and gets a few pets, so having your attention at these times is easy!
2. They Want to Be Near You
Some cats are known as Velcro cats because they stick with you throughout the day. Your cat loves you, and their form of love can be as simple as sitting next to you (not all cats are lap cats!) or following you around—even into the bathroom.
3. Water Is Intriguing
Most cats do not like getting wet (though some breeds, such as Maine Coons, actually love it!), but that doesn’t stop their fascination with water. Cats tend to love playing with the wet stuff, and they also enjoy drinking from a source of running water. What better place to find water than the bathroom?
4. There Are Things to Play With
Besides playing with the water, other things can attract your cat’s attention. Unraveling or attacking the toilet paper is a fun pastime for many felines, as is slipping and romping around in the bathtub. Hopefully, they don’t enjoy going through the garbage!
5. Routine Is Everything
Most people follow a fairly predictable routine that involves using the bathroom. Cats love routine, so they will become familiar with your own and hang out in the bathroom while you get ready. The following-you-around behavior can also be attached to something like their breakfast. If you feed your cat after being in the bathroom, they might be hovering out of anticipation.
6. They Have a Bit of Separation Anxiety
Some cats form intense bonds with their owners, and as independent as they are, they can experience separation anxiety. Shadowing you might be due to your cat associating your actions with being left alone—for example, you might use the bathroom before leaving the house.
Other signs that your cat is dealing with separation anxiety are:
- Defecating and urinating outside of the litter box
- Excessive meowing
- Exhibiting noticeable attachment to their owner
- Seeking constant attention and contact from their owner
- Destroying things
- Excessive grooming
If your pet is showing these signs, we suggest you speak to a vet.
7. You’re Giving Them Positive Reinforcement
If a cat continuously receives attention while in the bathroom, they will continue to seek it. Petting your cat or even talking to them is a form of positive reinforcement. You’re essentially rewarding them for being in the bathroom with you.
8. They Are Curious
We all know how curious cats are, and if you’re in the habit of keeping your cat out of the bathroom while you are using it, they are super interested to know what’s going on in there! There are also doors inside the bathroom that your cat probably wants to open, just to take a look.
9. There Are Interesting Sounds and Scents
There’s no question that bathrooms contain interesting sounds and smells! Beyond the obvious, there are also deodorants, perfumes, soaps, and shampoos, which your cat, with their keen sense of smell, may want to explore.
10. There Are Cool Tiles and Comfy Sinks
On hot summer days, the bathroom offers nice cool tiles (and bathtubs) to stretch out on. Also, the bathroom sink makes an excellent cat bed! Granted, none of these areas are soft, but they are the perfect size for cats and serve as spaces that will cool them down.
What Cat Breeds Are Most Likely to Follow You Into the Bathroom?
Cats are known to be quite independent, which is a trait that we love about them. Cats of any breed may follow their owners to the bathroom and enjoy their time there. But several breeds do have reputations for being Velcro cats, although of course, the following list is purely anecdotal and not based on science.
- Ragdoll: Ragdolls were given their name due to their tendency to go limp when being held. These cats are super affectionate and form strong bonds with their humans.
- Birman: Birmans are calm and quiet cats and seek plenty of attention from their families.
- Maine Coons: Maine Coons are famous for being huge and are not usually lap cats. That said, they do tend to follow their people around.
- Siamese: Known for their blue eyes and strong “chatty” skills, Siamese cats tend to make great shadows.
- Sphynx: The famous hairless cat, the Sphynx, loves being the center of attention.
- Bombay: The Bombay is famous for trailing their human from room to room and is incredibly affectionate and social.
- Persian: One of the oldest cat breeds, the Persian is calm and gentle and will most likely accompany you to the bathroom.
Conclusion
We do tend to spend a fair amount of time in the bathroom, so it isn’t all that surprising that our cats want to be in there too. Bathrooms are perfect places for cats that want to explore and sleep in the comfortable bathroom sink. So, if you dare to close the door, leaving your cat on the other side, you know that you will get a plaintive and outraged response!
Bear in mind that if your cat starts showing other, more worrying behavioral issues, speak with your vet. However, if you do not mind your cat shadowing you in the bathroom, enjoy the extra time spent with them!
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Featured Image Credit: Dmitriy Burmatov, Shutterstock
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Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a pet writer. When she was a child, she hoped to work in ZOOs or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Sadly, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but very naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future – maybe another cat and a dog.
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