Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Cats are notoriously clean animals who spend 30% to 50% of their day grooming themselves.1 One of the most common ways they demonstrate their cleanliness is by burying their poop. But why do cats bury their poop? This instinctual act, deeply ingrained in their ancestors, serves various purposes. In the wild, covering poop helps mask their scent, protecting them from predators. In a domestic setting, it's often a sign of their instinct to keep their territory clean.
Any change in pet behavior is worth paying attention to. So if you notice your cat's litter box and the area around it is messier than usual, read on to better understand the reasons cats stop covering their poop.
Reasons Why a Cat May Not Bury Its Poop
You might be wondering, "Why doesn't my cat bury his poop?" Here are some of the reasons why.
Marking their territory
In multi-cat households or areas where they encounter other animals, cats may leave their poop uncovered as a way to assert dominance. It's their way of sending a message to other cats in the vicinity, saying, "This is my space."
Cats are territorial by nature, and their scent glands—found in their paws, face and anal region—play a major role in how they communicate.2 By leaving their poop uncovered, they ensure their scent lingers, reinforcing their presence. This behavior can be particularly noticeable if a new pet is introduced to the household or if outdoor cats roam near your home.
Health issues
Health problems can also cause a cat to stop covering their poop. Arthritis, for example, makes it physically uncomfortable for a cat to scratch at the litter. The act of bending and digging may exacerbate joint pain, leading them to avoid it altogether.3
Digestive issues can also play a role. If your cat is experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, the urgency to eliminate may lead them to skip the usual routine. Chronic constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease or other gastrointestinal problems could make the litter box an unpleasant experience, resulting in this behavior change.
If you notice other signs of discomfort, like a change in appetite, weight loss or lethargy, it's a good idea to consult your veterinarian.
Stress or anxiety
Just like humans, cats can experience stress. And stress can manifest in various ways, including not covering their poop. Changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home, introducing a new pet or even making a change in the household routine can all lead to anxiety in cats. In response to stress, some cats may abandon their normal litter box behavior. This behavior is usually temporary, but it should be addressed if it persists.
Reducing stress in the home, providing a consistent routine and ensuring your cat has safe and quiet spaces can help them feel more at ease.
Litter box problems
Cats are very particular about their litter box environment, and if it's not to their liking, they may show their displeasure by changing their bathroom habits.
The litter itself can be a factor. Some cats dislike certain types of litter, whether it's too coarse, it's too fine or it has a strong odor. Inadequate depth of litter or an overcrowded litter box in multi-cat households can also contribute to this behavior.
Additionally, the location of the litter box matters. Cats need a quiet, private area to do their business. If their box is placed in a high-traffic or noisy area, they may become too uncomfortable to fully engage in their usual habits.
Age-related changes
As cats age, their behavior changes, and not covering their poop could be a sign of mobility or cognitive issues. Senior cats may find it difficult to dig in or move around the litter box comfortably.
Cognitive dysfunction, similar to dementia in humans, can also affect older cats. They may forget the habits they've developed over the years or feel disoriented, causing them to abandon familiar routines like covering their poop.4 Although you may want to hide your cat's litter box as a design choice, older cats often have accidents if they can't find their toilet.
It's important to keep a close eye on older cats and make their litter box experience as easy as possible. Consider using a low-sided litter box and ensuring easy access to it, especially if mobility is an issue.
Learned behavior
Some cats may never have learned to cover their poop properly. Kittens learn much of their behavior from their mother during the early weeks of life. If a kitten is separated from their mother too early or isn't properly socialized, they may not develop the instinct to cover their poop.5
This can happen in cases where kittens are adopted from shelters or found as strays. Without a mother cat or other adult cats to observe, they miss out on the chance to mimic this important behavior.
Behavioral quirks
Every cat is unique, and not every behavior has an underlying cause. Some cats are simply quirky. They may develop habits that don't follow the norm, and not covering their poop could be one of those individual behaviors.
If your cat has always been healthy and happy but has never been keen on covering their poop, it could just be their style. As long as it's not linked to stress, illness or environmental factors, it may not be a cause for concern.
How To Train Your Cat To Cover Their Poop
If your cat has stopped covering their poop or they never learned how to do it in the first place, you can gently encourage them to develop the habit. Here are a few tips:
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward your cat when they use the litter box correctly. Use treats or affection to encourage them to cover their poop.
- Try clicker training: Some cats respond well to clicker training. You can use the clicker to reinforce when they cover their poop, followed by a reward.
- Optimize the litter box area: When setting up your cat's litter box, make sure it's placed in a clean, private area away from any stress. Experiment with different types of litter to find one your cat prefers.
- Reduce stress: Minimize changes to your cat's routine and provide a calm environment to reduce anxiety.
Pets Best Is Here To Help
Cats are usually diligent about covering their poop, so when they stop, it can indicate various underlying causes. Whether it's marking territory, health issues, stress, litter box problems or age-related changes, paying attention to this behavior can provide insight into your cat's well-being. Remember, if your cat's behavior changes suddenly, it's always a good idea to consult your vet.
Purchasing cat insurance from Pets Best may help you keep your cat healthy and happy. Plus, Pets Best policyholders can access our 24/7 Pet Helpline to get advice and support at any time of day or night.
Sources/ Citations
- “Cats that Lick Too Much," (n.d.), Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/cats-lick-too-much
- “Anal Glands in Cats: What Are They, and How Do They Work?" Jamie Lovejoy (6/2024), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/anal-glands-in-cats
- “Osteoarthritis in Cats: More Common Than You Think," (9/2023), Food and Drug Administration, https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/osteoarthritis-cats-more-common-you-think
- “What to Know About Dementia in Cats," Christine Loconti (2/2024), WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/what-to-know-about-dementia-in-cats
- “How Long Should Kittens Stay With Their Mothers?" Franny Syufy (6/2023), The Spruce Pets, https://www.thesprucepets.com/when-can-kittens-leave-mothers-555163