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 also leave you feeling slightly disgusted. Some cats just seem to love the porcelain throne, with or without you in residence, but have you ever wondered why? Here are six reasons why your cat is obsessed with the toilet.

The 6 Reasons Why Your Cat May Be Obsessed With the Toilet

1. They Love Playing With the Water

Although cats have a reputation for hating water, that’s not always the case. Some breeds, such as the Maine Coon, are known for their love of playing in water. For these kitties, the toilet bowl could be a fascinating play zone. Your cat may enjoy dipping their paws in the water or splashing in the toilet. Cats love the sound of moving water and may sometimes even paw at their water bowls, so doing the same in the toilet is not that different, at least not according to them.

2. They’re Thirsty

You might not consider the toilet a proper source of fresh drinking water, but your cat may not agree. Every time you flush, the water is refreshed, and it usually stays cool. Cats who prefer to drink moving water may find the occasional ripples in the toilet too intriguing to pass up.

To prevent sipping from the toilet, ensure your cat has access to multiple water bowls throughout the house and keep the toilet lid down. Change the water daily and consider getting a cat drinking fountain to fulfill your kitty’s desire for running water.

Some cats will start looking for alternate water sources, if they suddenly have an increased thirst. In this case, get them checked over by your vet, as changes in drinking habits may indicate underlying health issues, especially in middle-aged and older cats.

3. They’re Stalking the Flush

Cats are born with varying levels of prey drive, thanks to their wild ancestry. Indoor cats will take any opportunity to exercise those instincts, even if what they’re hunting doesn’t typically qualify as prey.

Every time you flush the toilet, the water and other contents rush away to places unknown, which fascinates your curious kitty. Your cat’s obsession with the toilet may be purely instinctive and curious.

4. The Smell

Like dogs, cats rely on scent as a critical communication tool. Cats mark their territory with urine, so it seems reasonable that they’d assume that’s what you’re doing when you use the toilet, too.

Even if you keep your toilet spotlessly clean, your cat’s sensitive nose may still find plenty to inhale.

5. They Want Attention

Some cats take any opportunity to command your undivided attention, including when you’re using the bathroom. If your cat only seems obsessed with the toilet when you’re sitting on it, it’s probably you that they can’t get enough of.

After all, you’re sitting for an (undetermined) length of time, so why shouldn’t your cat get comfy on your lap or beg for pets? If you try to shut your cat out of the bathroom, be prepared for meowing and curious paws under the door. Kids and pet parents know there’s no such thing as privacy, even on the toilet.

6. Bathrooms Are Fun

Your cat may not be obsessed with the toilet so much as just being a big fan of bathrooms in general. Not only is the bathroom full of interesting smells, but it also has a sink for snoozing and toilet paper to unravel and shred. Plus, there might be dirty laundry or wet towels to curl up on, too. If your cat loves the bathroom, keep them safe by locking away any medications, toxic cleaners, or skin care products.

Should I Worry If My Cat Is Obsessed with the Toilet?

In most cases, there is no need to be concerned if your kitty loves spending time in the bathroom. However, there are some reasons to be concerned about your cat’s fascination with toilets. First, young kittens can easily fall into open toilets and become trapped. Keep bathroom doors and toilet lids closed when young cats are present. Toilet cleaners can be toxic to cats, especially those you leave in the bowl. If your cat likes to snack on toilet paper or other items, they could be at risk of an intestinal obstruction. Some cats may develop obsessive behaviors like chewing or sucking towels or bathroom rugs. If you’d prefer your cat stay away from the toilet, ensure they have alternatives for toys and water sources. Keep the bathroom door shut, especially when you aren’t home. And, of course, giving your cat daily attention when you aren’t sitting on the toilet is essential, too.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed six possible reasons your cat might be obsessed with the toilet, with suggestions for how to break the habit if necessary. Remember, any sudden changes in behavior may indicate an underlying health issue, especially if your kitty is drinking excessively. Keep your kitty safe in the bathroom with the tips we discussed, and as always, talk to your vet if you think there might be a deeper issue to blame for your cat’s toilet attraction. See Also: 

• Why Do Cats Drink Out of the Toilet? 6 Vet-Approved Reasons & Solutions

• My Cat Is Obsessed With Their Automatic Feeder, Should I Worry? Vet-Reviewed Causes & Facts

Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock