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, 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 possible reasons why cats sit at your feet in the bathroom.

The 7 Possible Reasons Cats Join You in the Bathroom

1. Your Cat Loves Running Water

If your cat follows you into the bathroom and sits at your feet, they may just be enjoying the sound of running water, both from the faucets and the toilet. They got used to associating the sounds with your presence there, and some may visit the bathroom on their own as well. Some cats will try and drink the running water off the faucet, while others will observe their owners having a shower.

If you find that your cat loves drinking water from the bathroom sink or even the bathtub and seems thirstier than usual, this is often the first and early sign of an underlying medical issue, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and many more, especially in middle-aged and older cats, and needs a prompt veterinary check.

2. The Bathroom Has Many Scents and Textures

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.

There are also towels, sometimes the washing basket with laundry, bath mats, and other comfortable places where your cat can chill out without being disturbed.

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, especially as it’s intertwined with theirs, such as feeding time. 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, especially if after the morning toilet, the next thing you do is feed them. They may just be impatient, trying to speed you up.

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 excessively 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. When you are at home, they may follow you everywhere, including the bathroom, and they may associate it with you leaving the house, if it’s your daily routine.

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 (can be a sign of an underlying health issue)
• 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 or lap 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 has a strong bond with 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, but we can’t be sure. 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:

• Slowly accustom your cat to being alone for short periods and reward them for positive behavior
• Use an indoor pet camera
• Turn on feline friendly music for background noise
• Ensure your cat has a quiet and peaceful hiding place in the home to relax
• 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
• Change up your leaving routine, so they can’t associate any of the clues, such as picking up your keys, with you leaving the house
• Increase their physical exercise
• Enrich their environment
• Use puzzle feeders and interactive toys
• Seek a veterinarian’s advice

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, as well as to enjoy the sounds of running water, cuddle up on the soft laundry, or hurry their owners up in order to get fed.

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, ensure your cat is feeling fulfilled in their environment, both physically and mentally, without experiencing any boredom. In many cases, your cat may actually be trying to tell you that they love you and want to be near you, regardless of what you’re doing!

Featured Image Credit: Natasha Zakharova, Shutterstock