Introduction
Does your cat meticulously paw around their food bowl after eating, or even before they start to eat, as if trying to bury it? You’re certainly not alone. This curious behavior, often referred to as “cat covering food,” is a common sight in households with feline companions. While it might seem peculiar, and perhaps even a little rude to some owners, understanding the reasons behind this instinctual behavior can provide valuable insights into your cat’s world.
This article aims to explore the various potential explanations behind why cats engage in the act of covering their food. We will delve into the survival instincts inherited from their wild ancestors, investigate potential behavioral and environmental influences, discuss when this behavior might be a cause for concern, and offer practical advice on how to address it. So, let’s uncover the secrets behind this feline food-burying phenomenon.
Survival Instincts from Wild Ancestors
To understand why your domesticated cat might exhibit this seemingly odd behavior, it’s essential to consider the evolutionary history of felines. Modern domestic cats share a close ancestry with wild cats, and many of their behaviors are deeply rooted in survival instincts developed over millennia. One of the primary reasons for “cat covering food” can be traced back to these inherent drives.
In the wild, food sources are often scarce and unpredictable. A successful hunt or scavenging opportunity represents a valuable resource. To protect this resource from potential competitors, wild cats would instinctively bury or hide their kill. This act of concealment ensured that other animals, including rival cats or opportunistic scavengers, would be less likely to discover and steal their hard-earned meal. The burying action minimized the scent, making it less attractive to others. Even if your cat is currently munching on the finest salmon pate, this urge to secure their resources might very well be bubbling under the surface, prompting them to cover their food.
Furthermore, covering food in the wild could have served as a rudimentary form of food preservation. While not as effective as modern refrigeration, burying food in a cool, shaded area might have helped slow down spoilage and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. A shallow covering of dirt or leaves provided some insulation against the heat, extending the palatability of the meal for a longer period. The instinct to hide prey or carcasses not only secures food from other predators, but protects themselves from attracting unwanted attention.
Although less common among domestic cats, the instinct to hide food could also be related to avoiding attracting larger predators. A particularly strong-smelling meal might attract dangerous carnivores, so covering it could help minimize the risk of becoming prey themselves. While this is less relevant in the safety of a home environment, the ingrained survival instincts may still be present.
Potential Correlation to Bathroom Habits
Consider the similarity between a cat covering food and their bathroom habits. Cats meticulously bury their urine and feces in a litter box. This behavior serves a key purpose: to mask their scent and avoid attracting predators or alerting competitors to their presence. Is it possible the cat covering food stems from a similar instinct?
The scents of the meal may linger in the air, and your cat may instinctually seek to minimize the aroma, similar to how they address their waste. The act of covering becomes a safety mechanism. This can also explain why cats cover their food even if they are the only pet in the house. It is not necessarily about hiding the food from other animals in the house, but to protect themselves from predators that may not even exist.
Behavioral and Environmental Factors
While instinct plays a significant role in the phenomenon of “cat covering food,” behavioral and environmental factors can also contribute to this behavior. The reasons for their behavior may not always be instinctual, and could simply be a sign of other issues with their food, or surrounding environment.
One of the most common reasons for a cat to start covering their food is a simple dislike for what’s being offered. Cats are notoriously picky eaters, and if they find the food unappetizing, whether due to its taste, texture, or smell, they might attempt to bury it as a sign of rejection. Perhaps they prefer wet food to dry food, or the flavor of the treat is not to their liking. Pay close attention to their preferences and the quality of their food.
Stress and anxiety can also trigger a variety of unusual behaviors in cats, including covering food. A stressful environment, such as the introduction of a new pet, a change in routine, loud noises, or even conflict with other cats in the household, can lead to displacement activities, where the cat engages in seemingly irrelevant behaviors as a way to cope with their anxiety. Covering food can be one such displacement behavior.
The location and cleanliness of the food bowl can also influence a cat’s behavior. If the food bowl is placed too close to the litter box, or in a high-traffic area, the cat may feel uncomfortable and attempt to bury the food. Similarly, a dirty food bowl can be unappealing to cats, prompting them to cover the food to avoid eating from it. The unpleasant scent from dirty bowls or stagnant food may also lead to covering.
It is also possible that your cat learned this behavior at a young age from their mother. Mother cats can influence a kitten’s behavior by leading by example.
When to Be Concerned and Potential Problems
In most cases, the act of “cat covering food” is harmless and doesn’t indicate any underlying health problems. However, there are certain situations where this behavior might be a cause for concern.
If the burying behavior is accompanied by a significant decrease in appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or other unusual symptoms, it’s important to consult a veterinarian. These symptoms could indicate a medical issue, such as dental problems, nausea, gastrointestinal issues, or an underlying illness that makes the cat less interested in eating. The cat covering food may be a sign of them being unwell.
In some cases, excessive or obsessive burying behavior could be a sign of anxiety or compulsive disorder. If your cat is constantly pawing at the floor around the food bowl, even when it’s empty, or if the behavior is interfering with their ability to eat or engage in other normal activities, it’s recommended to seek the advice of a veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist. This excessive behavior may require medical intervention.
What Can You Do?
If you’re concerned about your cat’s food-burying behavior, there are several steps you can take to address the issue.
The first and most important step is to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian to ensure that your cat is healthy and that there are no medical reasons for their behavior.
Experiment with different foods. Try offering your cat a variety of different brands, flavors, and textures of food to see if they have a preference. If your cat dislikes wet food, give dry food a try, and vice versa. Consider the food that your cat is comfortable with.
Improve the feeding environment. Make sure your cat’s food bowl is clean, placed in a quiet and safe location, and is not too close to the litter box. Experiment with different types of food bowls to see if your cat prefers a wider, shallower bowl, or a raised bowl. Keeping the area clean can also deter unwanted pests from interfering with the food.
If you suspect that stress or anxiety is contributing to the burying behavior, try to identify and minimize any potential stressors in your cat’s environment. Provide plenty of toys, scratching posts, and playtime to keep your cat entertained and stimulated. Consider using calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers, to help reduce anxiety.
In many cases, the best approach is to simply ignore the behavior, as long as it’s not causing any problems and your cat is otherwise healthy. If your cat is just engaging in a harmless quirk, there’s no need to intervene.
Conclusion
The reasons for “cat covering food” are varied and complex, ranging from deeply ingrained survival instincts to behavioral and environmental factors. By understanding the potential causes behind this common feline behavior, you can better cater to your cat’s needs, address any underlying concerns, and strengthen your bond with your furry companion. Remember to observe your cat’s behavior carefully, consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns, and embrace the unique and fascinating quirks that make cats such wonderful pets. While the reason for your cat’s burying behavior may remain a mystery, understanding the potential causes can help you better cater to their needs and strengthen your bond.
