Get

In Your Inbox

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.

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

Share

cat staring at their owner in the bathtub

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 make sense to us. However, that doesn’t mean that these behaviors aren’t absolutely normal for our felines.

For instance, some cats have taken a liking to watching their humans shower. For our cats, this behavior probably isn’t unusual at all. However, for us, it is a bit strange.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the reasons that your cat may like to watch you shower. Of course, we don’t know why your cat exhibits these behaviors. We can’t exactly just ask them! However, we do have a few informed guesses that you can consider.

divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

The 7 Reasons Your Cat Watches You Shower

1. They Want to Cuddle

Cats aren’t known for being great fans of water. However, they do like you. Therefore, if they want to cuddle with you but you’re in the shower, they don’t want to get wet! The next best thing in your cat’s mind might be to just stare at you while you’re in the shower. They may be waiting for you to get out and pay attention to them, or they may get bored before then and simply walk away.

Either way, this sort of behavior is pretty normal and is simply a sign that your cat really loves you.

Bengal cat standing on the bathtub
Image Credit: Viktor Prymachenko, Shutterstock

2. Curiosity

Cats are very curious creatures. They tend to get into everything just to figure out what it is. When they hear the strange noises in the shower, they may simply be interested in what you’re doing. Of course, most cats don’t like water, so they probably won’t want to get in. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, their curiosity is stronger than their fear of water.

Cats may start out by being curious and then start hanging out for a different reason. For instance, if they decide that they like the water, they may start hanging out to enjoy it.


3. Because They Like Water

Most cats do not like water. However, there are some breeds that actually love the water. For instance, Maine Coons are known for being extremely interested in water. They were once boat cats, so liking water was part of the job description.

These cats might not want to get into the shower with you just yet, but watching you in the shower is the next best thing. It isn’t odd for these cats to like the water and simply stare at it, especially if they haven’t been introduced to water before.

british shorthair cat peeps from the bathtub
Image By: Dmitriy Burmatov, Shutterstock

4. It’s Warm

People tend to like warm showers, and cats also like warm air. Therefore, your cat may hang out in the shower when you’re in it to warm up, especially if it is particularly cold elsewhere. These cats aren’t necessarily interested in the water or even you; they just want to get warm.

These cats may hang out in the bathroom after you get out and enjoy the cool air. Or, they may leave before the water even gets turned off. Some may even curl up in the sink and go to sleep.


5. They Like Running Water

Most cats prefer to drink from running water. Part of this is instinctual. In the wild, running water is cleaner than stagnant water, so it only makes sense that your cat would be drawn to it. However, some cats still have this instinct today, despite the fact that we are keeping their water clean.

These felines might automatically be drawn to running water whenever they hear it. Some of them may even try to drink it, either during or after your shower.

For these felines, you may want to consider getting them a cat fountain that they can drink from, especially if they’re particularly obsessed with running water.


6. You’re in Their Hiding Spot

Cats are secretive creatures. In the wild, they will spend most of their day hiding. While cats tend to hide a bit less in our homes, it isn’t odd for them to still seek out quiet places that aren’t frequently trafficked.

Our showers often make the best hiding spots. They’re usually dark, and people don’t spend much time in them. Therefore, your cat can safely assume that they will be open most of the time. It isn’t odd to find cats napping in the shower or the sink, especially if they are trying to cool down.

However, your cat is bound to find this hiding spot occupied sometimes. If your cat walks in and finds that you’re in their shower, they may simply spend the next few minutes staring (and waiting for you to leave). Some may even meow and try to enter the shower with you in it.


7. It’s Routine

Perhaps when your cat was little, they followed you around the house for attention and companionship. They may not have wanted to be alone when they first came into your home, for instance. In some cases, they may have even followed you into the bathroom while you showered.

Over time, this may have become routine, even as your cat became more independent. Cats are creatures of habit, so if your cat follows you into the bathroom the first few days you have them, they’ll likely continue to do so forever.

Therefore, it is important to start how you would like to end. If you don’t want your cat watching you take a shower, be sure to set clear boundaries at the beginning. A veterinarian can give you great advice on how to do this.

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 advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money

divider cat paws 2 oct 2024

Why Does My Cat Wait for Me While I Shower?

If you typically pay attention to your cat when you get out of the shower, they may be simply waiting for you to get done. Other cats like to drink the water after you shower. Either way, your cat may simply be waiting for the next part of their routine to start.

Alternatively, your cat may not actually be waiting for you at all. Sometimes, they may simply like to hang out in the shower for a different reason. For instance, the air is likely to warm while you’re showering, and they may simply be trying to warm up.

Why Does My Cat Want Attention After I Shower?

