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

Cats, with their mysterious behaviors, often leave their owners puzzled and intrigued by the actions they display. One such behavior that perplexes many cat owners is when a cat tries to bury her wet food. At first glance, it might seem like an odd, even frustrating, action—especially when you’ve carefully prepared a delicious meal only to watch your feline companion push it around with her paws as if trying to bury it. While this behavior might be frustrating, it is not as bizarre as it seems. In fact, it is deeply rooted in your cat’s natural instincts and history, offering insights into her behavior, her environment, and sometimes even her health. Understanding why your cat engages in this strange ritual can help you build a stronger bond with her and ensure that she is happy and healthy.

Why Does My Cat Try To Bury Her Wet Food?

The act of burying food is not unique to domesticated cats. It is a behavior that stems from their wild ancestors, specifically big cats and smaller wild felines, who would attempt to bury uneaten food to keep it hidden from scavengers or other predators. This instinctual behavior serves multiple purposes: it can hide the food from competitors or even from themselves if they aren’t hungry at the time. This action not only has practical survival value in the wild, but it is also deeply tied to a cat’s territorial instincts.

When your cat buries her wet food, it is likely a manifestation of these ingrained behaviors, though it can also be linked to more subtle social or emotional triggers. Whether it’s a method of self-protection or a way to express dissatisfaction with the meal, it’s important to interpret these actions within the context of her overall behavior and environment. Cats are creatures of habit, and any deviation from the norm could offer insight into her state of mind or physical well-being.

Common Reasons

Several reasons may explain why your cat attempts to bury her wet food. These reasons can range from instinctual behavior to environmental factors, or even preferences about her meal itself.

1. Instinctual Behavior: As mentioned, cats have a strong, inherited urge to hide uneaten food. In the wild, burying food serves as a tactic to protect it from predators or scavengers. Even though domestic cats no longer need to worry about such threats, this behavior remains hardwired in them. If your cat has uneaten food, she might instinctively try to cover it up as a way of protecting it, even if it’s not necessary.

2. Dislike or Disinterest in the Food: Another possible reason for this behavior is that your cat simply doesn’t like the food you’ve given her. She may not be hungry, or the wet food may have a texture or flavor she doesn’t enjoy. If this happens frequently, it might be a sign that your cat is being picky about her food, and it could be worth experimenting with different brands or flavors to see if she prefers something else.

3. Overfeeding or Overstimulation: If you’ve given your cat more food than she can handle or if she’s feeling overstimulated, she may attempt to bury the food out of frustration. Cats can be very sensitive to their environment, and too much food or too much attention can cause them to act out in ways such as attempting to cover their meals.

4. Stress or Anxiety: Cats are incredibly sensitive to their surroundings and routines. If there has been a change in your home, such as new furniture, a move, or the introduction of another pet, your cat might feel anxious. The act of trying to bury her food can be a stress-related response, a way to cope with discomfort or unfamiliarity in her environment.

5. Territorial Behavior: Cats are territorial animals, and they might engage in burying food as a way of marking their territory. By pushing the food around and attempting to hide it, your cat could be sending a signal that the food is hers, even if she doesn’t intend to eat it immediately.

When To Be Concerned

While the behavior of burying food is often harmless, there are times when it could signal an underlying issue that requires attention. Here are some situations where you might need to be concerned:

1. Changes in Eating Habits: If your cat is frequently trying to bury her food or consistently leaving it uneaten, it could be a sign that she is sick or not feeling well. Illnesses such as dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, or infections might cause her to avoid eating or to act out by burying her food.

2. Sudden Onset of Behavior: If your cat, who has never exhibited this behavior before, suddenly starts trying to bury her food, it may be a sign of stress or discomfort. Major changes in her environment, such as the arrival of a new pet or human, could be triggers. If the behavior persists or is accompanied by other signs of distress, it may be time to investigate further.

3. Aggressive Behavior or Excessive Hiding: If your cat seems unusually aggressive towards the food or overly protective of it, this could indicate a more serious problem. For example, a sudden change in her territorial behavior could be due to anxiety, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to more severe behavioral problems.

