Why does my cat follow me to the bathroom?

Updated 13/06/2024

Cats: the word ‘privacy’ isn’t really in their vocabulary, is it? If you’re a proud cat parent, a loving cat sitter, or if you've spent any time around cats, you’ll know that visiting the bathroom without your feline friend tagging along is a pretty hard ask. A furry, frantic paw clawing out from under the bathroom door; a fluffy bystander supervising as you shower; a spiky tongue reaching towards the running water of the tap. We’ve all been there…

If you’ve ever asked yourself ‘why does my cat follow me to the bathroom?’ (and if you’re reading this, we’d bet our weight in catnip on the fact that you have!), then good news: for we’re here to answer just that. And, honestly? The answers might surprise you… 

Why do cats follow you to the bathroom?

Cats follow their pet parents to the bathroom often because they want food or a toy, it’s part of their routine that’s been positively reinforced, or because they want to show affection. For a more detailed breakdown answering ‘why do cats follow you to the bathroom’, take a look below.

1. They get your undivided attention 
2. They enjoy the cool surfaces of a bathroom
3. Their litter box is in there 
4. It’s part of their (and your) routine 
5. Because they want to spend time with you 
6. It could be related to separation anxiety 
7. They want something
8. They’re curious 
9. It could be territorial

Why do cats follow you into the bathroom? 

Our feline friends display some pretty weird (and wonderful) cat behaviors - but following you to the bathroom? That one really takes the biscuit (or rather, kibble). According to feline experts, there are a few theories as to why - and here they are.

1. They get your undivided attention 

Between work, household chores, trying to get our 5-a-day, and attempting to maintain a social life, our lives are busier than ever (honestly, we’re exhausted just thinking about it). We rarely get a moment to stop and paws - until we need to use the bathroom, that is…

Your cat’s a clever creature - they’ve worked out during these precious (albeit extremely private moments), they'll have a captive audience and your undivided attention - not to mention, an available warm lap to nestle on. So, if you’ve been wondering specifically ‘why does my cat follow me to the toilet’, you may just have your answer…

2. They enjoy the cool surfaces of a bathroom

Why do cats go to the bathroom with you? Could it just be a cool place to hang out? Maybe. We’ve all seen the many (and we mean many) photos of cute cats curled up in bathroom sinks. The cool, smooth surface can look pretty inviting to your feline friend, and if you think about it, the shape of a sink is kind of the perfect place for your kitty to nestle in.

Not to mention, while they (famously) dislike water, cats love a fresh water supply - and a running faucet provides the paw-fect opportunity for a refreshing tipple.

3. Their litter box is in there 

Cats feel vulnerable while using their litter box - it’s why they tend to do their business in private. As it happens, they don’t extend the same level of privacy to us, and will happily watch on as we attend to nature's call. But one of the simplest reasons as to why your cat hangs out in the bathroom, is that it’s your cat’s bathroom, too! It's likely to smell familiar and safe to them - and all the better if their favorite human is around, too.

4. It’s part of their (and your) routine 

Our feline friends are creatures of habit - and as much as we’d like to deny it, so are we! So as you brush your teeth, take your daily shower, or get ready for work in the morning, naturally your kitty wants to come along for the ride. Cats enjoy reliability, and it can feel reassuring for them to accompany you as you go about your daily routine.

Another thought on ‘why do cats like to follow you into the bathroom’ - consider this: does kitty's breakfast get served soon after you've gotten ready? If something nice or rewarding tends to happen around the same time you use the bathroom, your cat will remember this, and associate the act of your visiting the bathroom with a reward - it's simple positive reinforcement.

5. Because they want to spend time with you 

Naturally, this is our favorite theory. Unlike dogs, our feline friends tend to be a little less obvious when it comes to showing their affection and seeking quality time with their humans. But yes, accompanying you to the restroom could be an act of love. 

Spending time with you - whether that's following you to the bathroom or simply hanging out in the same room as you is a surefire sign that your cat loves being around you, and wants to spend time in your company. Aww… but seriously though, Felix. Boundaries, yeah?

6. It could be related to separation anxiety 

Of course, your cat wanting to spend time with you is great - unless it borders on hyper-attachment. If your cat refuses to leave your side (in the bathroom or otherwise) or gets distressed when you're not around, they may be showing signs of separation anxiety. Some other symptoms of separation anxiety in cats to look out for include over-grooming, being excessively vocal or destructive, or toileting outside of their litter box. If you're worried about your kitty or if they're displaying any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your vet for advice.

7. They want something

Why do cats always follow you into the bathroom - could it be because they’re asking you for something? Admittedly, the bathroom might not be the ideal place to ask for a snack, but if your cat is following you to the bathroom (or elsewhere around the home), they might be chancing for a meal - the great opportunists that they are.

On the other paw, they could simply want to play with you - after all, the bathroom can be a pretty fun place when you take into account all of those toilet paper rolls, which are just oh so fun to unravel (we’ve all seen those videos)...

8. They’re curious 

Cats and curiosity: famously, it’s not a great mix. But cats do like to know what’s going on around them at all times - and a closed door is a natural enemy (after the dreaded vacuum cleaner, of course). 

Any cat owner could tell you that to close the bathroom door on a cat will usually result in them scratching, meowing, and more or less doing everything in their power to get in. Visiting the bathroom usually results in a closed door (at least, we'd hope that would be the case...), so it’s very possible that your cat may be following you in an attempt to get in before you have a chance to lock them out. After all, what sort of exciting things could be happening behind a closed door?!

9. It could be territorial

Experts believe the reason that dogs follow us to the bathroom is because of pack mentality - yep, your dog is protecting you while on the loo. Thanks, Fido. While this doesn’t shed much light on the question of ‘why my cat follows me to bathroom’, it could be related to your cat's instinctual behaviors. AKA, could be territorial.

After all, your home is your cat’s territory (and don’t they just know it...), and so naturally, they want to know exactly what you’re up to. What did we say? Cats and privacy, it's like chalk and cheese...

Why do cats hate closed doors?

If your cat doesn’t like a closed door, it could be because it shuts off part of their territory, and as you’ll know, cats are rather territorial creatures. Plus if you were wondering why your cat meows at closed doors (like the bathroom door!), this could be why. Easy solution? Leave the door open!

Meet our veterinary expert, Gemma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Gemma Cliffin BSc BVSc MRCVS. Gemma is an experienced small animal vet who combines her love of writing alongside working in practice. Since her graduation from the University of Liverpool in 2014 she has worked in a wide variety of roles including first opinion practice, as a night vet, and as a locum vet. She has also spent time working at a charity clinic in the Cook Islands which was a challenge but also immensely rewarding. She loves all aspects of veterinary work, but she especially enjoys medicine cases and diagnostic imaging. She is passionate about pain management, particularly in her more senior patients. She currently works in a first opinion small animal practice in North Yorkshire where she deals with both routine and emergency cases.

Whatever the reason for your kitty's bathroom supervision, rest assured it’s paw-fectly normal to have a fluffy little spectator whenever you use the restroom. And - can we tell you a little secret? It’s quite nice to have the company, to be honest! We’d just advise that, as a courtesy, you give your lovely cat sitters a quick heads-up that they might have a furry friend in attendance during their morning showers… 

If you're looking to expand your kitty knowledge further, check out these answers to some common cat questions, or brush up on your feline fact sheet with these cool cat brain facts.