Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

7 Things My Cat Does While I'm Taking a Shower

By Lorre Luther
Share
Bengal cat standing on the bathtub

Cats are notorious for watching people while they're trying to shower, and most cats do strange things in bathrooms from time to time. Some like to stare at their owners in the shower, and others like to play with the shower curtain. Deciphering feline behavior is challenging, but you can keep reading to learn more about 7 things cats do when their people are showering.

divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

The 7 Things My Cat Does While I'm Taking a Shower

1. Getting Comfortable in Strange Places

There's little rhyme or reason to where cats like to hang out while their people shower. Some settle into the sink; others take a seat on the bathmat. The heat from the shower makes the bathroom a cozy place to relax, and even if your cat dislikes water and stays away from the shower, they probably like the warm temperature and proximity to their favorite person.


2. Knocking Objects Over

Cats living in homes with shower-tub setups often perch on the tub's edge when their owner takes a shower or bath. The objects sitting on the edge of the tub or the sink are too tempting to ignore for some cats, and while you’re focused on your shower, your cat may decide to have fun with your shampoo, bath brush, or shaving cream.

cat sitting on kitchen counter_LightField Studios, Shutterstock
Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock

3. Meowing

While there's no one set way that cats react to their favorite people's bathing activities, some yowl while their human is in the shower. They sit outside the closed bathroom door and express their displeasure at being locked out through plaintive, loud meows.

However, others settle in next to the stall or tub, watch the showering activities in silence, and produce a meow or two when they feel their human has likely spent enough time doing strange things involving water.


4. Joining In

Some cats like water. While Bengal cats are famous for their love of swimming, other breeds also enjoy playing in the water. Plastic curtains don't do much to keep cats out of showers and tubs, and some cats can open glass shower cabin doors while their favorite people are showering.


5. Sitting and Watching

Sitting quietly and keeping their owner company is probably the most common activity that cats engage in when their humans are in the shower. Lounging around as people bathe allows cats to spend time with their humans and get involved in their daily activities.

Small cat Scyth-toy-bob sitting on the bathroom
Image By: PolinaBright, Shutterstock

6. Warming Up

Cats are attracted to warm environments; most love to nap in cozy beds and gravitate towards snuggly spots with plenty of sunshine. Bathrooms are warm and humid, particularly while people run hot water and take showers.

If you live in a relatively cool environment, your cat may be keeping you company as you bathe to enjoy a bit of heat and humidity.


7. Playing With the Curtain

Cats love to sit on the edges of tubs as their humans shower. Many are particularly fond of sitting outside the curtain so they can bat at the material as it moves. Shower curtains make pretty good toys from a cat’s perspective, but if you participate in the game, be careful to avoid your kitty’s sharp claws!

divider 1 paws

Conclusion

Life can be unpredictable with cats around, but one thing many pet parents can be sure of is that their buddies will follow them into the bathroom and hang out while they're trying to use the toilet or take a shower. While cats generally love to accompany their people as they shower, the ways in which they do so vary greatly.

Some are happy to sit on a warm mat and hang out; others prefer for things to be a bit more interactive and happily assist in bathing activities by knocking objects off the sides of tubs and poking at shower curtains. Ultimately, we may never know precisely why cats do most of the things they do. However, it's probably safe to say that they likely follow their favorite people into bathrooms and hang out while they're showing for the best reason of all—love.


Featured Image Credit: Prymachenko, Shutterstock

Expert cat care, straight to your inbox

Vet-reviewed advice, behavior tips, and the best of Catster. Free, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

Lorre Luther
Authored by

Lorre Luther

Join the conversation

Ask a question, share your story, or send private feedback.

Rate this post
Required to post. Only our editors see your rating.
Who should see this?

A human reviews every comment before it appears. Your email is never published.

Why Does My Cat Watch Me Shower? Feline Behavior Unveiled (Vet-Verified)

Why Does My Cat Watch Me Shower? Feline Behavior Unveiled (Vet-Verified)

Anyone who lives with cats knows that they are prone to some strange behaviors. For one reason or another, our cats exhibit many behaviors that don’t exactly m…

Kristin Hitchcock
By Kristin Hitchcock ·
The Simple Reasons Cats Refuse to Let Anyone Use the Bathroom Alone

The Simple Reasons Cats Refuse to Let Anyone Use the Bathroom Alone

Cats have an extraordinary talent for making themselves present in the most inconvenient places, and the bathroom ranks near the top of the list. It is one of…

Dan Seymour
By Dan Seymour ·
Why Do Cats Like Bathrooms? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Why Do Cats Like Bathrooms? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

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,…

Kathryn Copeland
By Kathryn Copeland ·
Why Does My Cat Follow Me to the Bathroom? Our Vet Explains

Why Does My Cat Follow Me to the Bathroom? Our Vet Explains

As much as we love our feline friends, they don’t always know how to respect our personal space! You may have wondered why, for example, your cat seems to foll…

Dr. Rebecca MacMillan
By Dr. Rebecca MacMillan ·

Is Your Cat Your Bathroom Buddy? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons Why Cats Sit At Your Feet

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, lea…

Rachel Giordano
By Rachel Giordano ·
Is Your Cat Your Bathroom Buddy? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons Why Cats Sit At Your Feet

Why Is My Cat Obsessed With the Toilet? 6 Possible Reasons

Seasoned cat owners know our feline friends are prone to unique behaviors and quirky habits. One of the most puzzling cat fascinations you might observe may al…

Elizabeth Gray
By Elizabeth Gray ·
Why Is My Cat Obsessed With the Toilet? 6 Possible Reasons

How Does My Cat Know When I Wake Up? Vet-Verified Morning Habits Explained

Cats evolved as solitary hunters but can become very social with humans they trust. Once they find owners worth loving, they can’t get enough of them. If you’r…

Christian Adams
By Christian Adams ·
How Does My Cat Know When I Wake Up? Vet-Verified Morning Habits Explained

Why Does My Cat Sleep in the Bathroom? 8 Vet-Verified Reasons

Cats are strange animals, and that’s part of the reason we love them. Sometimes, though, they can act downright bizarre and become obsessed with the weirdest t…

Codee Chessher
By Codee Chessher ·
Why Does My Cat Sleep in the Bathroom? 8 Vet-Verified Reasons

Why Do Cats Like Bathtubs? 9 Possible Reasons (Vet Reviewed)

While it’s common knowledge that many cats don’t like water, it’s not uncommon for cats to spend time hanging out near bathtubs. They typically don’t like bath…

Brooke Billingsley
By Brooke Billingsley ·
Why Do Cats Like Bathtubs? 9 Possible Reasons (Vet Reviewed)

What Do Cats Do All Day? 7 Usual Things

Pet cameras may be all the rage these days, but unless you have one in every room, you won’t constantly have eyes on your cat. This is especially true if your…

Elizabeth Gray
By Elizabeth Gray ·
What Do Cats Do All Day? 7 Usual Things

8 Vet-Reviewed Signs Your Cat Wants Attention From You (With Pictures)

Cats have many interesting ways of capturing our attention to get the affection they desperately want. Some methods are more calculated, while others are blata…

Sarah Psaradelis
By Sarah Psaradelis ·
8 Vet-Reviewed Signs Your Cat Wants Attention From You (With Pictures)

The 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons Why Your Cat Guards Your Door

Cats come with all kinds of cute quirks, including their guarding behaviors. As aloof or indifferent as our cats can often appear, it’s always amusing to find…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
The 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons Why Your Cat Guards Your Door

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert cat care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on feline behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.

You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

The Catster site on a phone