Why Do Cats Sleep in Sinks? Reasons Behind This Behavior!


Have you ever opened your bathroom and seen your cat get up in the sink, snoozing away? If so, you might wonder why your cat prefers to sleep in sinks. 

Well, you are not alone. Many cat owners noticed this behavior and have tried to figure it out.

In this post, we will talk about reasons why they prefer to sleep in sinks as well as whether it is okay for them to sleep in sinks and other related questions. 

Here’s others related questions that you might want to learn more about your small friend: Can Cats Eat Chicken Breast?, Why Does Your Cat Want to Be Hand Fed?

Do Cats Have a Favorite Place to Sleep?

Yes, cats might have their own favorite place to sleep. They might choose a favorite place to sleep differently​ between day and night. 

Cats prefer to sleep anywhere that they can feel safe and warm, even if we feel it is not a good spot for them.

Cats are very picky about their sleeping locations and they select their decision based on some factors such as softness, temperature, security, and social bonding. 

However, it also depends on your cat’s preferences as all cats are different. Therefore, they also pick up their own favorite place to sleep in a unique way. 

Observing your cat’s sleeping habits is the best way to make you understand their preferences. 

Is It Okay for Cats to Sleep in Sinks?

Yes, it is okay for cats to sleep in sinks. Sleeping in sinks is not harmful to them. Cats have unique behaviors and preferences.

Some cats may enjoy sleeping in bathroom sinks as they offer them a feeling of rest and comfort. 

Therefore, if your cat prefers sleeping in the sink, there’s generally no need to be concerned, but you should observe them.

By spending a long period of time in sinks, it can also make your cat become ill. If you notice your cat showing signs of illness, you should stop them from doing this.

Do Cats Drink Sink water?

Yes, some cats do drink sink water while others might not. Cats can be picky about where they receive their water, but the sound and movement of running water from a faucet might be interesting to them.

Some cats might also like to drink sink water because it is cooler and fresher than in their bowl.  

However, you may be wondering if sink water is safe for them. The general answer is Yes! Sink water is not harmful to your cat and it might help them to stay hydrated and healthy. 

Anyway, it is always a good idea to consult or check with your vet if you have any concerns about their health from drinking sink water. The vet will provide the best answer for you.

Why Do Cats Sleep in Sinks?

If you have cats who enjoy sleeping in sinks, you might want to know the reason behind this behavior.

Here are several reasons that your cat might choose to sleep in sinks: 

Safe & Comfortable: Sleeping in sinks gives them a cozy and safe as it fits their body perfectly. It is similar to a covered box or bed. 

Sinks also provide them with a cool surface that helps your cat regulate their body temperature, especially in hot weather. 

Security Place: Cats have sensitive ears so they might prefer somewhere that is quiet and secure. While loud noise can make your cat scared and damage their hearing. 

Sleeping in sinks is a great and secure place for them as it is quite a secluded location of the bathroom. As a result, your cat can relax or sleep without being disturbed. 

Better View: Cats are territorial animals and they might prefer to monitor their surroundings. Therefore, being in sinks can provide them with a vantage position from which they can view what is going on in their house. It is also a way of lowering stress for them.

Water Source: Cats might enjoy sleeping in sinks because they can provide them with a source of water. Cats naturally prefer to drink moving water which provides them with fresh and cool water more than their bowls.

Social Bonding: Sleeping in sinks might help cats bond with their owner. It is the best way for them to get attention from their owner. 

It also can be a sign of trust and relationship building as they can share their personal lives with each other. 

Remember, not all enjoy sleeping in sinks. It depends on your cat’s preferences and their habits. 

How Can You Stop Your Cat from Sleeping in Sinks?

Many cat owners get upset when their cats sleep in sinks.  Therefore, if you belong to this group, you may be interested in learning how to prevent them from sleeping in sinks. 

Here are some tips that you could apply to your cat: 

Close the bathroom door: It is the best way that you may prevent your cat from using the sink by keeping the bathroom door closed at all times.

Make the sink less attractive: By installing a robust mesh or grate in the sink, you can reduce the appeal of the sink to your cat by creating an uneven surface.

Provide alternative comfortable spots: You need to be sure that you offer them a comfortable and cozy place to rest like a cat bed, blanket, or cushions as these alternatives might be just as appealing to them.

Additionally, you can provide your cat with a bed that is similar to a sink and has the same contours as the sink.

Provide Fresh and cold water: Cats may be attracted to sleeping in the sink because they like to drink cool, fresh water, as was already explained above.

In order to prevent them from having to go to the faucet, you can give them access to fresh, cold water in a bowl or a fountain.

Apply positive encouragement: You can offer your cat a reward when they rest in their designated sleeping spot rather than the sink.

By doing this, it might encourage them to take a nap in their spots more often and your cat might feel happy with it.

Redirect their attention: You can spend some time playing with your cat and offer them some toys. It also helps your cat to keep busy. Therefore, they might shift their focus away from the sink.

Be patient: All of the above tips may be difficult to put into practice, especially for cats who have habits of sleeping in sinks. 

Therefore, it is important for all owners to be patient as every cat is different. It may also take more time depending on your cat’s preferences and habits.  

Finally Thought: 

Cats prefer to rest in the sinks because the sinks provide them such as comfort and a cozy, small place, as well as offering fresh and cool water, a secure place, and a social relationship with their owner. 

Some cats may enjoy it as well because it provides them with a wonderful view as the prey prefers. 

However, if you don’t want your cat sleeping in the sink, keep the bathroom door closed or provide them with a comfortable place to sleep elsewhere. 

If your cats seem to prefer to sleep in sinks, you ask your vet to get more advice.

Daney Hak

I’m a passionate cat mom and pet lover. Apart from being a cat owner, I’ve spent many years of my childhood around them. In my experience, I’ve learned the importance of understanding your cat to be able to cater to them adequately. Thank you so much for your time.

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