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If you’re a cat owner, you know how much your feline loves to join you in the bathroom. Your cat often interrupts what feels like a private and quiet time, leaving you with the question, “Why does my cat sit at my feet when I’m on the toilet?” If your cat is your bathroom buddy, read on to learn seven reasons why cats sit at your feet in the bathroom.
The 7 Reasons Cats Join You in the Bathroom:
1. Your Cat Is Protecting You
If your cat follows you into the bathroom and sits at your feet, a common reason for this behavior is that your cat thinks they’re protecting you. Contrary to popular belief, cats are social creatures and are perfectly capable of forming strong bonds with their owners.
When you’re sitting on the toilet, your cat may sit at your feet because they feel they’re protecting you while you’re vulnerable.
2. The Bathroom Has Many Scents
Another possible reason is your cat is drawn to all of the smells the bathroom contains. Cats are curious by nature and love to investigate their surroundings, and the smell of shampoo, fragrances, soap, and other common scents entice your cat to check them out up close and personal from the comforts of your feet.
3. It’s a Routine
Cats are creatures of habit, and if your cat has become accustomed to sitting at your feet while you’re on the toilet, they will continue the behavior because it’s become a normal part of the day.
Most people have a bathroom routine, and your cat will become in tune with your schedule. Cats have an internal clock, so to speak, and learn when you usually get up, go to the bathroom, eat, return home from work, etc. So, the bathroom is just another routine your cat has adjusted to.
4. Your Cat Wants Attention
What better place to receive attention than when the owner is occupied on the toilet? Let’s face it: you’re not going anywhere while doing your business, and your cat is aware that as long as they’re sitting at your feet while you’re on the porcelain contraption, there’s an excellent chance they’ll get attention. Instead of reading, perhaps your cat expects you to pet them.
5. Separation Anxiety
When cats become attached to their owners, they can develop separation anxiety when they can’t be near them. Suppose you have a new job requiring you to travel to an office rather than work from home, which your cat has become accustomed to.
Suddenly, you’re not home all day, and your cat is having trouble adapting. As we’ve mentioned, cats have an internal clock and can learn your everyday routines, and your cat may learn to associate the bathroom with the fact that you’ll be leaving soon.
Separation anxiety comes with signs that may help you determine if your cat is experiencing the condition, including:
- Excessive vocalization
- Going potty in inappropriate places
- Excessive grooming
- Destructive behaviors
- Vomiting
6. Your Cat Is Curious
One of the simplest reasons your cat may sit at your feet in the bathroom is they are curious about what you’re doing, and the comfort and warmth of your feet feel nice.
Perhaps you used to shut the bathroom door while inside, and your cat has become interested in what you could possibly be doing in there. When they’re allowed to join you, their curiosity will continue. After all, your cat doesn’t want to miss out on anything.
7. Your Cat Loves You
Your cat may feel close to you while you’re on the toilet, and sitting at your feet creates excellent bonding time. When your cat loves you, they’ll want to follow you everywhere you go, including the bathroom.
Some cats may even curl up in your lap while you’re on the toilet. In a nutshell, your cat has your undivided attention when you’re on the toilet!
Do Cats Know When You’re Doing Your “Business?”
Every cat owner knows cats want privacy while they do their business, but they do not extend the same courtesy to their humans. So, do cats know that you’re doing your business?
Cats have an extraordinary sense of smell, and the odds are they know what you’re doing. However, unlike humans, cats do not get grossed out by these smells, and odors can help your cat gain information.
How Can I Help My Cat With Separation Anxiety?
If you suspect your cat follows you into the bathroom due to separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort:
- Turn on the TV or radio for background noise
- Ensure your cat has a special place in the home to relax
- Consider getting another cat for extra company while you’re away
- Don’t make it a big deal when you arrive or exit the home; your cat will learn these events are nothing to fuss about
- Slowly accustom your cat to being alone for short periods and reward them for positive behavior
- Seek your veterinarian’s advice
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Conclusion
Most of the reasons your cat sits at your feet while you’re in the bathroom are harmless and sweet gestures. Cats can form strong bonds with their owners, and accompanying them into the bathroom is another way to be close to them, especially since they’re vulnerable on the toilet.
However, if you suspect separation anxiety, it’s wise to have your vet check out your cat. Separation anxiety can be dealt with positively to improve your cat’s quality of life. If separation anxiety is not the issue, feel privileged that your cat loves you and wants to be near you, regardless of what you’re doing!
Featured Image Credit: Natasha Zakharova, Shutterstock
