There are numerous peculiar behaviors exhibited by cats, one of which stands out as particularly strange to human observers: cats seemingly guarding their humans while they use the bathroom.
I have discussed various odd cat behaviors on this blog, with the closest comparison to this behavior being cats who follow their humans into the bathroom. Some cats are fascinated by bathrooms, even hopping into the bathtub and meowing. However, it’s not uncommon for cats to follow humans into the bathroom.
Cats often exhibit certain behaviors that can seem puzzling to their owners. One such behavior is their tendency to meow and use the litter box when a human is nearby. This could be a form of communication, signaling that they are using the bathroom so that they can keep an eye out for potential threats. Cats are territorial creatures, and this behavior makes sense in that context.
Some cats may simply be keeping you company during your bathroom visits. They follow you around as a form of passive, quiet companionship. Cats often have specific places and times where they prefer to interact with you, and the bathroom might be one of those places. They may be seeking your presence because it reminds them of the need for social interaction. Another possibility is that your cat is seeking attention and cuddles. If you have a history of petting your cat in the bathroom, they may associate that space with receiving affection. Conversely, if you have scolded your cat for being in the bathroom, they might be seeking negative attention, which can be more engaging for them than their toys. Lastly, your cat may find your trips to the bathroom entertaining. Cats have unique entertainment preferences, and what humans think will entertain them might not always align with what actually captivates their interest. The simple act of watching you in the bathroom could be more fascinating to them than any cat toy. Modko Modkat Sleek Minimalist Top Entry Litter Box – Amazon / eBay Petmate Booda Dome Litter Box – Amazon / eBay Amazon Basics Large Cat Activity Tree – Amazon / eBay Petlinks Jeepers Creepers Catnip Rat Toy – Amazon / ChewyCats are known for their curious and sometimes puzzling behavior. One such behavior is their tendency to follow and ‘guard’ their humans when they use the bathroom. Perhaps your cat is simply intrigued by your presence. They might find your reactions to their following amusing or be drawn to the off-limits nature of the bathroom, which is usually closed. This could spark their curiosity and desire to spend time with you in this space. Alternatively, your cat might be forgetting about the bathroom until you enter, prompting them to explore and follow you in. Or, they might be following you out of habit, seeking passive companionship or entertainment, as most cats enjoy observing human movement. It’s also possible that your cat’s interest lies not in you, but in something else in the bathroom. The cool floor, the soap on the counter, or a patch of sunlight could be the actual attraction, rather than you. To test this, try sitting in a random room for a few minutes and see if your cat follows you out of curiosity. Your cat’s behavior could also be about something else entirely. Share your thoughts on why cats might guard humans in the bathroom. Do you believe they are genuinely guarding or have other reasons for being there? Have you experienced this behavior in your own cats or heard of peculiar instances? I would love to hear your thoughts, experiences, stories, or theories on this topic. Please share them in the comments section below!
