It’s not unusual at all for cats to specifically seek out bathrooms as their preferred napping and sleeping spots. While this may seem puzzling to cat owners, there are actually several logical explanations for why cats are attracted to bathrooms for their slumber. Understanding the appeal of bathrooms can help owners make the space comfortable for their snoozing felines.
Quiet Space
One major reason bathrooms attract cats looking for a place to sleep or relax is that bathrooms tend to be relatively quiet, tranquil spaces in homes. Unlike busy living rooms or kitchens where people congregate and make noise, bathrooms offer a peaceful retreat. Since cats sleep so much of the day, they naturally gravitate toward the most serene, undisturbed areas to get their rest. The quiet atmosphere in bathrooms suits cats’ needs.
Cool Tiles
In addition to the calm environment, bathrooms also provide cool tiled floors that cats find appealing, especially during warmer months. The porcelain or ceramic tile surfaces retain more coolness than wood, carpet or vinyl flooring found throughout the rest of a home. Seeking out cooler spots is an instinctive way for cats to beat the heat. Sleeping on the refreshing, chilled bathroom tiles helps overheated cats regulate their body temperature for a more restful sleep.
Sense of Safety
For some cats, the enclosed, small space of a bathroom also seems to provide a sense of safety and security. The limited size offers fewer hiding spots for potential threats to lurk. And the partial enclosure makes cats feel more hidden and protected compared to more open, exposed rooms. The privacy and security of bathrooms understandably appeal to cats’ natural survival instincts.
Smells
Another factor drawing cats to bathrooms are the intriguing smells from soaps, shampoos, cleaners, and even perfumes or colognes. Cats’ highly sensitive noses detect these strong scents and find them interesting. The range of smells offer sensory stimulation that cats enjoy exploring during wakeful periods. And they seem comforted falling asleep surrounded by the familiar smells of their human companions.
Drinking Water
Easy access to fresh drinking water from bathroom sinks or tubs is another practical appeal. When cats are thirsty, they know they can find water readily available in the bathroom rather than having to search the house for their water bowl. The convenience of having a water source nearby is a helpful perk.
Litter Box
For cats whose litter boxes are located in the bathroom, it makes perfect sense that they would spend more time in that room since that is where their toilet area is set up. When cats need to use the litter box, they are drawn to the bathroom. And afterward, they simply settle in and get comfortable since they are already in the ideal napping spot.
Comfort
The soft, cushiony textures of bathmats, towels and rugs on bathroom floors provide cozy surfaces for cats to snuggle up on. The warmth and comfort make these items that much more enticing as beds. Cats can mold these plush surfaces into the perfect napping nest.
Company
Some cats also seem to enjoy sleeping in bathrooms as a way to keep their human companions company while they use the toilet, shower or bathe. Cats are highly social animals, so the bathroom becomes a hangout space. And humans moving about provides entertainment.
Conclusion
In summary, bathrooms appeal to cats’ needs for quiet, security, comfort and closeness to their preferred people. While it may seem odd, a cat choosing the bathroom as its regular napping area is perfectly normal feline behavior in most cases. As long as the cat has a safe, dedicated space set up, allowing them to snooze in the bathroom is just fine.