Cats show some weird behaviors, don’t they? If you’re a cat person, you’ve probably seen your cat during their funny five minutes.
In this case, you might notice them stalking objects, running from perceived threats that don’t exist, or throwing one of their toys around as if it had a life of its own. But has your cat ever buried their toys in their litter box? Well, some cats do! Let’s find out why.
Why do cats bury objects?
Cats may bury many things, from feces and urine to toys and food. So, what is the purpose of burying these things?
ensure safety
When we have something special, valuable or sentimental, we keep it in a safe place. This could be in a real safe or just a safe place from loss, damage or theft. Well, cats feel the same way about their precious possessions and keeping them safe.
By burying their hunting trophies, toys and cat food, they can ensure that they will not be stolen or have to be shared with others.
hide their smell
Cats also bury things to hide their scent, since much of their environment and possessions are marked with their pheromones. Of course, this is another way of keeping things safe. However, this is also one of the ways cats protect themselves.
Also read: 10 Reasons Why Cats Put Toys in Their Food or Water Bowls
Cats hide their scent to prevent larger predators from finding or tracking them. This explains why cats bury their feces, urine, and important items like toys, food, and hunting skills.
they are practicing hunting behavior
Have you ever noticed your cat spends a long time burying a toy, only to pounce on it later to dig it out? Well, that probably means they’re practicing their hunting behavior. When they hunt, cats must find prey when they are fast, small, or difficult to spot.
Burying their toys and then practicing catching them can help your cat hone their hunting skills and improve their senses.
So why are their litter boxes?
Ok, now you understand some of the reasons why cats bury things. Whether it’s because they’re special to them, they’re practicing hunting, or they’re covering their tracks. But, of all places, why choose a litter box?
Their litter box is definitely unsanitary, bordering on disgusting. Certainly not a place to store things that are important to them. However, as with many cat behaviors, with a little investigation, this behavior does make sense.
this is their space
Cats trust familiar places that smell like them, and, with all the urine and feces, there’s no place that smells more like them than their litter box. If they bury things in the dumpster, there’s no confusion about who they belong to! So they can rest assured that no one will pinch their favorite toy or that special treat they saved for later.
it is safe
Cats associate their smell with a sense of security, and if they don’t feel safe in a litter box, they won’t use it as a toilet. This is why some cats will defecate or urinate outside the tray when they are stressed or uncomfortable. So, if the safest part of the house is their litter box, it’s actually an obvious choice for storing special items.
What to do if your cat’s behavior suddenly changes?
While a cat’s normal behavior may seem odd, it shouldn’t change suddenly. So, if your cat has never bothered to bury things in their litter box, and then suddenly starts, this could be a sign that something is wrong. Watch for other symptoms, such as urinating or defecating outside the box, scratching at furniture you haven’t scratched before, and other general signs of discomfort.
Also read: 10 Subtle Signs Your Cat May Be Sick
If you are concerned that your cat is not behaving as usual or appears ill, consult your veterinarian for advice. It could be as simple as they don’t like the type of litter you’re using, or they want a new scratching post, but they could also have a medical issue.
in conclusion
Cats are strange but lovely creatures. If your feline friend buries toys in their litter box, you might think it’s weird. However, if you are a pet owner, reading the information above may shed some light on their thought process and why it makes sense for cats!
However, suppose your cat has a sudden change in behavior. In this case, you should speak with your veterinarian in case there is a problem, such as stress to the feline or an underlying medical condition.
frequently asked questions
Why is my cat burying his toys?
Cats bury everything from feces to food. If your cat is burying their toys, they may be keeping them safe and making sure no other cat gets to them.
Their toys may also smell them, so they may bury them so they don’t attract perceived predators, especially if they’re stressed. If your cat suddenly starts burying their toys, it could be a sign they are unwell or stressed, so be sure to seek veterinary advice.
Do cats know when you clean out their litter box?
Cats have a great sense of smell, so they know exactly when you’re cleaning out their litter box. In fact, if you use cleaning products with too strong a smell, they may go on strike and stop using the litter box in favor of other places around the house.
So it’s important to keep a clean litter box, but use mild or odorless chemicals and make sure they’re pet-friendly.
Why is my cat hiding her toys?
Cats don’t have many resources that are important to them. The main ones are food bowls, water dishes, litter boxes, toys, and safe shelters. Cats protect these resources because they feel they are vital to their survival. By hiding them, they ensure that other cats do not claim them, while also ensuring that larger predators do not track them by scent.
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