As veterinarians with a profound passion for feline behavior, my colleagues Dr. John, Dr. Dewey, Dr. Ibrahim, Dr. Khan, and I have frequently encountered bewildered cat owners puzzled by their pets’ habit of attempting to bury their food. This intriguing behavior, known as “caching” or “burying,” is deeply rooted in a cat’s wild ancestry, stemming from a time when survival hinged on the ability to secure and preserve prey.
In this comprehensive article, we will delve deep into the captivating reasons behind this feline behavior, exploring evolutionary roots, environmental factors, and potential underlying causes. We will also provide valuable insights and practical strategies to address any potential issues arising from this habit, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between our beloved feline friends and their human companions.
What Does a Cat Trying to Bury Their Food Look Like?
When a cat attempts to bury their food, it exhibits a distinct set of behaviors that are hard to miss, even for the untrained eye. Dr. John, a seasoned feline veterinarian with over two decades of experience, describes the behavior in vivid detail:
“The cat will typically begin by fixating its gaze intently on the food bowl, as if assessing the situation. Then, almost instinctively, it will extend its front paws and commence a rhythmic scratching or digging motion, mimicking the actions of its wild ancestors as they would scratch at the earth to conceal their hard-won prey or leftover scraps.”
Dr. Dewey, whose expertise lies in feline behavior and enrichment, adds a nuanced perspective: “This behavior can manifest in various forms. Sometimes, the cat may use its nose to push the food around or attempt to cover it with nearby objects, such as towels, blankets, or even pieces of furniture. It’s a mesmerizing display of their natural instincts, even in the comfort and security of our modern homes.”
Furthermore, Dr. Ibrahim, a specialist in feline nutrition and digestive health, notes, “The intensity and duration of this behavior can vary greatly among individual cats. Some may engage in a brief bout of scratching or digging, while others may persist for extended periods, seemingly determined to cover every last morsel of their food.”
7 Reasons Why Cats Bury Their Food
1. Ancestral Instinct
As Dr. Ibrahim eloquently explains, “Cats are descended from desert-dwelling ancestors who had to adapt to the harsh conditions of their environment. Caching, or burying, their prey was a crucial survival strategy, ensuring that their hard-won meals would not spoil or be stolen by other predators in the scorching heat. This behavior is so deeply ingrained in their genetic makeup that even our domesticated feline companions, generations removed from their wild counterparts, exhibit it as an evolutionary holdover, a testament to their remarkable ability to adapt and thrive.”
2. Territorial Marking
“Burying their food is also a way for cats to mark their territory and establish their dominance within their perceived domain,” says Dr. Khan, an expert in feline behavior and communication. “By scratching and pawing at the area around their food bowl, they leave behind their unique scent, a potent combination of pheromones and glandular secretions. This olfactory signal serves as a warning to other cats, clearly delineating the boundaries of their territory and their claim to this particular food source.”
3. Saving for Later
Some cats may attempt to bury their food as a way of saving it for later consumption, a behavior that harkens back to their wild ancestors’ need to ensure a steady food supply. Dr. John notes, “In the wild, cats would cache their prey, carefully concealing it beneath layers of dirt, leaves, or other natural materials, to prevent it from spoiling or being discovered by opportunistic scavengers. While our indoor cats don’t face the same scarcity or competition for resources, this instinct can still surface, leading them to try and ‘save’ their food for a future meal.”Read on catster.com
4. Stress or Anxiety
Burying food can also be a manifestation of stress or anxiety in cats, a coping mechanism they employ to assert control over their environment and alleviate their discomfort. Dr. Dewey explains, “When a cat feels threatened or uncomfortable in their surroundings, whether due to changes in their routine, the introduction of new people or pets, or even loud noises or unfamiliar scents, they may exhibit this behavior as a way to regain a sense of stability and familiarity. By burying their food, they are essentially creating a ‘safe haven’ for themselves, a space where they can exert their dominance and feel secure.”
5. Dislike of Food
In some cases, cats may attempt to bury their food because they simply don’t like the taste, texture, or aroma of the particular food offered. Dr. Ibrahim notes, “Cats are notoriously finicky eaters, and their palates can be highly sensitive. If a cat finds their food unpalatable, whether due to a change in formula, the addition of unfamiliar ingredients, or even the slightest variations in temperature or presentation, they may try to cover it up or ‘get rid’ of it in their own unique way, as if to conceal the offending dish from their senses.”
6. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as the placement of the food bowl, the presence of other pets or household members, or even the ambient noise and lighting conditions, can also contribute to this behavior. Dr. Khan explains, “Cats are highly sensitive to their surroundings, and if they feel their feeding area is too exposed, disrupted, or lacks the privacy and security they crave, they may try to ‘hide’ their food as a protective measure. It’s their instinctive way of asserting control over their environment and ensuring their safety and well-being.”
