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It seems like my two cats, Tiny and Alfredo, have been glued to me even more than usual since I’ve spent more time at home last year. They sit on top of the fridge (I know) to watch me cook, sleep on my lap while I work on the computer, and love locking the door to my apartment when I’m running errands.
Another habit they have developed over the past 12 months that amazes me is that they now like to stand outside the bathroom while I am there, almost as if they are guarding it. Every time I shower they take their position on the other side of the door and stay there until I reappear. What gives? To find out more about the bizarre behavior of another cat, POPSUGAR spoke to two experts.
As it turns out, there are some interesting reasons your feline friend might post outside your bathroom door while you are in it. One reason, said Dwight Alleyne, DVM, veterinarian, medical director at Destination Pet and JustAnswer’s expert on animal health, has to do with the cat’s personality. “Loving cats love being with their owners no matter where they are,” said Dr. Alleyne. He went on to explain that cats who are affectionate may not understand that the bathroom is a place of privacy and will be adamant to follow you there.
Another reason has to do with their curiosity. Cats are territorial by nature. So if they are cordoned off from a certain part of the house, the inaccessible space can pique their curiosity. “When you walk into the bathroom, your cat is a little curious as to why they’re being locked out,” said Mikel (Maria) Delgado, certified cat behavior consultant and expert in cat behavior at Rover Close more than anyone else in our home, “added Dr Delgado added.
After all, your cat may be waiting for you outside the bathroom while you are there trying to get your attention. “Cats can also seek attention for a number of reasons,” said Dr. Alleyne. He shared that these reasons could include anything from hunger and fear to seeking affection. “Cats that follow us into the bathroom may be trying to communicate an issue that we should fix,” he added.
