Why Does My Cat Try To Bury Her Food? [Causes & Remedy]

As a cat owner, you may have observed your feline companion engaging in curious behaviors around mealtime. One of the more puzzling actions is when a cat attempts to bury its food—pawing at the bowl, scratching at the floor, or even pushing food away before turning back to nibble at it. This behavior, though often amusing or perplexing to us, is deeply rooted in a cat’s instincts and psychology. Understanding why cats bury their food can shed light on their natural instincts, communication patterns, and even their health status.

Cats, both domesticated and wild, are creatures driven by instinct, and their behaviors often hark back to survival mechanisms developed over millennia. As much as they may have adapted to living with humans, many of their natural instincts are still present, manifesting in ways that can sometimes seem strange. Burying food is one such behavior, and its meaning can vary based on context, age, and individual personality of the cat. Whether it’s an instinctual action or a response to environmental factors, there is much to unpack about why your cat may try to bury its food.

Why Does My Cat Try To Bury Her Food?

The act of burying food may seem like a quirky habit, but it serves several purposes in the feline world. Understanding the underlying reasons for this behavior can help clarify its significance.

1. Instinctual Behavior: Cats are natural hunters, and they retain many instincts related to survival from their wild ancestors. In the wild, cats often bury food to protect it from scavengers. By covering the remains, they prevent other animals from detecting the scent. This behavior would ensure they could return later and safely access the hidden meal. In a domestic setting, your cat might not need to hide food for survival, but the instinct persists.

2. Resource Conservation: Cats in the wild may not have access to regular meals, so they have developed an instinct to conserve resources. By burying their food, they could ensure that other predators didn’t steal their precious meal. Even though domestic cats are provided with food daily, the instinct to hide or store food can emerge when they perceive that they have excess or that the meal might not be available later.

3. Territorial Marking: Cats are territorial animals. When your cat buries its food, it may be subconsciously marking the area around the food with its scent, signaling ownership and deterring others from intruding on its space. The action of scratching around the food, whether it’s with paws or pushing it to the side, can be a way of asserting control over the space where it eats.

4. Play Behavior: Sometimes, cats engage in food-burying behaviors simply out of playfulness. In younger cats or those with more energetic dispositions, food-burying can become a form of mental and physical stimulation. It can mimic the actions involved in hunting and stalking prey, where they "store" their kill or cover it to bring back later.

Common Reasons

There are several reasons why your cat may try to bury its food. Here are some common causes:

1. Instinctual Food Preservation: As mentioned earlier, your cat’s instinct to bury food stems from a need to preserve it. Whether it’s instinct or a learned behavior, your cat may be mimicking the actions of its wild ancestors who had to safeguard their meals.

2. Stress or Anxiety: Cats are sensitive creatures and may engage in food-burying behavior when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. This could be triggered by changes in the household, such as moving to a new home, the arrival of a new pet, or the presence of unfamiliar people. When cats feel insecure, they may bury their food to “hide” it, as if to protect it from potential threats.

3. Uncomfortable or Unsatisfactory Food: If your cat isn’t enjoying the food provided, it may try to bury it as a sign of displeasure. Cats are notoriously picky eaters, and if their food doesn’t meet their standards in terms of flavor, texture, or even temperature, they may respond by hiding it. This could be a sign that your cat needs a different brand, type of food, or more variety in their diet.

4. Overeating or Eating Too Fast: Some cats bury their food when they feel full, as if they’re trying to "save" it for later. Similarly, if your cat eats too quickly, it may instinctively push the food around as a way to slow down or take a break.

5. Scent Sensitivity: Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, and the scent of the food could be overwhelming or unpleasant to them. If the food is too strong or not fresh, your cat may attempt to bury it as a way to mask the scent.

When To Be Concerned

While food-burying behavior is common and usually harmless, there are times when it can signal underlying health or behavioral issues. As a responsible cat owner, it’s important to keep an eye on the behavior and recognize when it might be cause for concern.

1. Sudden Change in Eating Habits: If your cat suddenly starts to bury its food after eating normally for a long time, it could indicate a problem. This might be a sign of stress, discomfort, or illness. Pay attention to other signs, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, or changes in litter box habits.

2. Excessive Food Burying: If your cat is obsessively burying food or is doing so multiple times a day, this could be a sign of an underlying issue. A compulsive behavior like this might be linked to anxiety, stress, or even a medical condition affecting the cat’s eating habits.

3. Changes in Behavior: If food burying is accompanied by other behavioral changes, such as lethargy, aggression, or hiding, it’s worth considering that your cat might be unwell or stressed.

4. Poor Appetite or Weight Loss: If your cat is regularly burying its food and showing signs of poor appetite or weight loss, there may be a medical reason for this. It’s especially concerning if your cat refuses to eat altogether, even when food is freshly served.

