Every cat owner knows what it’s like living with a cat in a household. That’s when your private time and spots in the house don’t seem so private anymore. That, unfortunately, includes your precious time in the bathroom. So you might ask yourself, “Why does my cat follow me in the bathroom?” Here are 8 possible reasons!
Why does my cat follow me in the bathroom?
1. Your cat is curious
Perhaps we all know by now that cats are curious creatures. According to Dr. Marty Becker, they are territorial animals, too. Felines are always curious in what’s going on in their territory, and they’re probably checking to see whether you’re doing anything that would attract predators. House-cats, being smaller predators, instinctively bury their feces to avoid attracting predators’ attention. They may simply be ensuring that their human companions do the same.
After all, your house, including the bathroom -obviously, is the cat’s domain. According to Dr. Primm, your cat’s sphere of influence includes the restroom. From the cat’s point of view, he might wonder why you would lock him away from his own territory? You may be stockpiling supplies or making friends with other cats. It’s important for him to find out.
Why does my cat follow me in the bathroom?
After some time investigating the bathroom, your cat might realise that behind that mysterious door is a world of “Disneyland”. How can she resist?
2. Your cat loves the cat toys
Why did you put all the best cat toys in the bathroom? What cats don’t love new toys, especially those put right near you? First, those toilet paper rolls are so cool. A majority of cats will happily unroll an entire roll of toilet paper and throw it across the floor or wrap it around the chairs. Others will shred the paper into confetti with their back paws before pulling it apart.
Then, a lovely tissue box is spotted. He can pluck out one tissue and then watch as another materializes out of nowhere! What a great time we had!
Some cats like to roll around on the bathmat, searching for imaginary bugs in the hilarious “grass,” or even napping in the unique cat bed you reportedly put in the bathroom just for her. Wet towels strung from a hook make climbing and clinging simple.
3. Water is fun, too
Cats are said to despise water, although this is only partially accurate. Most felines despise bathing but are enthralled by water. Many will splash their paws in a tub of water or play at a running faucet. (For additional information on the ‘relationship” between cats and water, see Should I bathe my cat.) If you’re in the bathroom, chances are you’ll turn on the tap, start the shower, or take a bath, and your cat will want to join in. Now you know why!
4. There’s that special cat bed
Your bathroom sink could have been created by cats even if it wasn’t. To begin, take a neatly curled-up cat-shaped vessel and place it high enough out of the ground for kitty to gaze out at the world. On the fur, you smooth out the interior and keep it cool. There aren’t many cat beds that compare to the one you have in your bathroom vanity.
The tub is also quite nice. It’s deep and secure, giving it the perfect hideout for escaping from it all (that’s the purpose of the tub, right?). It’s also a great place for an unsuspecting attacker to hide while waiting for a speck of dust or insect to get her.
5. She wants attention
Another answer to the question, “why does my cat follow me in the bathroom?” is the fact that she wants your attention.
When you are in the restroom, cats appear to recognize that they have a loyal audience. They’re aware of the exact routine: when you stay in the bathroom for an extended period of time, you won’t be able to go anywhere.
Many cats prefer to sit on their owners’ laps when using the restroom. They have your completely precious attention for a fixed period of time, because you’re not busy chatting, cleaning, cooking, knitting, or watching Netflix during that time. At the same time , you’re rubbing their heads, ears and backs. What can be better?
6. This is where routines and safeties are established
Routine reduces stress in both humans and animals. Cats appreciate it when each day in their lives follows a predictable pattern. Even though the routine-driven life of a cat appears monotonous to us, its consistency provides a sense of security for cats.
Every day, we humans use the restroom at a similiar time and in the same manner. Day after day, we probably get up, use the restroom, brush our teeth, and have a shower around the same time and in that particular order. Your cat may find it comfortable to have the day flow in a predictable manner, and they may wish to become a part of it.
7. She wants what she can’t have
Another reason your kitty runs after you into the bathroom is that she knows if she doesn’t jump in quickly enough, you’ll close the door in her face.
You leave the cat out of the bathroom at your danger, as many cat owners are well aware. You could believe that by locking yourself alone in the bathroom, you’ll be able to enjoy a few moments of tranquility while using the restroom. Instead, you’ll have to put up with constant sobbing or clawing on the other side of the door until your cat sees you open it. Is it easy for you to shut the bathroom door only to see tiny cat paws creeping beneath the threshold?
To your feline, the value of a resource rises when there is competition for it. Every time you close the bathroom door and deny your cat access, you increase the value of the space.
Cat perversity could be the culprit. Is it common when you let a pleading cat inside your screened-in porch, only for her to want to be out again nearly immediately? Has your kitty ever begged and meowed nonstop for a reward, only to turn it down when you provide it?
8. He wants to be with you
You may not consider the toilet to be a haven of pleasant scents, but you are not your cat.
Animals and humans interpret scent differently. When people consider a scent, they decide if it is pleasant or unpleasant, and that’s it. Scent, on the other hand, provides a wealth of data for animals. To your cat, your aroma in the bathroom embodies all of the great, reassuring, and pleasurable things he identifies with you. It’s because he loves you! Bathroom time could be a great opportunity for feline bonding!
So next time if someone asks, “Why does my cat follow me in the bathroom?” you know why it’s a good idea to share the space with the little furry friend.
