Many cat owners don’t spend much time analyzing their cat’s potty habits, but if you’re curious about cat behavior, you’ve probably noticed your cat burying his poop right after a show.
So why do cats feel the need to cover up their poop? Is it their natural cleanliness and careful nature, or is it a long-standing survival instinct that triggers this strange behavior? Or maybe a combination? We’ll discuss everything in the article below, so read on to find out more!
protection and communication
The domestic cats we know and love today haven’t changed much from their feral ancestors. Cats communicate with other cats using urine and feces. The pheromone chemicals in these products mark their territory.
Dominant cats in the wild (usually big cats like lions or leopards) may not bury their poop. This is a direct message to other cats that they are making territorial claims, which is a rather confrontational gesture.
Also read: 7 Similarities Between Domestic Felines and Big Cats
The ancestors of our pet cats (wild cats) were in the middle of the food chain. Burying their pungent cat poop is thought to be a conservation act designed to hide their tracks from larger predators like leopards and other big cats, while also hiding their nearby presence from their prey.
Cat poop contains pheromones, chemicals that can communicate messages to other cats, so hiding their waste is a form of concealment. It turns out that this weird feline behavior is directly related to self-preservation!
Now, you might be wondering why our pet cats, now happily domesticated, still bury their poop. Many cats live and use litter boxes like house cats. After all, there are no larger predators in the typical pet cat’s home environment these days!
However, don’t be surprised if you still find feces buried in the litter box. Feline instinctive behavior like this is very strong and not easy to lose. These cat behaviors are passed from mother to kitten, even when they are no longer really needed.
In this interesting and subtle species, cat poop is still used as a communication tool. If your cat toilets outdoors, whether or not they bury their waste can indicate their personality. Felines that are dominant in the area are likely to keep their droppings secret in order to establish their own territory. More junior cats may bury their poop to avoid any disputes.
avoid pollution
Feral cats should never toilet near food and water sources if possible. This is another feline instinct to avoid contamination of food and drink. Feral cats are also most vulnerable when pottying, so tend to hide in an undisturbed spot.
Again, this cat behavior has nothing to do with our house cats, but as a pet parent, it’s worth noting. This is especially important in multi-cat households, especially those with a majority of cats, as the dominant cat can keep other cats away from the litter box.
Also read: How to Clean Your Cat’s Litter Box, According to Cat Behaviorists
If you have a new cat, carefully consider where to place the litter boxes – make sure there are enough litter boxes for all cats (one for each cat plus one) and that they are placed in a place with some privacy and away from Cat food place and water bowl.
cleanliness
Cats are usually clean and fastidious animals, and burying their poop is probably just one of the typical feline prudence behaviors. It may also be a way to protect yourself from the parasites found in cat poop by covering them up.
Why doesn’t my cat bury their poop?
This isn’t necessarily a problem if your cats are putting their poop outside on display for all to see. However, in some cases this could indicate a medical issue, so it’s worth checking these points and contacting your veterinarian if concerned.
1. Lack of training
Burying poop is often a normal cat behavior that mother cats teach their kittens. If your kitten was orphaned early on or had a rough start in life, they may never learn some basic feline knowledge. Or maybe they’re just lazy!Luckily, littering is easy when cat training – check out some tips here!
2. medical problems
Sudden changes in your cat’s toileting habits can indicate a medical problem. Older cats with arthritis may have difficulty getting into the litter box and effectively covering their poop. Urinary tract infections, constipation, upset stomach, and other problems can lead to changes in toileting habits, including defecating in unusual places, refusing to use the litter box, and not covering up waste.
3. The litter box problem
Cats are sensitive animals and can become upset if the litter box is moved, if the litter type is changed, if the litter box is dirty or too small. If your cats are part of a multi-cat household, they may be intimidated by the more dominant cat. If your cat is stressed, they may stop burying their poo and spend as little time in the litter box as possible.
Also read: Why is my cat pooping on the floor?
If your cat has stopped using the litter box, hasn’t covered their mess, or has any other changes in their habits, there are some easy steps you can take. First, have them checked by a veterinarian for any medical problems.
Next, consider their environment. Make sure there are multiple litter boxes available, in a private location away from food, and using the type of litter your cat prefers. Clean the tray regularly. If your cat seems anxious, pheromone sprays may help.
in conclusion
It turns out that burying poop is a completely normal feline behavior, both as a method of communicating territory and dominance, as well as protection from predators and detection.
Cats are known for their cleanliness and will take care to defecate in a private area away from food or water. If your cat’s toileting habits have changed, they may have a medical problem, or they may be trying to communicate to you that something is wrong.
Also read: 6 best automatic self-cleaning litter boxes
frequently asked questions
Why does my cat keep burying her poop?
Burying poop is normal behavior for felines. This is thought to be a protective instinct that hides their presence from predators and prevents the contamination of food and water sources.
Do cats like privacy when they poop?
Yes, cats are most vulnerable when they pee and poo, so they usually prefer to go to a safe and quiet place to potty. The litter box should be in a quiet place, and cats usually like to keep a cover on it.
Do outdoor cats bury their poop?
This depends in part on their personalities and geographic dynamics. Domineering cats trying to assert their territory often leave their poop uncovered, so the pheromones in the poop leave strong messages to other cats in the area. More subordinate cats will bury their poop.
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