Not all cats do this, but if yours does, the behavior may have been puzzling to you. It’s a relatively common behavior and not one you need to worry about.
The behavior typically looks the same as if the cat is trying to bury waste. You may notice your cat scraping her front paw on the floor around the bowl. In some cases, cats get so involved in attempting to cover that they actually start pushing the bowl around.
Is Your Cat Sending You a Message?
Many people think that when their cats display this behavior they are saying they dislike the food but this isn’t true. You will see cats performing this covering ritual even with food they have previously eaten and liked.
It All Comes Down to a Cat’s Survival
In the wild, a cat may attempt to bury or cover any uneaten food in order to avoid attracting any predators to the area. It also is an attempt to not alert any other potential prey that a feline hunter is in the vicinity. Cats aren’t scavengers so they don’t bury the food to consume later – it’s strictly for protection purposes. Even indoor cats who have never set foot outside retain this survival instinct; it’s just a matter of how much it concerns them and that determines to what degree the behavior is displayed.
Tips for Stopping the Behavior
It really is a harmless behavior but if it bothers you or if your cat seems to become obsessed with attempting to bury the leftover food in the food bowl, here are some tips:
- Consider giving your cat smaller portions. Watch the amount your cat typically eats in a meal and don’t overdo what you’re offering.
- Don’t leave food bowls down when the cat has given the signal that she has finished. Take the food bowl up, clean any spills on the floor and leave fresh water available.
- If you leave food out for free-choice eating, try placing food in puzzle feeders so your cat has to “hunt” for the meal.
- When you notice your cat displaying the behavior, distract with some playtime or another activity.
Want More Information?
For more specifics on mealtime behavior and other training tips, refer to best-selling books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available in bookstores and also online. We’ve included links to Amazon here on our website.
If you have a question regarding your cat’s behavior or health, please contact your veterinarian. This article is not intended as a replacement for your cat’s veterinary care. This article is for information purposes only and not offering medical advice or providing a medical diagnosis.