If you’ve always given your cat attention after you’ve showered, then you’ve simply “trained” them to expect attention. Other times, your cat may have missed you while you were in the shower, prompting cuddles as soon as you’re available again.

Similarly, any problems that pop up in your cat’s world while you’re in the shower may prompt them to ask for attention when you get out. For instance, if they need more food, they’ll likely sit around and wait for you, only to meow loudly the second you get out.

Other times, your cat may simply be enjoying the warm air of the bathroom when you suddenly appear out of the shower! Now that you’re out, they may ask for attention. They don’t necessarily have to plan for it.

cat in the bathtub
Image by: Irina Borodovskaya, Shutterstock

divider cat paws 2 oct 2024

Conclusion

Cats and showers usually don’t mix. However, some pet owners are surprised to find that their felines love to watch them take a shower for one reason or another. Often, these cats are waiting for their owners to pay them attention when they get out.

However, others may be interested in the water itself. Some breeds do love water, and some cats simply like drinking from running water, even if they don’t belong to a water-loving breed.


Featured Image Credit: AJR_photo, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

The Cat Biting Mistakes Most Owners Make (And What Works Instead)

Cat bites sent more than 400,000 people to emergency rooms in the US each year.1 Not scratches. Bites. And the reason they’re so...

Do Cats Cause Schizophrenia? Scientists Find a Link – Here’s What It Means

Being a fierce advocate (and occasional recipient of) mental health support and awareness, the term ‘crazy’ is not one I like to fling...

One in 100 Cats Gets Diabetes – Here’s How to Catch It Early

One in every 100 cats develops diabetes.1 That’s not a rare, unlucky condition reserved for cats with obvious health problems. It’s common enough...

Dramatic Rescue Turns Into Dramatic Reunion

What started as a routine call for the RSPCA became a heroic, five-hour rescue featuring one trapped and traumatized cat, an emotional family...

More related

10 Best Dry Cat Foods in Canada in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you have a new cat and are looking for the best dry food or you need to switch your current cat’s food,...

Can Cats Get Sunburn? Facts & Safety Tips (Vet Answer)

Cats are often found lounging under the sun, half asleep and basking in its warmth. It’s an image that is equal parts cute...

10 Pet-Friendly Hotels In San Francisco (2026 Update)

If you’re visiting the big city of San Francisco, there are tons of options for folks who want to travel with their cat....

How Do Cats Learn Their Names? Interesting Facts & Info (Vet-Verified)

It’s always fun naming your new cat or kitten. Names can be adorable, hilarious, commanding, and fitting (although not always). But cats march...

Keep reading

Are Bell Collars Bad for a Cat’s Hearing? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Bell collars are very popular among cat owners because the cute little jingle allows anyone around to know the cat is nearby. It’s no secret that these types of collars can make anxious cats very uncomfortable by the random sound...

woman-wearing-collar-to-her-cat

How to Cool Down a Cat: 9 Vet-Approved Tips

When the hot weather rolls around, it is imperative to know how to look after your cat. All felines, just like humans, can be at risk of overheating when it’s hot and humid, with the potential of causing heatstroke. Although...

blue-tabby-maine-coon-cat-playing-water

Are Polka Dot Plants Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is also known as the pink polka dot plant, the measles plant, baby’s tears, or freckle face. The green leaves have freckled markings of pink that look like polka dots. The more sunlight the...

Catster_Are Polka Dot Plants Toxic to Cats

Can Cats Eat Brussels Sprouts? Vet-Approved Diet Facts & FAQ

Cats are obligate carnivores, and their main source of nutrition comes from eating meat. You might be tempted to feed your cats greens every once in a while because greens can supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals that you...

Can Cats Eat Brussels Sprouts

Why Do Cats Sit On You? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Ever wondered, “Why do cats sit on you?” From basic needs like safety to more obscure reasons, like the fabric of your clothing, here’s why cats sit on you....
Cat Man Tattoo Sitting Owner

Are Lightning Bugs Poisonous to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Lightning bugs, or fireflies (family Lampyridae), can be fun to watch and relatively easy to find on a summer evening. Your cat also might like chasing them around. However, if your cat ate one when you weren’t looking, you might...

Lightning Bugs

Wysong Cat Food Review of 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Wysong was founded in 1979 by Dr. Wysong and manufactures holistic pet food. It claims that all its food has been developed, designed, and produced by in-house doctorate-level nutritionists and is manufactured in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. It makes...

Wysong Cat Food Review

Cat FIP Signs & Treatment: Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by a mutation of the FeCv virus. Known as the feline coronavirus, FeCv isn’t the same as COVID-19 and isn’t contagious to humans. Most of the time, a cat exposed to FeCv...

cat and vet.

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

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




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

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