- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Whether you have a cat who enthusiastically digs in their litter box like they’re searching for lost gold or a kitty who drops a smelly load, covers it, and sprints away, you’ve probably noticed most cats bury their poop automatically. But why? Why do cats cover their poop without needing to be trained?
The answer is instinct! As both predator and prey, cats are born with the desire to bury their waste. Dr. Preston Turano, a veterinary advisor at Felix Cat Insurance, says this natural behavior in our domesticated cats carries over from their wild ancestors, who buried their poop and pee to hide their scent. By covering their waste, they covered their smell, protecting themselves against larger predators and other cats.
With the help of feline experts, we look at why many modern-day cats still cover their poop and why some may not. We also share tips on how to encourage kitties to bury their waste. We’ve got the scoop!
Why Cats Bury Their Poop
Cats bury their poop out of instinct, but they also bury their waste to decrease conflict and to stay healthy. Some may even think it’s fun. Here’s a look at all the different reasons your cat may be covering their poop.
Instinct
With their sharp claws, stealthy hunting skills, and agility, there’s no question that cats are formidable predators. But their small size makes them vulnerable as prey. Their instincts tell them they have to be careful about what traces they leave behind, says Joey Lusvardi, a certified cat behavior consultant and founder of Class Act Cats. “Predators that might turn a cat into lunch may be clued into a cat living in the area from the scent of their waste,” he explains.
Safety
Fighting with other cats can cause serious injuries or even death. As such, cats may bury their waste to decrease conflict and competition (and improve their chance of survival). This mindset isn’t unique to stray, feral, or outdoor cats either. Domesticated indoor kitties may also cover their poop as a way to coexist peacefully with other feline family members.
Cleanliness
“Keeping their environment clean is likely part of why cats bury their waste,” Lusvardi says. Because burying waste helps curb diseases, it likely gave cats in nature an advantage. This instinctual need for cleanliness explains why it’s also not a great idea to put a cat’s litter box next to their food and water bowls. Your kitty may not poop or pee there if they think they might be contaminating their food source.
Amusement
Some cats may simply enjoy their time in the litter box, kind of like how some humans read or scroll social media while in the bathroom. “Some cats may get enjoyment out of digging around in sandy materials or find it fun,” says Lusvardi.
If it looks like your kitty is having the time of their life as they fling litter over their poop or pee, they probably are!
CasarsaGuru via iStock
Is Something Wrong If Your Cat Won’t Bury Their Poop or Pee?
If a cat’s not burying their waste, there’s likely something off, says Dr. Turano. “Cats instinctually bury their waste. If they choose not to bury, it could be due to many factors, from dislike of the litter, the placement of the box, territory issues, or pain,” she adds.
Here are some of the reasons a cat might skip burying their waste.
Litter and litter box issues
One of the most common reasons a cat doesn’t bury their waste is because they don’t like something about their bathroom set up.
- Litter type. This is a frequent culprit. Lusvardi says rocky, hard, and jagged-edged litter is unappealing. “Cats prefer litter that’s soft, has small particles, and is unscented,” he says. “In other words, skip the pelleted litters.”
- Litter box style. While humans may prefer covered litter boxes that hide the dirty deeds, they can cause cats to dump and dash. That’s because cats are in a vulnerable position when they use the bathroom and want to see potential threats from all angles. “In multi-cat homes, having an open litter box is extra important because it prevents a cat from being cornered inside the box,” Lusvardi says.
- Litter box location. “If a cat hears a loud noise, or is spooked while using the litter box, or the environment is uncomfortable, they’ll want to leave as quickly as they can,” Lusvardi says. “A quiet but easily accessible location is better than a dark, scary basement near a furnace.”
- Negative litter box associations. “In some cases, the cat could associate the litter box with pain and have an aversion,” Dr. Turano says. “They may have had an infection or injury, and when they used the litter box, they experienced pain. Now they remember that when using the litter box, so they may try to get out of the litter box as quickly as possible.”
Conflict with other cats
Stress, anxiety, and fear, especially due to conflict with another cat, have a big role in litter box habits. “Cats may skip burying their waste if they feel there’s a chance they could be cornered in the litter box by a cat they don’t get along with,” says Lusvardi.
If your cat was bullied in or by the litter box, their fear will be triggered every time they set paw in the box, making them want to escape as quickly as they can.
Marking territory
If a cat chooses not to cover their poop or pee, they may be sending a signal to other cats that they’ve claimed that area for themselves. This may be especially true if you note your cat is peeing and pooping outside the litter box, particularly in socially significant or easy-to-find locations such as near doors or windows.
Lusvardi adds that cats may leave their poop in the middle of the room. This act is known as “middening” and is the poop equivalent to cats spraying or urine marking their territory.
rai via iStock
Sickness or pain
If your cat doesn’t feel good, they may not have the energy to bury their poop or pee either. For example, senior cats, especially ones who have arthritis and joint pain, may have a hard time getting in and out of their litter box, let alone covering their poop.
If you suspect your cat isn’t feeling well, look for specific body language and behaviors, like straining to poop, yowling in the litter box, and frequently licking their genital or anal areas.
How To Encourage Your Cat’s Instincts
If you’re dealing with a cat who isn’t burying their poop or pee, Lusvardi and Dr. Turano advise against punishing your cat. Not only can it hurt your relationship with your cat and make things worse, but it doesn’t address what’s causing your cat’s abnormal behavior.
“Most of the time, the best solution is figuring out if your cat has a problem with the litter itself or if there is some other reason they want to get out of the litter box quickly,” Lusvardi says.
Here are three ways to help get your cat’s poop- and pee-burying instincts back on track.
Address any litter box issues
Ensure you have the right litter and litter box for your cat. Choose a box that’s wide, extra-large, and uncovered with low sides. Fill it with 2 to 4 inches of unscented and clumping soft litter.
If you suspect your cat is avoiding using their litter box or burying their poop because of negative associations, choose a different location—one that’s quiet, in a low-traffic area, and has plenty of space for your cat to get in and out. And don’t forget to clean the litter box regularly, too!
Reduce cat conflict
Adding more litter boxes in separate and easily accessible areas can reduce tension between your cats, eliminate competitiveness, and restore proper litter box behavior. (Remember the magic number: one litter box per cat plus one extra.) Setting up separate feeding areas, play spots, and scratching and climbing areas, along with the extra litter boxes, can also help reduce conflict.
If you’re stuck on what to do next, consider working with a feline behaviorist. They can help you come up with an individualized plan to address your cats’ specific needs.
Rule out any illnesses
If your cat suddenly stops burying their poop along with other behaviors like a lack of appetite, low energy, hiding, and yowling when using the bathroom, a trip to the vet is essential to rule out underlying health issues.
Painful conditions like arthritis and gastrointestinal and urinary tract issues can make burying poop, or even just using the litter box, a struggle. Once these medical problems are properly treated, your kitty’s natural instincts to bury their poop should come right back!
