In our daily lives, cats are often prone to strange behaviors that, for one reason or another, don’t exactly make sense to us. Whether it’s climbing curtains, making the loudest mews or waiting patiently by the door, these actions are all part of their unique charm. My cat Lyra, for instance, has taken a peculiar liking to watching humans shower. While this behavior probably isn’t unusual for felines, it still feels a bit odd from our perspective.
If your cat grabs your legs or tries to step into the shower, they might be trying to tell you it’s not safe there or they’re just curious! Cats exhibit many behaviors we don’t know the full reasons behind, but that doesn’t mean these behaviors aren’t absolutely normal. This article explores why your cat might like to watch you shower and offers some informed guesses for this fascinating habit.
The 10 Reasons Your Cat Watches You Shower
1. They Want to Cuddle
Cats typically don’t like water, so they avoid getting wet. However, their natural curiosity and love for their humans mean they’ll seek connection in other ways. Your cat might be sitting near the shower or staring while you’re in there because, in their mind, the next best thing to joining you is waiting for you to get out.
This behavior is a sign that your cat really loves you and craves your attention. They don’t want to walk away but instead stay close to you. It’s pretty normal for a cat to act this way, as they want to cuddle and feel connected either way. Therefore, they may simply be showing affection by sticking around until you’re done.
2. Curiosity
Cats are naturally curious creatures that love to get into everything and figure out what’s going on. When they hear strange noises like the water running in the shower, their instinct to explore is triggered. While most cats don’t like water and probably won’t want to get in, their curiosity is often stronger than their fear of getting wet. They may even come close, observing you with wonder and awe, just to figure out what you’re doing.
Some curious felines may be drawn to the sound of water dripping from the faucet or the scent of soap, finding it oddly enticing. Others might perch on the edge of the bathtub, fascinated yet cautious, just in case they miss the fun.
For some cats, it’s not about water at all—they might see the bathroom as a cozy spot to hang out, or they could be trying to get close to you. In rare cases, a cat might even fall into the bathtub, but it’s all part of their instinct to explore and not miss out on anything interesting.
3. Because They Like Water
While many cats do not like water, some breeds actually love it. Maine Coons are a great example, as they’re known for their fascination with water and even nicknamed boat cats.
Their natural liking for water might be part of their instinctive job description. If your cat seems extremely interested in your shower, it could be their unique curiosity about water at play.
Your cat might not want to get into the shower with you just yet, but they may see watching as the next best thing. It’s not unusual for cats to find the bathroom intriguing—some simply stare at the water because they find it odd or captivating. This is especially true if they haven’t been introduced to the idea of touching water before.
4. It’s Warm
Cats love warm air, and the heat from your shower can feel comforting to them. If the bathroom is cold elsewhere, your cat might choose to hang out near you to warm up. People often don’t realize that cats tend to seek out cozy spots, especially in cooler weather. Even after you get out of the shower, your cat might stay behind, curling up in the sink or sleeping in the lingering warmth once the water is turned off.
5. They Like Running Water
Cats are naturally curious creatures, and their fascination with running water is part of their instinctual behavior. In the wild, felines prefer to drink running water because it’s typically cleaner than stagnant sources. This instinct has carried over to modern cats, which explains why they may be fascinated by the sound or sight of water dripping during or after your shower.
Some cats may even try to drink from the water streaming down, drawn by its movement and freshness. If your kitten or adult cat is particularly obsessed with running water, you might want to consider getting a cat fountain.
These modern, minimalist products, like Hepper’s stainless steel fountain, provide flowing water that keeps cats visually engaged and encourages them to stay hydrated.
These fountains are designed to mimic the ripples and drips that naturally fascinate felines. They’re also surprisingly quiet, easy to clean, and a great way to keep your cat entertained and healthy. By catering to your cat’s natural instincts, you can create a playful and enriching environment for them.
6. You’re in Their Hiding Spot
Cats are naturally secretive creatures, often drawn to quiet and hidden areas. Even though they may spend most of their day in the open at home, their instincts push them to seek places that feel safe and undisturbed.
Showers, being typically dark and low-traffic areas where people don’t spend much time, make the best hiding spots for them. It isn’t odd to discover your cat napping in such a space, enjoying the quiet.
Sometimes, you’ll even find cats cooling down in a sink or quietly sitting near the shower, especially when the area is warm or shaded. Their preference for places that feel safe and aren’t frequently trafficked is rooted in their wild instincts, making the shower their perfect retreat. If you’re showering, your cat might just be checking to see who’s taken over their cozy hideout.
7: Your Cat Wants to Play
For a mischievous feline, the bathroom can feel like a kitty playground full of exciting things to explore. My cat Atlas loves to play with the shower curtain, bat at the bathroom rug, or knock over things in the trash.
The cool surfaces, unique smells, and even the water and steam create a fascinating atmosphere that might seem like a plethora of fun toys. When your cat starts acting out, it’s often because they’re bored and desire enriching activities to keep them engaged.
