The Complete Guide to Keeping Cats Out of Bathtubs

As a home improvement expert who loves cats, I totally get the struggle of keeping curious kitties out of the bathtub. When they‘re not shedding all over the nice clean porcelain, they‘re tracking water everywhere! Don‘t worry – with a few simple tricks up your sleeve, you can outsmart even the most stubborn tub-loving feline.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my top insider tips for cat-proofing your bathroom based on years of experience in home remodeling and pet care. You‘ll learn:

• Why cats love hanging out in bathtubs so much
• Clever techniques to keep them out for good
• How to create a bathroom environment cats won‘t find tempting
• Fun alternatives to satisfy your cat‘s needs

Arm yourself with this info and you‘ll be able to soak in peace, not fur! Let‘s get started.

Why Cats Are Drawn to Bathtubs

Before we can stop the behavior, we first need to understand it. When it comes to cats in bathtubs, there are a few key reasons why they find them so appealing:

1. Cool Surfaces

Cats love chilling out on cool, smooth surfaces, especially in warm weather. The porcelain or acrylic materials that make up a bathtub provide the perfect cool spot for comfort.

2. Contained Environment

The enclosed space of a tub reminds cats of a cozy den or hiding spot, which makes them feel safe and secure.

3. Drinking Source

Cats seem fascinated by the droplets of water left behind in a tub and will lick or play with them.

4. Your Scent

When you soak in the tub, you leave behind skin cells and oils that contain your distinct scent. This can be inviting to cats who want to be near you.

5. Solo Retreat

For cats that crave alone time, a bathtub can be the perfect isolated retreat away from other pets or household members.

6. Smooth Surfaces

The slick surfaces of porcelain and acrylic are pleasing scratching and rubbing textures for cats when they groom.

Now that we know why cats do it, let‘s go over how to make them stop!

12 Tricks to Keep Cats Out of the Tub

When it comes to cat behavior, the key is to remove the appeal and make the area unappealing. Here are my top 12 methods to make your bathtub undesirable to cats:

1. Close the Shower Curtain

This sends a clear message that the tub is off limits. Be sure to tuck the curtain inside the tub edges so there are no sneaky entry points.

2. Use Scent Deterrent Sprays

Special anti-cat sprays contain scents that cats dislike, like citrus and peppermint. Spritz around tub edges and reapply daily.

3. Place Poky Plastic Mats

Plastic mats with pointy nubs are uncomfortable to walk on, so cats avoid them. Cut to fit tub bottom when not in use.

4. Use a Scat Mat

These mats give a mild and harmless static shock when stepped on, which startles cats away. Place outside tub.

5. Block Access

Close bathroom doors or use baby gates when you can‘t monitor to physically prevent tub access.

6. Use Aluminum Foil

Noisy, shiny foil deters cats. Line dry tub bottoms with sheets, pressing down so they stay put.

7. Apply Petroleum Jelly

Rubbing jelly around the outer tub rim creates an unappealing, messy barrier cats don‘t want to touch.

8. Install Clothespins

Clip clothespins along the tub‘s edges to make jumping in and out annoyingly tricky.

9. Add Decor Items

When not in use, fill the tub with vases, candles, baskets etc. Cats don‘t like jumping into occupied spaces.

10. Use a Squirt Bottle

Keep a spray bottle filled with water nearby and squirt cats that go near the tub to startle them.

11. Place Tile Mats

Non-slip stone, ceramic or concrete mini floor tiles make cool yet rough surfaces cats will avoid.

12. Apply Repellent Fragrances

Strong smells like citronella, lavender, and lemon eucalyptus oil act as repellents.

As you can see, with some clever planning you can easily transform your tub into a cat-free zone! Now let‘s talk about why your cat loves the tub in the first place.

Satisfying Your Cat‘s Needs Other Ways

Your cat isn‘t trying to annoy you – there‘s a method to the madness! The tub likely fulfills a specific need for your furry friend. Here‘s how to provide alternatives:

Coolness – Place ceramic tiles or cooled gel mats in their favorite lounging areas.

Security – Provide enclosed cat beds and boxes for safe retreats.

Drinking – Invest in circulating water fountains to satisfy their hydration.

Scratching – Install scratching posts and textured cat trees in key areas.

Activity – Keep your cat engaged with interactive feeding toys and food puzzles.

Your scent – Rub your worn clothes on their bedding to mimic your presence.

By identifying the specific needs the tub meets for your cat and providing suitable alternatives, the tub will hold less appeal.

Creating a Cat-Proof Bathroom

In addition to tub tactics, make your overall bathroom less tempting and interesting to cats:

• Keep toilet lids down and doors closed to limit access when not in use.
• Store all toiletries and cleaners in latched cabinets cats can‘t get into.
• Keep trash cans covered or inaccessible. Cats love to dig!
• Soak up water on floors after bathing. Cats are drawn to moisture.
• Place sticky shelf liner on counters. The texture deters jumping up.
• Consider child locks for cabinets and drawers cats can pry open.

By cat-proofing the entire room, your bathroom will be far less fascinating to your furry friend.

Be Patient and Consistent

Getting cats to change behavior takes time and consistency. Keep deterrents in place and be sure to praise and reward them when they do stay out of the tub. With a little patience, your cat will eventually leave your bathtub alone for good!

Let me know if you have any other questions about cat behavior or home remodeling tricks. I‘m always happy to help out a fellow cat lover!