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Why Do Cats Follow You Into the Bathroom? 8 Vet-Verified Reasons

cat inside the bathroom watching someone

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Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca

Veterinarian, BVSc GPCert (Ophthal) MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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If you’re a cat owner, then you already know that it can be difficult to get an opportunity to use the bathroom without an escort. Many cats love to follow their people into the bathroom, whether it’s to sit on the counter and watch them, drink from the sink or tub, or sit in their people’s pants. Of course, many people like to use the bathroom in privacy, so why does it seem like our cats are so obsessed with following us to the bathroom?

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Why Do Cats Follow You Into the Bathroom?

Believe it or not, there are actually multiple reasons that your cat might follow you into the bathroom, from comfort to routine to boredom. More than likely, your cat just wants to be with you or is curious about what you’re doing in the bathroom. Let’s talk about some of the other reasons that your cat might want to spend time with you in the bathroom.

The 8 Reasons Why Your Cat Follows You Into the Bathroom

1. It’s Fun

Think about the bathroom from your cat’s perspective. There are so many interesting things for them to play with that aren’t available anywhere else in the house. Toilet paper on the roll can be great fun for cats, plus there are all kinds of switches, knobs, cords, and toiletries to try to play with. Cats are creative when it comes to finding toys, and the bathroom is a goldmine of options.

Cute cat playing with roll of toilet paper in bathroom
Image By: New Africa, Shutterstock

2. They Like You

Your cat may just want to spend time with you. Not only do they like being in the bathroom because you’re in there, but the bathroom is also full of things that smell like you. Towels, washcloths, bathrobes, and rugs are all soft sources of your scent, while items like hair brushes, toothbrushes, and toiletry items will also retain your smell. It may be comforting to your cat to be in an area that smells so strongly of you.


3. There’s Water

We’ve all heard that cats don’t like water, but this isn’t always true. In fact, a large number of cats seem to have a fascination with water, especially moving water. This is one of the reasons why pet fountains are such a good option for encouraging your cat to drink more. Whether it’s a bathtub full of water or a dripping faucet, your cat may simply be enamored with the water’s movement.

british short hair cat watching a water tap with drips
Image By: Freer, Shutterstock

4. It’s Interesting

Between the water, the smells, and the items that aren’t available anywhere else in the house, the bathroom is simply one of the most interesting rooms for cats. Uncommon scents and objects can provide enrichment for your cat by piquing their curiosity, helping them stay happier and healthier. Just remember that some products, such as essential oils, are highly toxic to cats.


5. It’s Routine

If you’ve had your cat for a while and your paths always seem to cross when you’re in the bathroom, then there’s a good chance that it has simply become routine for your cat to visit the bathroom when you’re in there. It could start off because your cat’s litter box is in the bathroom, or maybe your cat eats breakfast on the bathroom counter while you get ready for work in the morning. Over time, being in the bathroom together becomes a distinct part of your cat’s routine. Since cats love sticking to a routine, they may like to join you in the bathroom out of habit.

cat in the bathroom
Image By: Alexandra Cluj Napoca, Shutterstock

6. You Shut the Door

How many times have you closed a door, only to see a little paw sticking underneath it or hear your cat throwing a fit on the other side? Cats don’t like to be closed out of pretty much anywhere. They don’t like not being able to see what you’re doing or participate in what you’re doing. What if something really interesting is happening on the other side of that closed door? Why do you get to be in there when they can’t be? If you shut the door whenever you go into the bathroom, your cat may take offense to the closed door and demand to be let in.


7. They’re Hungry

Cats can be extremely insistent about being fed, and their internal clock seems to never miss mealtimes. If it’s time for a meal, you can probably expect your cat to follow you just about anywhere that you go. If your cat’s food bowl is kept in the bathroom, then they may follow you every time you go in in the hopes that you’ll provide them with food or a treat.

iams dry cat food on hand


8. They’re Bored

Not all of the reasons for your cat following you into the bathroom are sweet and benign. Unfortunately, some cats may lack sufficient mental stimulation. Both physical and mental engagement are essential for your cat’s well-being. If your cat is bored, they may seek out any opportunity for interaction, even if that means following you into the bathroom.

A lack of enrichment can lead to attention-seeking behaviors, such as meowing excessively, knocking things over, or shadowing you around the house. To keep your cat entertained, ensure they have access to interactive toys, scratching posts, and activities that encourage their natural instincts, like hunting-style play or puzzle feeders.

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Conclusion

Cats are funny animals, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that your cat likes to follow you into the bathroom. There are lots of reasons that your cat may do this, but in most situations, it doesn’t indicate that there’s anything wrong with your cat. Your cat may just like you or find the bathroom interesting. If you suspect your cat has a behavioral problem and follows you into the bathroom to feel safe, then talking to your vet is the ideal next step.


Featured Image Credit: Okssi, Shutterstock

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