Why Does My Cat Sit Outside My Bedroom Door – Explained!

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Have you ever wondered why your cat insists on sitting outside your bedroom door? You’re not alone.

Maybe they aren’t as patient and scratch the door, ruining your furniture and waking you up.

After years of cat ownership and enduring the same problem, I’ll explain the reasons behind this behavior.

Key Takeaways

  • Cats often sit outside their owners’ bedroom doors because of their natural curiosity, desire to be near their owners, and interest in any sounds or movements coming from the room.
  • Allowing cats into the bedroom is a personal choice. You should consider potential allergies, territorial issues with other pets, and disturbances in your sleep pattern due to the cat’s nocturnal activity.
  • Cats can be kept out of the bedroom by creating physical barriers, removing food sources, and providing alternative activities like scratching posts and toys in other parts of the house.

Table of Contents

Where Do Cats Like To Sleep?

Cats require a comfortable place to rest and sleep like any other animal. While some may prefer to be outdoors, most cats enjoy sleeping in cosy places around their home.

Some popular choices include underneath beds and couches, shelves, baskets or boxes with blankets inside them. Some prefer even snuggling up close with their human owners.

No matter where your cat decides to sleep, it should always have access to a clean bedding material such as fleece blankets. These materials provide warmth and comfort for cats while also being easy for pet owners to maintain when cleaning is necessary.

Providing safe spaces above ground level can help your cat feel protected from potential predators. Your feline friend will have peace of mind during those much-needed naps throughout the day and night.

Why Does My Cat Sit Outside My Bedroom Door?

There could be various reasons why your cat likes to guard your bedroom door.

Cats are known for their curiosity and desire to be near their owners. Your cat may want to be near you and be included in whatever you’re doing.

Cats are also very sensitive to sounds. Your cat may be interested in any noises or movements they hear coming from your room.

white tabby cat peeking head through a doorway

It’s also possible that your cat has formed a routine of sitting outside your bedroom door and has gotten used to it. Cats are creatures of habit and can become attached to certain routines, so this could be the case with your cat.

Should Cats Sleep in the Bedroom?

It is your personal preference whether you allow your cat to sleep in your bedroom.

While it can be comforting for humans and cats alike, allowing your pet into your bedroom has certain downsides.

two tabby cats sleeping on human bed

One of the primary concerns is potential allergies caused by dander produced by cats.

Petting them releases tiny particles of skin cells, which can be allergens. Pets aggravate asthma and other respiratory issues in people with sensitivities or who are prone to allergies triggered by animal fur or dander. When cats shed they can release large amounts of allergens into the air.

If you own multiple pets, bringing them all into one room could lead to potentially dangerous situations due to territorial disputes between different animals.

Having cats sleeping near you at night can disturb your sleep patterns due to their natural nocturnal activity during what would ordinarily be considered “sleeping hours” for most people.

They often meow loudly when they wake up hungry or become active during the early morning hours just before sunrise.

This can make it difficult for light sleepers to get a restful night’s sleep. 

Human Interaction

Interacting with your cat is beneficial in a variety of ways.

People who own pets often develop strong emotional bonds with their animals, forming meaningful relationships that bring joy to both parties. Research has even shown that pet owners experience lower stress and anxiety levels than those without.

In addition, human-pet interactions can also help promote physical health for both the owner and their pet.

Petting an animal releases hormones like oxytocin which lowers cortisol levels—the hormone related to stress—and reduces human anxiety.

How to Stop Cats Coming into the Bedroom

Keeping cats out of the bedroom can be a considerable challenge for pet owners.

Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to keep your feline friend from sneaking inside.

The first step is to create physical barriers to prevent access by blocking doorways or windows with screens and gates.

Reducing possible temptation by removing food sources such as bowls and litter boxes will help decrease their interest in entering this area of the house. 

Providing plenty of other activities, such as scratching posts and toys around your home, may encourage them to explore different parts instead – leaving less reason for them to want in!

How to Stop Cats Scratching the Carpet Outside Your Bedroom Door

Your cat might not be satisfied just sitting outside the bedroom door and may try to get in!

cat scratching at a carpet and door

That was a problem we had and both cats would scratch at the door and the carpet trying to get in.

We tried loads of different things to try and stop them from scratching at the carpet:

  • Putting a scratch post outside the door
  • Covering the carpet with a towel
  • Piling boxes behind the door

Unfortunately, nothing worked and eventually they pulled up the carpet in the corner and ruined it. If only we had seen this video earlier on!

Final Thoughts

Cat owners often wonder why cats like to sit outside their bedroom doors.

Understanding the reasons behind this behaviour can help pet owners create a better sleeping environment for themselves and their cats.

Overall, the reasons why your cat likes to sit outside your bedroom door are likely a combination of their natural curiosity, desire to be near you, and interest in the sounds and movements coming from your room.

If you want more tips on the best way to cater to your cat’s sleeping needs, sign up for our newsletter!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when a cat waits outside your door?

When a cat waits outside your door, it could be a sign of wanting attention, seeking companionship, or expressing their desire to enter the room.

Why does my cat meow outside my bedroom door at night?

They may be seeking attention, expressing their desire to be near you, or indicating a need for food, water, or use of the litter box. It could also be a habit or just a way of communicating their presence.

Why is a cat sitting outside my house?

A cat sitting outside your house could be a stray cat looking for shelter, food, or attention. Cats are known to explore their surroundings, and if they find your house welcoming or have been fed there before, they may return to the area and sit outside the house.

Do cats wait for their owners?

Yes, cats can exhibit behaviors of waiting for their owners. They may wait by the door or in a particular spot when they anticipate your return.

Do cats get offended when you leave?

Cats do not experience emotions like humans do, so they may not feel offended when you leave. However, cats can form strong bonds with their owners and may experience separation anxiety or display behaviors that indicate their preference for human company.

What do cats do when they miss you?

When cats miss their owners, they may display various behaviors. These can include seeking attention, vocalizing more often, rubbing against objects that carry their owner’s scent, or exhibiting signs of anxiety or restlessness.

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