Why Do Cats Cover Their Poop? Understanding the Instinct and What to Do If They Don’t

If you share your home with a cat, burying poop in the litter box is a completely normal behavior. So why do cats cover their poop? Read on to learn the reasons for this behavior, as well as why cats do not cover their poop (some cats may simply not be interested in burying their poop, or it could be for other reasons) and, if that’s the case in your home, how to get your cat to cover their poop.

Why Do Cats Bury Their Poop?

A cat burying poop is acting on a natural instinct. Cats are successful predators, but their small size also makes them prey for some larger animals. In the wild, covering waste helps mask scent from those predators and reduces unwanted attention. Social dynamics of cats may also play a role in why cats bury their poop. Do feral cats bury their poop? Many of them tend to as well.

Although this behavior is deeply rooted in feline survival and hygiene habits, it does need to be encouraged in kittens. Mother cats naturally teach their young, but orphaned kittens may not learn to cover their waste.  

Sometimes, cats keep scratching or digging in the litter even after covering their poop. These litter box behaviors aren’t harmful, but your cat might be trying to tell you something about the condition of the box, such as its cleanliness, size or the amount of litter available. Scratching also serves as a natural marking behavior: Cats have scent glands in their paw pads and leave both scent and visible marks when they scratch.

Reasons Why Your Cat Might Not Be Burying Their Poop

Do cats always bury their poop? “Cats do not always bury their feces, and when they don’t, it’s often in response to their litter box environment or it could be due to a medical reason,” explains Purina Feline Behavior Expert Dr. Miles Bensky.

If you’re questioning, “Why is my cat not covering his poop?” there are a few reasons for this behavior. If your cat is not covering poop in the litter box, it could be due to:

• Territorial signaling. Cats may leave waste uncovered as a way of marking territory, especially in multi-cat homes or if new animals are present. In some cases, cats will even deposit feces in more visible, open areas of their environment (called middening). Although this is less common than urine marking, it serves a similar purpose as a territorial signal, and the approach to addressing it is much the same as with urine marking.
• Litter box aversion or substrate issues. Litter texture, depth, cleanliness or box size/location may discourage proper covering behavior.  
• Medical concerns. Conditions like osteoarthritis, gastrointestinal problems or urinary tract disease can make covering poop uncomfortable or painful.  
• Stress or environmental changes. Disruptions, such as moving, new pets or rearranged furniture, can lead to altered elimination behavior.  
• Never learning the behavior. Some kittens may miss the learning window and simply never develop the instinct to bury poop.  

Is It a Problem If My Cat Doesn’t Bury Their Poop?

For some cats, not burying poop is simply normal. However, if an adult cat has stopped burying poop or combines this with other unusual behaviors, such as avoiding the litter box or showing signs of discomfort, it could indicate a medical or behavioral problem that needs attention. If your cat or kitten has a tendency to lie down or sleep in the litter box, it might also be unhygienic.  

How to Get Your Cat to Cover Their Poop

“How to train your cat to cover their poop” sounds a little odd, but you can encourage your cat to bury poop by focusing on litter box optimization and gradual training:

1. Litter box design. Provide one box per cat plus one extra, each at least 1.5 times the length of your cat, uncovered or with easy access. Place the boxes in quiet, safe areas with escape routes.  
2. Litter preferences. Use unscented, fine-grain clumping litter about 3 to 4 inches deep. Avoid strong deodorizers or liners that cats often dislike. Offer a “litter cafeteria” (multiple boxes with different litters) so your cat indicates a preference.
3. Hygiene and maintenance. Scoop at least daily (twice daily for fastidious cats), and wash pans weekly with mild soap. Replace old pans if odors linger.
4. Positive reinforcement. Rewarding your cat with praise or treats when they cover their poop can help establish the habit. If a kitten is not burying poop, this is a great place to start teaching them.  
5. Maintain routine and environment. Gradual changes, calm surroundings and ensuring social stability (especially in multi-cat homes) help support consistent behavior.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

While a cat not covering poop can be a temporary issue or simply be the way your cat is, there are times when a cat not covering their poop needs some investigation. According to Dr. Miles Bensky, “If your cat stopped burying poop suddenly, or if the behavior is paired with other signs, like straining, changes in appetite or activity, diarrhea or elimination outside the box, visit your veterinarian. They can rule out medical causes, such as digestive disease, osteoarthritis, cystitis or systemic issues.”  

For more expert tips on cat behavior, explore our other cat litter behavior articles.

Reference  

1. Carney HC, Sadek TP, Curtis TM, et al. AAFP and ISFM guidelines for diagnosing and solving house-soiling behavior in cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2014;16(7):579-598.