Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
We all love our cats, but sometimes they can be a bit too protective. One of the most common behaviors we see in cats is their desire to guard us when we’re in the bathroom. Whether it’s sitting by the door, meowing for attention, or even pawing at the door when we’re inside, our cats are always looking out for us.
But why do cats guard us when we’re in the bathroom? To answer this question, let’s look at the psychology of cats and why they exhibit this behavior.
In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons why cats guard us when we’re in the bathroom and offer some tips on how to manage this behavior.
Understanding Why Your Cat Guards You While You Poop
The human-feline bond is a highly complex and fascinating phenomenon. It is not uncommon for cats to form strong emotional connections with their owners, and one of the most remarkable aspects of this bond is the way that cats often demonstrate affection and loyalty in very practical ways.
One example of this is their tendency to guard their owners while they are in vulnerable states, such as when they are using the toilet.
This is often interpreted as a sign of protection, as the cat wants to ensure their owner’s safety while they are in a vulnerable state. Your cat has likely been doing this since they were a kitten. Kittens have the instinct to stay close to their mother for safety, and this same instinct likely carries over into adulthood. Your cat likely senses that you are vulnerable while in the bathroom and wants to stay close to protect you from potential danger.
This behavior can take the form of sitting near the owner while they are using the bathroom, watching intently, or even sleeping on the bathroom floor.
Preparing Your Bathroom for Cat Safety
Before you let your cat come into the bathroom with you, it’s important to take some safety measures. Make sure that there are no open electrical outlets, no cleaning products in reach, and that the floor is dry and free of slippery substances. It’s also important to make sure that the ceiling fan is off, as cats can easily get injured if they get too close.
Creating a Safe Space for Your Cat to Wait
If your bathroom is large enough, you may want to create a designated area for your cat to wait for you. This may be a small blanket or bed placed in a corner of the room. If this isn’t feasible, you can make sure that any potential hiding spots, like behind the toilet or under the sink, are blocked off.
Keeping Your Cat Entertained While You Go
One of the best ways to ensure that your cat is safe while you’re in the bathroom is to make sure that they are distracted. This can be done by providing them with toys or treats, or simply talking to them. This will help keep their attention off of potentially dangerous items in the room, like electrical cords or cleaning products.
Tips for Training Your Cat to Stay Away from the Toilet
Although cats are naturally curious creatures, it’s important to train them not to jump into the toilet or drink from it. A good way to do this is to reward them when they stay away from the toilet with treats or toys. Additionally, you can try placing a lid on the toilet so that your cat isn’t tempted to jump in.
Teaching Your Cat Good Habits Around the Bathroom
It’s also important to make sure that your cat knows how to behave while they are in the bathroom with you. This includes teaching them not to scratch the walls or furniture, as well as not to jump onto the counter or tub. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that they know not to jump onto the toilet seat while you are using it.
Aside from teaching your cat good habits around the bathroom, it’s also important to understand what potential safety hazards may be present. This includes any open electrical outlets, cleaning products, and sharp items like razors or scissors. Additionally, it’s important to keep an eye out for any potential water hazards like overflowing bathtubs or sinks.
Protecting Your Cat from Water and Electrical Hazards
The best way to protect your cat from any potential water or electrical hazards is to make sure that all outlets and plumbing fixtures are securely covered. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that any exposed wiring is tucked away and out of reach. Additionally, it’s important to monitor any bathtime play as cats can easily slip and fall into a tub full of water.
Keeping Cleaning Products Away from Your Cat
Cleaning products can be dangerous for cats if ingested and can cause serious health problems. As such, it’s important to make sure that all cleaning products are securely stored away and out of reach. Additionally, it’s important to keep an eye on your cat if you are using any cleaning products in the bathroom and make sure that they aren’t tempted to drink from the toilet or sink.
Ensuring Proper Ventilation in the Bathroom
When using any type of cleaning product or chemicals in the bathroom, it’s important to make sure that the room is properly ventilated. This means opening windows and/or turning on fans to keep fresh air circulating throughout the room. This will help protect both you and your cat from any potential fumes or vapors.
Creating a Stress-Free Environment for Your Cat
It’s also important to make sure that your cat feels comfortable while they are in the bathroom with you. This includes providing them with plenty of places to hide or play if they feel scared or overwhelmed. Additionally, if there are other people or pets in the house, it’s important to make sure that they don’t disturb or bother your cat while they’re in the bathroom.
Taking Extra Precautions with Smaller Cats
If you have a smaller cat, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep them safe. This includes making sure that all potential hiding spots are blocked off and that there aren’t any open electrical outlets or sharp objects within reach. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that there aren’t any potential water hazards like overflowing bathtubs or sinks.
Making Sure the Door is Closed Before You Go
Finally, it’s important to make sure that the door is closed before you go into the bathroom. This will help ensure that your cat doesn’t wander off while you’re in there and potentially get into trouble. Additionally, this will help keep other household pets out of the bathroom while you’re using it.
Conclusion
Having a pet in the bathroom with you can be both cute and comforting; however, it can also be dangerous if not done correctly. As such, it’s important to take safety measures when allowing your cat into the bathroom with you. This includes making sure that all hazards are accounted for and that your cat is properly trained and entertained. With these tips, you can make sure that both you and your furry friend stay safe while you go about your business.
