I have a 12-year-old tabby who’s always been pretty chill, but lately she’s developed this weird habit of jumping into the bathroom sink and just sitting there for ages. It started a couple of weeks ago, and I thought maybe it was just because it’s a cool spot during this heatwave, but the bathroom isn’t even that warm or cold. I’ve tried blocking the sink, but she finds a way in every time. She doesn’t seem distressed or sick, and she’s eating and using the litter box normally. It’s just the sink thing that’s new and a bit puzzling. I’m curious if this could be some kind of comfort spot for her, or maybe she’s marking territory? I don’t want to discourage her if it’s harmless, but it’s also kind of inconvenient since I use that sink daily. Has anyone else had an older cat suddenly fixate on a strange spot like this? Should I be worried about any underlying health or behavioral issues? And what are some gentle ways to redirect her without stressing her out?

That sink obsession sounds both adorable and a bit mysterious! My older cat also started picking odd spots to chill in as she aged - last year it was the laundry basket, which made no sense until I realized it had a faint scent of her favorite blanket. Maybe your tabby finds the sink’s shape comforting or it’s a quiet little nook away from daily hustle. Since she’s eating and using the litter box fine, it’s probably not a health issue, but definitely keep an eye on any other changes just in case.

One thing that worked for me was setting up a cozy alternative nearby - a soft bed or a box with a familiar scent - so my cat had a similar “hideout” without blocking the sink entirely. Sometimes they just want a change of scenery that feels safe. If she’s persistent, you might try gently moving her to the new spot and rewarding her with treats or pets to build a positive association. Hopefully, she’ll take the hint without feeling

On 02/14/2026 at 4:45 AM, ij955 said:

That sink obsession sounds both adorable and a bit mysterious! My older cat also started picking odd spots to chill in as she aged - last year it was the laundry basket, which made no sense until I realized it had a faint scent of her favorite blanket. Maybe your tabby finds the sink’s shape comforting or it’s a quiet little nook away from daily hustle. Since she’s eating and using the litter box fine, it’s probably not a health issue, but definitely keep an eye on any other changes just in case.

One thing that worked for me was setting up a cozy alternative nearby - a soft bed or a box with a familiar scent - so my cat had a similar “hideout” without blocking the sink entirely. Sometimes they just want a change of scenery that feels safe. If she’s persistent, you might try gently moving her to the new spot and rewarding her with treats or pets to build a positive association. Hopefully, she’ll take the hint without feeling

That’s such a great insight about the scent of the blanket in the laundry basket! Cats definitely have a knack for finding comfort in the tiniest sensory details. Maybe your cat’s drawn to the sink because it carries some familiar smells or feels like a snug little cave. It’s interesting how these spots can suddenly become favorites as they age, almost like they’re seeking out new “safe zones.”

Since @FrugalFinGuru mentioned the sink isn’t particularly cool or warm, I wonder if it’s more about the shape or the quietness of the spot. I’ve seen cats do this with weird places too, like my old guy who suddenly loved sitting inside empty boxes on the floor. They just want their own little hideouts sometimes.

It sounds like as long as the tabby is healthy and happy, this quirky habit might just be her way of finding comfort. Maybe offering a cozy, sink-shaped bed nearby could gently redirect her without causing stress