10

My 5 month old DSH spends several minutes, two or three times per day, playing in my bath tub. He'll be running around playing, then heads to the bathroom, jumps in, rolls around on the floor, paws at the drain and the fixtures, then moves on to something else.

He has never had a bath, though I have cleaned him using moist wipes made for cats. He has also never attempted this while the shower was in use. So I can't think of any reason he would have any emotions tied to the tub, positive or negative.

He does not seem to be hurting himself or anything, just getting a little moist from the residual water from the prior shower, and he doesn't seem to care. I'm fairly sure there is minimal chance he could ingest any soap residue from the tub floor, and even if he did it would be trace amounts and very dilute. (No more than I have accidentally rinsed into my mouth on rare occasions, and I survived.) So I haven't bothered trying to prevent this.

I guess I should note that he has many toys, and multiple sources of fresh drinking water, and uses them all.

Mostly I just want to know- why does he do it?

2
  • 1
    My cat sleeps in my tub if I shut him out when reading a book/taking a "do not disturb" nap. I suspect it's a way to be nearby (the bathroom is close to the bedroom) & it feels cool when he needs that. Also it's near the food.
    – aschultz
    Jan 25, 2020 at 3:22
  • Oooh I've been wondering this too! Both my cats love to get into the tub all the time.
    – Zibbobz
    Aug 18, 2020 at 14:47

3 Answers 3

10

There really is no other answer than, "It's fun!" Cats need different stimuli to be happy. Your cat has found the bathtub, just like many cats. My cat does the same thing. You're absolutely right. There's no reason to stop him. It lets him exercise, and it simulates his mind. People who like amusement parks like the adrenaline rush. You can think of your bathtub as a mini amusement park!🐱

6

It may be because the tub smells like the household's humans, and the rolling is another way to pick up your scent.

Or it may be anything from temperature to "Boxes are fun!"

2
  • 1
    I wouldn't think that fiberglass would hold scent, but I guess the water would. And yes, boxes are definitely fun!
    – cobaltduck
    Oct 18, 2015 at 19:55
  • Most tubs wind up with some amount of soap scum ... which is soap plus human dander.
    – keshlam
    Oct 18, 2015 at 20:16
0

I'm going with its a box type object (so, safety) also, they are fun and smell like their humans so its an all 'round fun time. I have 1 boy (maine coon/russian blue mix) who has a fascination with water in general, but has always loved tubs.

1
  • Welcome to the Pets Stack Exchange! Would you be able to link to any external evidence to back this up? Does any research suggest these findings? Feb 27, 2020 at 14:13

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.