Reasons Why Cats Like to Peek at Their Owners' Toilets

1. Companionship Behavior

Many cats that have lived with their owners since kittenhood often treat their human companions as their mothers. Due to the larger size of their owners, these felines subconsciously perceive themselves as perpetual babies who are never quite grownup. This leads them to crave constant attention and affection, causing them to follow their owners wherever they go, as a way of maintaining that sense of security and closeness.

2. Territorial Instincts

Cats with a strong sense of territory may consider their litter box as part of their domain. For them, elimination is a form of marking their territory. Thus, when their owner enters the bathroom, it can be seen as an invasion of their space. This is why cats might follow their owners into the bathroom, observing their every move. If this behavior is sudden, it could be a sign of hormonal changes, indicating the cat is in heat.

3. Attraction to Scent

Cats have an incredibly acute sense of smell, which can lead them to be drawn to the indescribable scents that emanate from their owners' bathroom visits. Coupled with their innate curiosity, cats are likely to investigate what's happening behind the closed door.

4. Separation Anxiety

If the owner has a habit of closing the bathroom door, and the cat becomes anxious when out of sight, leading to yowling and scratching at the door, it might indicate separation anxiety. The cat's desire to watch their owner in the bathroom could be a manifestation of their need to be constantly near them, fearing their owner might leave.

5. Forbidden Zone Effect

Cats are naturally curious creatures, and they are often intrigued by areas that are offlimits to them, such as cabinets, drawers, or rooms that are frequently kept shut. Therefore, when the bathroom door is closed every time the owner goes in, the cat may perceive it as a mysterious forbidden zone, prompting them to try and uncover what lies beyond.

Most of the time, a cat's interest in watching their owner use the bathroom is a sign of a strong bond between them. After all, cats wouldn't tolerate the unpleasant smells if they weren't fond of their owners. As long as the cat doesn't exhibit any odd behavior after observing, it's usually not something that requires attention.