I’ve written about cats and bathrooms before in my article about why cats follow us into the bathroom. Many cats seem to have an obsession with bathrooms. This might seem unusual at first, but the more cats you know and the more you observe them at home, the more you realize it’s just a common cat thing.
Often, a cat’s obsession with bathrooms doesn’t stop even when we’re not in there. Cats love following their humans all the time, and even when we’re not in a bathroom, it still holds fascination for them.
It’s why my cat’s also obsessed with closets. These days I have to keep him out as we live in a country where I might get moths if cat hair gets all over my clothes in there! Trixie Pet Products Minou Cuddly Cave – Amazon / Chewy. Cats Are Sometimes Attracted to the Strange Smells in Bathrooms. One of my cats, Athos, has to smell the toilet every so often. I could scold him but he just has to take that whiff. It’s usually because he’s curious about a smell. Just cleaned the toilet? The bleach smells cool. Just had some bad luck in the loo? He’s like a man on a mission trying to figure out what went wrong. In my opinion, these odd smells might also be coming from the bathroom garbage bin. So I grabbed a covered one, and that helps a lot. Except when I had cat food in there and my cats decided it was time for a snack before I fed them, but that only happened a couple times, so we’re good now! It’s a strange obsession they have with smells, often potent and off-putting to us humans, but it’s an overall smell thing and not just bathroom-related. Which is why many cats are obsessed with the smell of feet, socks, or shoes, in my opinion. Cats Love Spaces They’re Not normally Allowed Into. Most cats are obsessed with spaces they’re not normally allowed into. Usually the bathroom door is closed, or they’re not allowed to do whatever they please in the bathroom as they get shooed away. Maybe it’s the avid explorer in them? Maybe they’re like humans and love what’s off limits? Maybe they’re just so curious they can’t help it? Who knows why, but if there’s a space that’s off limits to a cat, you’d better bet he or she’s gonna want in. Immediately. Don’t believe me? Close a door. I give it 2 minutes before your cat’s on the other side meowing to be let in. They could’ve been having a nap halfway across the house. Doesn’t matter. They have a sixth sense about these things. And if you let that cat in and close the door again? It’ll be tops 5 minutes before they’re meowing at that door again to be let out. Picture from post Closet Kitty. Cats Can Be Obsessed With Sitting on Toilets, Bathroom Counters, or Sinks. There are plenty of interesting things to sit on in the bathroom. There are smooth counter tops, porcelain sinks, and even (hopefully not, but it happens!) the toilet! This sucks if it happens, but I’ve got a lot of cats who are obsessed with chairs. Unless you train them, how are they supposed to know the toilet’s not a chair they’re allowed to sit on? Yeah, it has a lid, but they’re probably not paying attention to whether the lid is on or off. So maybe they just happened to jump on thinking they’d fit and then, whoops, into the water. This happens with bidets, too. My brother’s cats used to be fascinated by those. He keeps the door to the bathrooms closed now.
If you’re struggling to keep your cat out of the bathroom, it’s important to understand why they might be drawn there in the first place. With persistence, you can train your cats to stay off the toilet and other areas you’d like to keep off-limits.
Cats are highly observant of our behavior, especially in the bathroom. They may be attracted to the attention they receive, whether it’s positive or negative. This attention can come from scolding, confusion, or simply engaging with them while you wait. Cats thrive on attention, and the bathroom can become a place where they get it. Another reason cats might be attracted to the bathroom is the presence of items like shampoo or soap. Some cats, like Bjorn, are drawn to the taste or smell of these products. In Bjorn’s case, a grain allergy was discovered, which once addressed, stopped his attraction to the soap. It’s worth considering if your cat might be attracted to similar items in the bathroom. Cats are also known for their laziness, and if they have access to food, water, or a litter box in the bathroom, they’re likely to stay there. The convenience of having all their needs met in one place can make the bathroom a preferred spot. Finally, it’s important to consider why your cat might be in the bathroom at all. Are they there to drink, eat, or use the litter box? Understanding their motivations can help in finding solutions to keep them out. Share your thoughts and experiences about cats and bathrooms. Why do you think cats are drawn to bathrooms? Do you have any unique reasons for your own cats? What are the most likely reasons overall? Have you observed any strange behaviors in the bathroom, such as sitting on toilets, sleeping in the bathtub, or sniffing at smelly things? I’d love to hear your stories and insights in the comments below!
