Why Do Cats Follow You to the Bathroom? Feline Behavior Explained
By Jessica Kim
Updated on
It can be tough figuring out what’s going on in a cat’s mind, and they can do some things that leave us feeling puzzled. Some cats can develop a habit of following their owners into the bathroom, and it can seem like they’re doing this for no reason.
While your cat may not be able to verbally explain to you why they’re following you to the bathroom, we can make some guesses based on what we know about cat behavior. Here are seven common reasons why your cat may be following you to the bathroom.
The 7 Possible Reasons Cats Follow You to The Bathroom
1. Affection
Despite having a stereotype of being aloof and independent, cats are capable of forming strong bonds with people. Some cat breeds are known to be extremely affectionate and follow their favorite people from room to room around the house.
So, it’s very possible that your cat is following you to the bathroom because they simply enjoy being with you. They appreciate your company and may be trying to return the favor by being your constant companion.
2. Curiosity
Cats tend to be very curious by nature, and they may find the bathroom an interesting place to explore or observe. In their eyes, the bathroom can transform into a different place when you’re around. You can flush the toilet, turn on the faucet, or use different products, like an electric toothbrush or hairdryer. All these changes can pique a cat’s interest and cause them to follow you into the bathroom.
3. Routine
Cats are creatures of habit, and they’re quick to develop a daily routine once they’ve settled into your home. They have a pretty strong internal clock and prefer waking up, eating, playing, and napping at around the same time of day.
Therefore, some of them may have just developed a habit of following you whenever you go to the bathroom. Cats may even be more aware of your own routine than you are. So, they may wait by the bathroom door when they know that it’s about the time of day when you usually go there.
4. Medical Reason
Some cats can start to act needy when they’re in pain or are feeling unwell. They may want to stick close to their owners and may become more demanding of attention. So, if your cat develops a sudden habit of following you to the bathroom, be observant of any other changes in their behavior. Check for signs of pain, such as limited mobility, limping, and lethargy. It’s also best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to conduct a physical exam on your cat and see if they’re experiencing any health issues.
5. Separation Anxiety
Cats can develop separation anxiety and find it unbearable when they’re away from their owners. They often hate closed doors and will follow their owners everywhere, even to the bathroom. Other signs of separation anxiety in cats include excessive vocalization, destroying things, excessive grooming, and extreme neediness.
If your cat has separation anxiety, it’s best to work with a cat behaviorist to help your cat cope and reduce their anxiety. In some cases, a veterinarian may recommend and prescribe medication for their anxiety.
6. Thirst
It’s common for cats not to drink a lot of water, so it’s important for cat owners to ensure that their cats drink enough water and stay hydrated. Some cats don’t like drinking from a water bowl and prefer drinking from a running water source, like a sink tap. So, your cat may follow you to the bathroom when they’re thirsty because they expect you to turn on the sink.
If your cat has a habit of drinking water from the tap, you may want to consider getting them a cat water fountain. The sound of running water may encourage them to drink more frequently.
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7. Positive Reinforcement
Cats are quick to pick up on what benefits them, and they may have discovered that some sort of reward follows after you use the bathroom. For example, if you consistently go to the bathroom and then give your cat a treat afterward, your cat will start to build a positive association with the bathroom and learn that they can get a treat after every time you use it. Therefore, your cat may follow you to the bathroom when they anticipate a reward will follow afterward.
Is It Okay If My Cat Follows Me to the Bathroom?
While it’s not socially acceptable for people to follow each other to the bathroom, it’s important to remember that cats live by different rules. They don’t share the same bathroom etiquette as humans, so they don’t really see it as a problem to accompany you to the bathroom.
In most cases, it’s fine if your cat follows you to the bathroom. However, it’s important to pay attention when this behavior appears suddenly or if it’s triggered by a negative cause. Sudden changes in behavior can indicate that something negative is causing it. So, it’s helpful to take your cat to your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes if this is a new thing and you noticed any other concerning behaviors.
If your cat is following you to the bathroom because of separation anxiety, it’s important to come up with a plan to help reduce your cat’s anxiety. Separation anxiety is often a challenging issue to address and overcome on your own. A cat behaviorist can help you come up with behavior modification and creating a safe and happy living environment for your cat.
Conclusion
Your cat can follow you to the bathroom for a variety of reasons, and their reasoning can be positive, neutral, or negative. So, be curious about your cat, just as your cat is curious about you, and see if you can find consistent triggers that cause your cat to go to the bathroom with you. Being observant of their behaviors and understanding possible causes for them will ultimately help you take better care of your cat.
Featured Image Credit: Okssi, Shutterstock
