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Cats want to be petted when I go to the bathroom

I have three cats and from the time that I had only one indoor cat this behavior has gone on. Whenever I go to the bathroom, one or more of the cats comes into the bathroom while I am sitting there and leg wraps and wants to be petted. I am not the only person who has cats that do this. Why do they do it, what does it mean? If I close the door, the cry at the door or stick their paws under the door trying to shake it open. I am considered 'The Cat Guru' amongst my friends and I would love to be able to explain this to them as well as understand it myself.


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Cats love attention. They know that when you are in the bathroom, you are sitting on toilet, and therefore closer to the ground. Being closer to the ground means that you are more likely to pet them. 

I think most cats are smart enough to do this.

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I keep our cat's litter box under the sink in the bathroom, and I always leave the door ajar when I am in there, so that he can come in if he needs to do his business. He doesn't demand petting when I'm in the bathroom. Try moving your kitty's litter box to your bathroom and keep the door open, so he/she won't feel left out.

 

Our cat's litter box is already in the bathroom. They just come in and leg wrap and want to be petted, regardless of which bathroom I am in. One of my best friend's cats would only climb in her lap when she was sitting on the toilet. Several other friends report this same behavior and no one really seems to know the answer to it. It's not a problem, well sometimes it is surprising (My father-in-law was a little taken aback when he was visited by the cat who had attached to him while he was in the bathroom one morning). It's just an oddity.

Posted 2009-06-23T22:25:04Z
 

Our cat's litter box is already in the bathroom. They just come in and leg wrap and want to be petted, regardless of which bathroom I am in. One of my best friend's cats would only climb in her lap when she was sitting on the toilet. Several other friends report this same behavior and no one really seems to know the answer to it. It's not a problem, well sometimes it is surprising (My father-in-law was a little taken aback when he was visited by the cat who had attached to him while he was in the bathroom one morning). It's just an oddity.

Posted 2009-06-23T22:25:19Z
 
1 helpful answer

I have 3 that do that.  (one jumps on my shoulders every time.)  My mom always jokingly said it was because they had my undivided attention!Laughing

 

Lulu, I think youmust be right!

Freiberger

Posted 2009-06-24T10:01:04Z
 
13 helpful answers

Ask and you shall receive

Going to "the bathroom " is not considered a private affair with animals. Actually some animals enjoy having other animals see them eliminate. To them you are the leader of their pack Don't close them out consider it as a compliment. I too, have many pets but i live alone since my husband died 11 years ago they all come in when i pee or whatever. its nothing to be alarmed about. Animals also have an accutely keen sense of smell they can smell things we cannot smell even though we shower etc they can still smell our scent that they are familiar with. By toileting yourself you are emmiting a stronger odor than if you were just sitting down reading. They love you they love your odor. no big thing.

 

Finally! an answer that makes sense! Thank you. I don't mind the behavior, I am just curious about it. It seems to happen to a lot of people, but no one (before this) has been able to explain it to me.

 

Going to the bathroom is a social event for cats. When we go to the the bathroom, if they consider us part of their entourage they will attend to you. So leave the door open and let the kitties pay homage to you.

Posted 2009-07-05T23:54:42Z
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