Why Do Some Cats Love the Bathroom So Much?

Caitlin Dempsey

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A black cat sitting inside the white porcelain sink.

If you share your home with a cat, you’ve probably noticed they can have some peculiar habits. While two of my cats don’t seem to care too much about where I am in the house, my gray tabby has an intense fascination with joining me in the bathroom. It’s a behavior that’s both endearing and perplexing.

My cat only shows this obsession when I’m in the bathroom. If I’m in any other part of the house, she doesn’t seem to care. But the moment I step into the bathroom, it’s as if an invisible alarm goes off. If I don’t let her in, she’ll sit outside, crying and scratching at the door until I either give in or manage to ignore her persistence. She’s even figured out how to push the door open if it isn’t clicked shut properly

Gray tabby cat staring at a closed white wooden door.
My gray tabby doesn’t like to be left out of visiting the bathroom. Photo: Caitlin Dempsey.

Potential reasons behind why some cats love the bathroom

While no scientific research has specifically explored why some cats are fascinated with joining their humans in the bathroom, there are several theories that might explain this behavior.

1. Cats love routine and rituals

Cats find comfort in predictability. Not only do they pick up on our daily habits, but they also want to be a part of them. So, joining me in the bathroom might simply be her way of taking part on my daily habits.

2. Bathrooms are intriguing environments

The bathroom offers a sensory experience that’s different from the rest of the house. Cool tiles especially when it’s hot out and the sound of fresh, running water are both very appealing to cats. My gray tabby may be drawn to these features, which makes the bathroom irresistible to her.

An orange tabby drinking water from a white bathtub.
This orange tabby cat loves to drink cold water from the bathtub. Photo: Caitlin Dempsey.

3. Cats crave your attention

When I’m in the bathroom, I’m usually stationary and away from distractions like my phone or other pets. My cat might see this as a perfect opportunity to have my undivided attention—even if I’m not exactly thrilled about it.

4. Doors are irresistible barriers

For cats, a closed door is the ultimate challenge. My tabby’s persistent crying and scratching seem to be her way of expressing frustration about being left out. Cats also don’t like to feel excluded from a room that they consider to be part of their territory.

Gray tabby opening a white door.
Many cats want to join you in the bathroom. Photo: Caitlin Dempsey.

5. Your cat associates the bathroom with positive interactions

Over time, my cat has learned that the bathroom can be a place for fun and bonding. Sometimes, she’ll jump up on the sink to watch me or play with the bathrobe tie dangling from the door. These positive experiences likely reinforce her fascination with the bathroom.

6. It’s a display of affection

Following me into the bathroom might simply be my cat’s way of showing love. It’s her feline version of companionship, a visual sign of the bond that my cats has with me.

A black cat sitting inside the white porcelain sink.
Many cats find hanging out in the bathroom appealing. Photo: Caitlin Dempsey.

7. Your cat might be protecting you

Cats often feel a sense of responsibility for their humans, and my gray tabby might believe she’s protecting me when I’m in a vulnerable situation. Bathrooms are enclosed spaces where I’m stationary, which might trigger her protective instincts to stay close and keep an eye on me.

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About the author
Caitlin Dempsey
A lifelong cat owner, Caitlin currently has three rescue cats: an orange tabby, a gray tabby, and a black cat. An avid researcher of feline topics, Caitlin holds both a master's in Geography from UCLA and a Master of Library and Information Science.