7. Underlying Medical Condition
In some rare cases, burying food behavior can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as feline cognitive dysfunction, certain neurological disorders, or even dental issues that may make eating uncomfortable or painful. Dr. John advises, “If the behavior is sudden, seems to intensify over time, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or disorientation, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian. They can conduct a thorough examination and rule out any potential health issues that may be contributing to this unusual behavior.”
What to Do if Your Cat’s Habit Becomes a Problem
While burying food is a natural behavior for cats, rooted in their evolutionary history and instinctive drives, it can sometimes become problematic if it leads to excessive mess, waste, or disruption in the household. Here, our veterinary team offers practical strategies and insights to help manage and mitigate any issues that may arise from this feline peculiarity.
1. Provide Appropriate Surfaces
Dr. Dewey suggests, “If your cat’s burying behavior is causing a mess or damaging surfaces in your home, consider providing an acceptable and designated area for them to scratch and dig. This could be a litter box filled with a loose, diggable substrate like sand or soil, or even a dedicated scratching pad or mat. By offering a suitable outlet for their instincts, you can help redirect their behavior while keeping your home clean and preserving your belongings.”
2. Adjust Feeding Schedule
“Cats may be more inclined to bury their food if they are left with a full bowl for extended periods,” explains Dr. Ibrahim. “Try adjusting your feeding schedule to provide smaller, more frequent meals, reducing the amount of food available at any given time. This can help curb their instinct to ‘cache’ their food, as they won’t perceive it as a finite resource that needs to be preserved.”
3. Use Puzzle Feeders
Dr. Khan recommends, “Puzzle feeders or interactive feeding toys can be a game-changer when it comes to managing your cat’s burying behavior. These devices require your feline friend to ‘work’ for their food, engaging their natural hunting and foraging instincts. By providing a stimulating and mentally enriching way to obtain their meals, they may be less inclined to bury their food, as the act of ‘catching’ and consuming it will satisfy their primal urges.”
4. Increase Playtime and Exercise
“Providing ample opportunities for play and exercise can help alleviate stress or anxiety that may be contributing to the burying behavior,” says Dr. John. “Engage your cat in interactive play sessions using wand toys, laser pointers, or even simple household items like crumpled paper or cardboard boxes. This not only helps burn off excess energy but also provides mental stimulation and strengthens the bond between you and your feline companion. Additionally, ensure they have access to scratching posts, cat trees, and other enrichment activities that allow them to express their natural behaviors in a positive and healthy way.”
5. Monitor for Underlying Issues
While burying food is generally considered a harmless and natural behavior, Dr. Dewey reminds us, “If the behavior persists or becomes excessive, to the point where it significantly disrupts daily life or causes significant distress for the cat or its owners, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian. They can conduct a thorough examination and rule out any potential underlying medical or behavioral issues that may be contributing to this unusual intensity.”
Dr. Ibrahim expands on this point, “Sometimes, a sudden or marked increase in food burying behavior can be an early indicator of cognitive decline, neurological conditions, or even dental problems that make eating uncomfortable or painful for the cat. By addressing any underlying health concerns promptly, we can not only alleviate the excessive burying but also improve the overall well-being of our feline patients.”
Additionally, Dr. Khan emphasizes the importance of considering environmental factors that may be exacerbating the behavior. “If there have been recent changes in the household, such as the addition of a new family member or pet, renovations, or even a change in the cat’s routine, these can all contribute to increased stress and anxiety, which may manifest in excessive food
burying. In such cases, we recommend working on creating a calm, predictable environment for the cat, and providing plenty of hiding spots, vertical spaces, and enrichment opportunities to help them feel secure and in control.”
6. Consult a Certified Animal Behaviorist
In some cases, where the burying behavior persists despite implementing the previously mentioned strategies, or if it is accompanied by other concerning behavioral changes, Dr. John suggests seeking the expertise of a certified animal behaviorist. “These highly trained professionals can conduct a comprehensive assessment of the cat’s environment, routine, and overall well-being, and develop a tailored behavior modification plan to address the root causes of the excessive burying behavior. They may recommend techniques such as desensitization, counterconditioning, or even medication in severe cases, all aimed at helping the cat feel more relaxed and confident in their surroundings.”
7. Embrace and Appreciate the Behavior
While managing excessive or problematic burying behavior is essential, Dr. Dewey reminds us to also appreciate the inherent beauty and wonder of this natural feline behavior. “When we witness our cats burying their food, we are witnessing a direct link to their wild ancestry, a testament to the remarkable adaptations and instincts that have allowed these incredible creatures to thrive for thousands of years. It’s a humbling reminder of the rich tapestry of life and the intricate web of behaviors that connect us all.”
Evolutionary Roots: The Wild Ancestry of Domestic Cats
To fully appreciate the behavior of burying food, it’s essential to understand the evolutionary roots of domestic cats. Felis catus, the domestic cat, shares a common ancestor with wildcats such as Felis silvestris lybica, the African wildcat. These ancestors thrived in arid regions where food scarcity and competition with other predators shaped their behaviors and survival strategies.
