If you live with a cat, you’ve probably noticed how carefully they cover their business in the litter tray.
But have you ever wondered why they do it — and why big cats like tigers and lions don’t bother?
It turns out this behaviour has very little to do with cleanliness, and everything to do with survival.
It’s All About Scent and Territory
To humans, cat poop smells… well, like cat poop.
To cats, it’s full of information.
Cats can identify individuals through chemical scent markers called pheromones, found in their urine and faeces. These scents communicate territory, status, and even confidence.
In the wild, smaller or more submissive cats instinctively bury their waste to avoid attracting attention — especially from dominant cats. Covering their scent helps them stay safe and unnoticed.
Why Big Cats Don’t Bury Their Poop
Lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars — all members of the Panthera genus — play by different rules.
As dominant predators, they often leave their waste uncovered as a deliberate signal:
“This territory is taken.”
It’s a bold message to rivals and a clear claim over their space.
What This Means in a Multi-Cat Home
If you have more than one cat and notice that one of them doesn’t bother burying their poop, it’s usually nothing to worry about.
In fact, it often means:
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They feel confident
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They don’t feel threatened
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They see themselves as the boss of the house
Congratulations — you’re living with the alpha 😼
Why Do Cats Try to Bury Their Food?
You might also notice your cat scratching around their food bowl — even when there’s no litter in sight.
This behaviour comes from similar instincts.
1. Masking Strong Smells
In the wild, strong food smells can attract predators. Cats instinctively try to “bury” uneaten food to reduce scent and stay safe.
This doesn’t always mean the food is bad — just unfamiliar or strong-smelling to your cat.
Different cats have different sensitivities, especially when it comes to human food smells.
2. Resistance to Change
Cats are creatures of habit.
Burying food may happen when:
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You introduce new food
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The bowl is moved to a new location
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The feeding routine changes
If your cat eats less but shows no other symptoms, they may simply be adjusting.
3. Loss of Appetite Due to Illness
If food-burying behaviour appears suddenly and is combined with:
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Reduced appetite
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Weight loss
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Lethargy
It’s best to consult your vet, especially if nothing else in your cat’s environment has changed.
4. Food-Hoarding Instincts
Some cats start burying food mid-meal, even after eating enthusiastically at first.
This can be a sign that:
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The portion size is a bit too large
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Your cat is saving food “for later”
Animal behaviourists believe this links back to wild cats that stored excess food to protect it from competitors.
In this case, offering smaller portions more frequently can help.
Understanding Natural Instincts at Home
Whether it’s burying poop or food, these behaviours are deeply rooted in your cat’s natural instincts.
Supporting them starts with:
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A comfortable, low-stress environment
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Litter that’s gentle on paws
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Minimal dust and strong artificial scents
When cats feel safe, they behave naturally — and happily.