Cats are strange animals, and that’s part of the reason we love them. Sometimes, however, they can act strangely and become obsessed with strange things. For example, you may be excited and confused if you find your cat sleeping in your bathroom when they have a nice pet bed to rest on. There are actually many reasons why your cat wants to sleep on the toilet, from comfort to curiosity and more. Check out the reasons below to shed some light on your cat’s new favorite sleeping spot.
The 8 Reasons Why Cats Sleep in the Bathroom
1. Cooler in the Bathroom
Bathrooms tend to run a little cooler than the rest of the house, and bathrooms with cool tiles are the perfect respite during hot summers. If the rest of your house is warm, your cat will seek out the coolest places in your home, like a reverse heat-seeking missile. It doesn’t hurt that there’s often a litter box nearby or interesting debris like toilet paper rolls to play with.
2. Water is Interesting
Cats generally don’t like to get wet, but funnily enough, they enjoy being near water. The sound of running water seems to be soothing for some cats, and having cool, drinkable water nearby is also a nice plus. Some more playful kitties may play with the seemingly magical flow of water coming from your bathroom faucets. For all animals, having water nearby is a soothing reassurance they are given, and the same is true for our pet cats who are drawn to the bathroom.
3. It is forbidden
If your cat doesn’t have free access to explore your bathroom, they may jump at the chance to check out this amazing room where you spend a lot of time. They are not necessarily rebellious, but your cat is naturally drawn to learning more about the things and places in their home. Even if they don’t take care of the bathroom in one way or another, cleaning the bathroom is completely normal.
4. They like to sleep in the sink
Your bathroom sink may be the perfect shape for your cat to curl up on, with a cool, firm surface that supports their bodies and makes them feel safe. Another likely reason cats love sinks is because they are elevated and give your cat a better view than if they were chilling on the floor. Combine all these qualities and it’s no wonder your cat quickly falls asleep in your sink.
5. It’s a Quiet, Peaceful Place
We all know that cats are private animals that need their space to be independent creatures of their own, and they may know that your bathroom is a private place. If the rest of your home is bustling with activity, such as when you have guests over or are hosting a birthday party, you may find your cat hiding in the bathroom. It’s refreshing for them to spend time alone, so don’t take it personally.
6. Your Cat is Weird
Part of the reason we love cats in the first place is because they’re mysterious, quirky characters who do things that don’t always make sense to us humans. Some cats are more prone to behaviors like sleeping in the bathroom than others, or perhaps they have a particular preference for the type of air freshener you use in the bathroom. Regardless, sometimes your cat does strange things like sleeping on the toilet for no particular reason.
7. Your Cat Wants Attention
Cats are very intelligent and pay attention when you give them they attention, which may be why they are sleeping in your bathroom. If you used to bother about how cute they are when they sleep on the toilet like a weirdo, they may be repeating the behavior to try to get your attention. Talk clingy!
8. Your Cat May Be Sick
If your cat is behaving abnormally, avoiding you, or showing symptoms of physical discomfort and looking for the bathroom to sleep, this may be a sign that he is sick. Cats seek out private spaces to heal where they feel safe, and proximity to water is a big plus. Ultimately, sleeping in the bathroom alone is not cause for alarm. If accompanied by other alarming signs, however, it may indicate a health problem to see a qualified veterinarian.
Conclusion
Cats who sleep on the toilet usually do so for one or more of the reasons listed above, and you can only make an educated guess. Sometimes it’s a cool, private oasis in a whirlwind of activity, they may have a thing for the sink, or any of a number of possible reasons. The good news is that sleeping on the toilet is almost always perfectly normal and not a sign of concern unless accompanied by other significant medical signs.
Featured Image Credit: Burunduk’s, Shutterstock