Dr. Ibrahim elaborates, “In the wild, African wildcats and other small felids developed sophisticated behaviors to maximize their chances of survival. Caching or burying food was a key strategy, allowing them to hide uneaten prey from scavengers and competitors, thereby ensuring they had a meal for later when hunting opportunities might be scarce.”
This ancestral behavior is so deeply embedded in their genetic makeup that even domesticated cats, which have been living alongside humans for thousands of years, continue to exhibit these instincts. Despite the abundance of food provided by their human caretakers, the intrinsic drive to bury or cache food persists, manifesting in various ways within the home environment.
Environmental Factors Influencing Burying Behavior
The environment in which a cat lives can significantly influence its tendency to bury food. Dr. Khan emphasizes, “Cats are highly sensitive to their surroundings, and environmental stressors can trigger instinctive behaviors as coping mechanisms.”
Some key environmental factors include:
- Placement of the Food Bowl: If the food bowl is in a high-traffic area or a place where the cat feels exposed, it may trigger the instinct to bury the food to protect it.
- Presence of Other Pets: Competition or tension with other pets in the household can lead to food-burying behavior as a way to secure resources.
- Changes in Routine: Sudden changes in the household, such as new family members, renovations, or changes in daily routines, can create stress, prompting the cat to bury its food as a comfort behavior.
- Ambient Noise and Lighting: Loud noises, bright lights, or chaotic environments can make a cat feel insecure, leading it to exhibit burying behavior as a means of creating a perceived safe space.
Conclusion
The act of burying food is a deeply ingrained instinct in cats, rooted in their evolutionary history and driven by their innate survival strategies. While it may seem peculiar or even frustrating to cat owners, it is a natural behavior that should be understood, respected, and managed with patience and care.
By providing appropriate outlets for their instincts, adjusting feeding routines, increasing environmental enrichment, and addressing any potential underlying issues, we can help our feline friends express their behaviors in a healthy and manageable way. And as always, if you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to consult with your trusted veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist for personalized guidance and support.
Remember, our feline companions are not merely pets but living embodiments of a rich evolutionary history, and by embracing and appreciating their unique quirks and behaviors, we deepen our understanding and strengthen the bond we share with these remarkable creatures. Through patience, understanding, and proper management, we can ensure a harmonious coexistence with our beloved feline friends, celebrating their natural instincts while maintaining a peaceful household.
Faq Section About Why Do Cats Cover Their Food
Question 1:
Why do domestic cats exhibit the behavior of burying their food, and how is this linked to their wild ancestors?
Answer:
Domestic cats exhibit the behavior of burying their food due to deeply ingrained instincts inherited from their wild ancestors. This behavior, known as caching, is rooted in the survival strategies of small wild felids like the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). In the wild, these ancestors would bury their prey to hide it from scavengers and competitors, ensuring they had a meal for later when hunting opportunities were scarce. Despite living in the comfort and security of modern homes, domesticated cats retain this instinctive behavior, reflecting their evolutionary history and natural adaptation to challenging environments.
Question 2:
What are some environmental factors that can influence a cat’s tendency to bury its food, and how can cat owners address these factors to reduce the behavior?
Answer:
Several environmental factors can influence a cat’s tendency to bury its food, including:
- Placement of the Food Bowl: If the food bowl is in a high-traffic or exposed area, the cat may feel the need to bury its food for protection. Moving the bowl to a quieter, more secluded location can help reduce this behavior.
- Presence of Other Pets: Competition or tension with other pets can lead to food-burying as a way to secure resources. Providing multiple feeding stations in different areas can minimize competition and stress.
- Changes in Routine: Sudden changes in the household, such as new family members or renovations, can create stress, prompting the cat to bury its food. Gradually introducing changes and providing comforting items can ease the transition.
- Ambient Noise and Lighting: Loud noises and bright lights can make a cat feel insecure, leading to burying behavior. Creating a calm and predictable feeding environment can help the cat feel more secure.
Question 3:
What practical strategies can cat owners implement to manage excessive food-burying behavior in their pets?
Answer:
Cat owners can implement several practical strategies to manage excessive food-burying behavior:
- Provide Appropriate Surfaces: Offer designated areas for scratching and digging, such as a litter box with a diggable substrate or a scratching pad, to redirect the behavior.
- Adjust Feeding Schedule: Provide smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the amount of food available at any given time, curbing the instinct to cache food.
- Use Puzzle Feeders: Engage the cat’s natural hunting and foraging instincts by using puzzle feeders or interactive feeding toys, making mealtime more stimulating.
- Increase Playtime and Exercise: Provide ample opportunities for play and exercise to alleviate stress and anxiety, reducing the need to bury food.
- Monitor for Underlying Issues: Observe the cat’s behavior and consult with a veterinarian if the burying behavior is sudden or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, to rule out medical issues.
- Consult a Certified Animal Behaviorist: If the behavior persists, seek the expertise of a certified animal behaviorist for a tailored behavior modification plan.
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