8: It’s Routine
Cats are naturally creatures of habit, often forming patterns based on your daily activities. If your cat followed you around the house when they first came home, even into the bathroom, it’s likely because they sought attention or companionship.
Over time, this behavior may have turned into a routine, and they now associate your morning shower with part of their day. As Dr. Mark Biehl, DVM, explains, cats have an internal clock that helps them recognize when their owners are getting up, leaving for work, or following a typical routine.
In many cases, if your cat followed you to the bathroom during your first few days together, they’ll likely continue this habit forever. Cats, being observant and intuitive, can sense your schedule and see your bathroom trips as part of their world. They may not want to be alone, so they follow you, curious and consistent.
If you don’t want your cat watching you shower, it’s important to set clear boundaries early on. Start by gently guiding them away when they enter the bathroom and ensure they know where they’re welcome and where they’re not. This helps both of you stick to routines you’re comfortable with.
9: Separation Anxiety
Cats are creatures of habit, and their world thrives on routine. The pandemic changed not only human daily routines but also deeply affected our pets. Your cat may have grown used to your constant presence during work-from-home Zoom meetings or as you adjusted your home life to fit new work schedules.
Now that you’ve returned to the office or resumed your old morning routine, your feline friend might be reacting to these changes with signs of hyper-attachment.
Watching you shower could be a way of joining you in a familiar part of your day, seeking comfort in what feels like a predictable, harmless behavior. Cats experiencing separation anxiety often cling to anything that feels stable in a world that’s been disrupted.
Your furry superstar might simply be adapting to the shift in dynamics, showing just how perceptive they are to your comings and goings.
10: Your Cat Is Hungry
It’s natural for cats to be grazers, meaning they prefer to eat small meals throughout the day. If your kitty is following you into the bathroom and meowing, it could be a sign they are asking for a snack. Many cats paw at an empty bowl, hoping for a dish to be filled.
While it’s uncommon for cats to get a regular meal every time you go to the bathroom, they may also act out of habit. If you’re noticing this behavior often, it might be a sign that they are not getting enough food or their diet isn’t quite right, leading to underfeeding.
It’s essential to ensure they are fed the right portion to maintain their ideal weight and avoid health issues like obesity. If you’re unsure about their health, it’s always good to consult a vet.
Does My Cat Know What I’m Doing in the Bathroom?
Cats, being super-sniffers, are naturally curious about everything you do, even in the bathroom. The chances are, they don’t fully know what you’re doing while showering, flossing teeth, or shaving, but the scents in the room likely contain interesting information to them.
While humans might feel grossed out, cats are the opposite—they’re curious and want a clue about your daily activities. Your bathroom routine might seem mundane, but to a cat, it’s a fascinating mix of smells and sounds.
Why Does My Cat Wait for Me While I Shower?
Your cat isn’t typically waiting for you to get out of the shower for no reason—it may be their way of staying close to you or observing the next part of your routine. Cats often pay attention to our habits and may find this part of the day interesting.
Some cats even like to hang out nearby because the air is warm after you’re done showering, or they might be curious about the water itself. Alternatively, your cat might not be actually waiting for anything at all; they could be drawn to the sound or just simply enjoying your presence.
For some cats, it’s more about being protective, ensuring you’re safe while doing something that seems strange to them. Either way, their behavior is a mix of curiosity and affection, blending seamlessly into their quirky routines.
Why Does My Cat Want Attention After I Shower?
Your cat might demand attention as soon as you’ve showered because they’ve missed you while you were busy. They may have trained themselves to expect cuddles or interaction once you’re available again. Other times, they simply enjoy being near you and are now making up for the brief separation by prompting affection or play.
In some instances, your cat might have more practical needs, like wanting food or company. They might sit around, wait, or even meow loudly to get attention the moment you’re out of the shower.
If you’ve unintentionally upset your cat in the past—perhaps by accidentally stepping on their tail or ignoring their cues—it’s crucial to mend the bond. Here’s How to Win Back Your Cat’s Love.
Alternatively, they could just be enjoying the warm air in the bathroom and are now curious about what you’ll do next. On rare occasions, your cat’s concern might seem quirky or funny. They could be perplexed by your nekkid and sopping wet appearance, rubbing against your legs as if to help you dry off.
It’s their weird, loving way of engaging with you, even if the remaining water droplets are the only thing they find fascinating.
Conclusion:
Cats and showers usually don’t mix, yet many pet owners are surprised to find their felines love to watch them take a shower. Often, these curious cats are simply waiting for their owners to pay attention or have become oddly cuddly after the activity. It’s their way of staying involved in your routine, even if it seems strange to us.
However, some cats may be intrigued by the water itself. While not every cat belongs to a water-loving breed, many still like drinking from running water or are fascinated by the sound and motion. This behavior highlights their natural curiosity, proving there’s more to their shower-watching habit than meets the eye.
You may also find these cat behaviors interesting:
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