5 Reasons Why Your Cat Loves Following You Into the Bathroom

Your cat’s bathroom obsession isn’t random—it’s actually pretty cute.

By
Maddie Topliff
A person smiling and looking at the camera
Maddie Topliff
Maddie Topliff is the Editor, Pets of The Spruce Pets and Daily Paws at People Inc. With a background in both journalism and pet ownership, Maddie expertly curates and manages content that helps pet owners provide the best for their furry and not-so-furry friends. Maddie is the proud owner of a cockapoo named Pickles and a black domestic shorthair named Jazzy.
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Published on 07/31/25
tuxedo cat sits in sink
Credit:

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Key Takeaways

  • Cats often follow their humans into the bathroom for a few key reasons.
  • Common bathroom attractions for cats include running water, soft bath mats, and the opportunity for extra pets from their owner.
  • While the behavior is usually harmless, it's important to pet-proof your bathroom to keep your cat safe.

If you are lucky enough to call yourself a cat owner, you may notice that one of their favorite rooms is the bathroom. There are several reasons why your kitty finds the loo so appealing—and we are here to bring some of them to light.

Here are a few reasons your cat follows you into the bathroom.

Meet the Expert

E'Lise Christensen Bell, DVM, DACVB, is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and the owner of Dr. C Vet Behavior. She is based in New York City.

  • 01 of 05

    Your Cat Loves Running Water

    From cat water fountains to your bathroom sink tap, cats just can't get enough of running water.

    "It's interesting and fun to watch the water fall everywhere," says E'Lise Christensen Bell, DVM, DACVB, a veterinary behaviorist.

    Your inquisitive cat may even attempt to use your bathroom sink faucet as a drinking fountain, if given the opportunity. It does look more fun than drinking from a bowl.

  • 02 of 05

    Your Bathroom is Cozy

    As humans, the bathroom probably falls pretty low on our list of coziest rooms, but our cats feel right at home.

    "Showering makes the bathroom warm, and cats like their environment warmer than most people keep it, so they learn to follow family members in for shower and bathtime," Bell says.

    You heard it here first! Cats love warm showers, too—from a distance.

  • 03 of 05

    Your Cat Loves to Wrestle Your Bath Mat

    One of your core bathroom decor pieces may also be your cat's favorite wrestling opponent, especially because a bathroom rug can't fight back. When they're not wrestling your bath mat, they may also use it to lounge, especially if you don't have carpeted floors around your house.

  • 04 of 05

    Your Cat is a Potty Pet

    Another reason your cat loves the bathroom? They're a Potty Pet.

    "Many people have a habit of petting their cats when they are sitting on the toilet, so cats who like petting may naturally learn to join humans for their bathroom forays," Bell says.

    It doesn't matter what you're doing—when your cat asks for pets, you must comply.

    Continue to 5 of 5 below
  • 05 of 05

    Your Cat Misses You

    They would never admit this on the record, but your cat misses you when you're out of sight, like when you're taking a shower. At the very least, they're curious about what you're doing behind the magic curtain and want to see what's going on for themselves.

Keep Your Cat Safe from Bathroom Hazards

There's nothing wrong with your cat snooping around the bathroom as long as the proper safety measures are in place.

"Bathrooms can be safe for cats, but that very much depends on your cat," Bell says. "If you have a very exploratory kitty who gets into everything, then invest in some baby-proofing for your cupboards."

Before you give them free rein, double-check that these hazards are pet-proofed.

  • Cleaning products: Make sure to keep toxic bathroom cleaning products out of your cat's reach by keeping them in an inaccessible cabinet or closet.
  • Toilet bowl: There's no harm in your cat perching on a closed toilet, but they shouldn't be able to lift the lid. They could go for a surprise swim in an unsanitary pool.
  • Self-care essentials: Bathroom staples like hair ties and dental floss can become kitty choking hazards very easily. Keep hair ties locked up and "bury your dental floss," Bell suggests.
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