If you are a cat owner, you can’t live your life entirely your own way. You have to respect your cat, no matter what position you are in or where you are going, whether it’s the kitchen or the bathroom. When your cat follows you to the bathroom, you might wonder: “Why does my cat follow me to the bathroom?”
We analyzed hundreds of reviews and received feedback from 17 cat owners. Each one shared their different views and ideas. Here are some reasons they believe cats exhibit this behavior:
- They love us.
- They want to see what we are doing.
- They are curious.
- It’s their urination time.
- The bathroom provides quality time with their owners.
- They like bathroom gadgets.
- The sound of running water makes them happy.
However, these are our assumptions as cat owners, and they might not always be accurate. Research and veterinarians provide many reasons, some of which are listed below. Let’s discuss each one in detail.
Why Does My Cat Follow Me To The Bathroom
Positive Past Experience
Did your cat ever wander around or into your restroom as a kitten? Did they ever get into the sink? Did you ever place your cat, regardless of age, in the restroom during a loud thunderstorm to help calm them down? If your cat has had positive experiences in the restroom in the past, they will likely be eager to follow you to the same location. Read Also can cats see colors
Cats are big on routine and have a knack for remembering good times. If the restroom has been a sort of safety net or security sanctuary, and perhaps involved some playtime, your cat probably can’t wait for another positive visit.
Their litter box is in there
One of the most common reasons is that you have placed your cat’s litter box in your bathroom. Since they aren’t following you for the first time, they have made it a routine to use the bathroom when you do.
Many cat owners accept this behavior, and they say that when they sit on the commode to do their business, their cats also use the litter box to do theirs. When the owners flush, the cats bury their poop with the litter.
Additionally, a cat owner named “Berri” shared her insight: When she goes to the bathroom, her cat enters as well. When she sits on the commode, her cat first stares at her, then uses the litter box. When she flushes the commode, her cat runs up to see what’s happening with the sound of the water. Once the noise stops, her cat leaves the bathroom and starts following her again. Read Also can cats eat garlic
If your cat does the same thing, let us know in the comments section.
Interest and curiosity
Cats are naturally curious and often follow us to the bathroom simply because they find it interesting. The sounds of brushing teeth or running water can catch their attention, and they want to see what’s going on. The bathroom, typically a place they don’t get to explore freely, becomes a fascinating area full of intriguing things like the toilet and the irresistible toilet paper roll. Read more here
The bathroom also provides a new view, especially if there’s a window that overlooks the backyard, which can keep a cat entertained. Even though they might not like the strong smells of deodorants or hairsprays, their curiosity and desire to be around their humans usually win out, making the bathroom a place they love to follow us to.
Because They Love You
Cat lovers know how much time their cats want to spend with them. Cats show their affection in many ways, such as sleeping with their humans, playing with them, and, notably, following them to the bathroom.
The bathroom is a private space for everyone, but not for cats—they are always nearby. Many veterinarians and pet enthusiasts believe that when cats follow their humans to the bathroom, it is a sign of love. They want to be close and may get bored or anxious if they don’t spend enough time together. Read Also kidney disease in cats
So, the next time you see your cat following you to the bathroom, remember that it’s a sign of the love they have for you.
Your Cat Wants to Play
Our bathroom is full of toys for our cat, and whenever you go to the bathroom, your cat goes along with you and plays with various items. Some of these are listed below:
- Toilet paper rolls
- Towels
- Bathmats
- Bath toys
- Running water
- Sink faucets
- Countertop surfaces
- Anything small and shiny (like a coin or a key)
The Bathroom Is the Warmest or Coolest Room in The House
The bathroom is full of gadgets, and when your cat follows you there during the hot season, you’ll notice they often stick their head under the running water. Not only that, but they also use the cooling tiles and the bathtub to reduce their body heat on hot days.
In the cooler season, the bathroom temperature is usually warmer than other spaces due to the presence of a radiator or heater vent and the warmth from humans. To gain warmth or coolness, your cat follows you to the bathroom.
Separation Anxiety
It’s morning, and you’re getting ready for the office. As you head to the bathroom for a shower, your cat follows you. The reason is simple: you’re about to leave for work, which can cause anxiety for your cat. Read About can a dog get a cat pregnant
They will watch you brush, get dressed, and notice everything until you leave the house. Many experts and owners agree that this behavior occurs because cats sense that you’ll be apart for a while, and they want to spend as much time with you as possible.
Separation anxiety can lead to several issues for your cat, such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Boredom
- Excessive grooming
To reduce your cat’s anxiety, you can provide:
- Interactive and puzzle toys
- A comfortable sleeping bed
- A window perch for outside views
- A cat water fountain to keep them hydrated
Moving Water
Some cats can’t get enough of watching the toilet flush or water run from the faucet. It’s not uncommon to find a cat in the sink, just drinking away. If given the chance, many cats would probably not pass up that opportunity. Read Also can cats eat peas
Does your cat refuse to drink from a traditional bowl? Do you have a rolling water fountain or similar device available? The faucet and toilet are both sources of intrigue for cats. They love anything that involves moving water.
Sensory Delight
Cats have a much better sense of smell and hearing than humans. Their sense of smell is about 14 times more acute than ours. Everything in the bathroom—its unique smells and sounds—is different from the rest of the house.
Cats are particularly fascinated by the sound of water flushing and running from the faucet. These experiences are unique to the bathroom and aren’t found in other parts of the home.
This rich sensory environment is likely why your cat is drawn to follow you to the bathroom.
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