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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?
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 fun to anxiety. 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.
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.
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 an interesting room 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 scents, like many essential oils, aren’t safe for 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.
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.
8. They’re Anxious
Not all of the reasons for your cat following you into the bathroom are sweet and benign. Unfortunately, some cats can develop separation anxiety. Separation anxiety occurs on a spectrum of severity, but some cats may be anxious enough that they don’t like to be left alone, even for the length of time it takes for you to visit the bathroom. Anxiety this severe may require a consultation with your vet to find a good management plan to help your cat feel safe and calm.
In 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 anxiety 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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