How To Respond As A Cat Owner

If your cat tries to bury her food, there are several ways to respond to ensure that the behavior is healthy and not a sign of distress:

1. Observe and Understand: Keep a close eye on your cat’s eating habits and overall behavior. If she’s only burying food occasionally, it might just be a normal instinct. If the behavior becomes frequent or is accompanied by other signs of distress, it’s time to assess the situation more closely.

2. Provide a Comfortable Eating Environment: Ensure that your cat’s feeding area is quiet, private, and away from household distractions. Cats prefer eating in peace, and an environment with too much noise or competition from other pets could cause stress and lead to food-burying behavior.

3. Experiment with Food Options: If your cat is burying food because she doesn’t like it, try changing the brand, flavor, or even the texture of the food. Cats can be picky eaters, and offering a variety of high-quality food may encourage better eating habits.

4. Maintain a Regular Feeding Schedule: Cats thrive on routine. By providing meals at consistent times and in measured portions, you can help reduce any anxiety that might lead to burying behavior.

When To Consult A Veterinarian

If you suspect that the food-burying behavior is related to a health issue, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian. Some signs that a vet visit is needed include:

1. Loss of Appetite or Weight: If your cat consistently buries her food and isn’t eating properly, it could be a sign of illness. Conditions like dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, or even infections could be making it difficult for your cat to enjoy her meals.

2. Digestive Issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive problems can affect your cat’s ability to enjoy food. If your cat is burying food as a result of these issues, it’s essential to seek professional help.

3. Behavioral Changes: Significant changes in behavior, including increased hiding, aggression, or lethargy, should be addressed by a vet. These could be signs of stress or a medical condition affecting your cat’s appetite and eating habits.

Conclusion

The behavior of burying food in cats is a fascinating and instinctive action that can be influenced by various factors, ranging from environmental stressors to deep-rooted survival instincts. As a cat owner, it’s important to differentiate between natural behavior and signals that may indicate something more serious. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior helps ensure that your cat remains healthy, happy, and well-adjusted in your home. If you notice changes in your cat’s eating habits or behavior, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any potential health concerns.

FAQs

Why Does My Cat Try To Bury Her Food Instead Of Eating It?

Cats may try to bury their food as a natural instinct to protect it from other animals. In the wild, burying food helps to hide it from potential predators or competitors. This behavior can also stem from a cat feeling insecure or stressed in their environment.

Is It Normal For My Cat To Bury Her Food After Eating?

Yes, it’s a normal behavior for many cats. It reflects an instinct to cover up food, either to preserve it for later or to protect it from threats. However, if your cat frequently buries her food without eating it, it may be an indication of an underlying issue like anxiety or illness.

Could My Cat Be Burying Her Food Because She Doesn’t Like It?

While some cats may bury food they dislike, it’s more likely that burying is part of a defensive behavior. Cats may hide food to avoid it being taken by other animals or simply out of a need for territorial behavior. However, if your cat consistently avoids food, it could be worth checking the type of food or consulting a vet.

How Do I Know If My Cat Is Burying Food Because Of Stress?

If your cat is burying food and displaying other signs of stress-such as excessive grooming, hiding, or changes in behavior-stress may be the cause. Environmental changes, new pets, or loud noises could be contributing factors. If this persists, consulting a veterinarian or animal behaviorist is recommended.

Can Burying Food Be A Sign Of My Cat Not Feeling Safe?

Yes, cats often bury their food to protect it if they feel unsafe or threatened. This can be especially common if there are other animals or people in the household that make your cat feel insecure. Creating a calm and quiet feeding area may help reduce this behavior.

Why Does My Cat Bury Food In Places Other Than Her Food Dish?

Burying food in unusual places, like under furniture or in corners, is a natural behavior linked to hiding the food from potential threats. Cats may choose these locations because they feel more secure or are instinctively driven to store food away from perceived danger.

Can Burying Food Be Related To My Cat’s Health?

Burying food may sometimes be linked to a health issue, such as a loss of appetite, dental problems, or digestive discomfort. If your cat’s food burial behavior is sudden or accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or weight loss, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any medical concerns.

Is There A Way To Stop My Cat From Burying Her Food?

To discourage your cat from burying her food, you can try offering smaller portions, changing the food type, or ensuring a quiet and secure feeding environment. If the behavior is stress-related, creating a more predictable routine and using calming products like pheromone diffusers may help.

Does The Breed Of My Cat Influence Whether She Buries Her Food?

While burying food is a behavior common to most cats, certain breeds, particularly those with strong hunting and territorial instincts like Siamese or Maine Coons, may be more prone to this behavior. It’s generally linked to instinct rather than breed, though individual behavior can vary.

Should I Be Concerned If My Cat Only Buries Some Of Her Food?

If your cat is only burying part of her food and eating the rest, it could be a sign of a preference for certain parts of her meal. This might also indicate a preference for certain textures or flavors. However, if this behavior is new or if your cat is consistently not eating, it’s worth having a vet check her for health issues.