4. Weight Loss or Appetite Issues: If your cat is burying her food and consistently not eating, or if she’s losing weight, this can indicate a medical issue such as a digestive problem, illness, or infection. Cats tend to hide their pain, so any significant changes in appetite or eating habits should be monitored closely.

How To Respond As A Cat Owner

As a cat owner, it’s important to stay observant and thoughtful about how you respond to your cat’s behavior. Here are some ways you can address the issue:

1. Evaluate the Food: Sometimes, the solution is simple—your cat might not like the food. Try offering her a different type of wet food or switching to a different brand. Some cats are very particular about texture, and if the food is too dry or too wet, she may refuse to eat it.

2. Create a Calm and Predictable Environment: If your cat is burying her food due to stress, it’s important to address the root cause. Ensure that your home environment is calm and predictable. If there have been major changes, like the arrival of a new pet or person, try to give your cat space and time to adjust. Creating a safe, quiet space for her to eat without disturbances can help reduce anxiety.

3. Limit Overfeeding: Make sure that your cat is being fed the right amount of food. If you are overfeeding her, she may feel overwhelmed and may attempt to hide the food as a way of saying she’s had enough. Stick to a consistent feeding schedule and portion control.

4. Observe Her Behavior: Keep track of your cat’s overall behavior. Is she playing, grooming, and interacting with you as usual? If the burying of food is a one-off behavior that seems linked to a particular meal, it might not be something to worry about. However, if it becomes a regular habit, or if other behavioral changes are noticed, it may be time to investigate further.

When To Consult A Veterinarian

If the behavior persists or is accompanied by signs of illness, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian. A sudden change in eating habits, loss of appetite, or signs of physical discomfort could signal a health issue that requires professional attention. A vet will be able to rule out any medical conditions such as dental disease, gastrointestinal problems, or infections that could be contributing to your cat’s behavior.

If your cat’s attempts to bury food are a sign of anxiety or stress, a veterinarian may also be able to offer solutions or refer you to a feline behaviorist who can help address the root cause of the stress.

Conclusion

While it can be perplexing to watch your cat attempt to bury her wet food, this behavior is typically rooted in her natural instincts and can often be attributed to simple factors such as preference, stress, or territoriality. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior and observing your cat’s overall health and well-being will help you better manage her needs and ensure her comfort. If you ever feel uncertain about the cause of this behavior or notice other signs of distress, don’t hesitate to consult with a veterinarian. Ultimately, being an attentive and responsive cat owner will help your feline companion live a happy and healthy life, whether she’s burying her food or happily devouring it!

FAQs

Why Does My Cat Try To Bury Her Wet Food?

Cats may attempt to bury their wet food as an instinctual behavior derived from their wild ancestors. In the wild, cats often cover uneaten food to protect it from scavengers or to keep it fresh for later consumption. Your cat may be mimicking this behavior even though there’s no immediate need to do so.

Is It Normal For My Cat To Bury Her Wet Food?

Yes, it’s normal. This behavior is natural and not a cause for concern. It reflects your cat’s instinct to protect her resources. However, if it becomes excessive or is paired with signs of stress or anxiety, it could indicate an underlying issue.

Does My Cat Dislike The Wet Food If She Tries To Bury It?

Not necessarily. While cats may bury food they don’t want to eat, they also cover food out of instinct. If your cat attempts to bury her food, it could mean she’s satisfied but doesn’t want to leave it exposed, or she’s simply engaging in instinctive behavior.

Could My Cat Be Hiding Her Food Because She’s Not Hungry?

Yes, it’s possible. If your cat is full, she might try to bury the food to save it for later, especially if she’s not ready to eat it all at once. This behavior is linked to survival instincts in cats, where they protect food for future consumption.

Can Burying Food Be A Sign Of Stress Or Anxiety In Cats?

Yes, sometimes. If a cat is feeling stressed, anxious, or insecure, she might try to bury her food to avoid the potential threat of other animals or to manage her discomfort. Changes in the household, routine, or environment could trigger such behavior.

How Can I Stop My Cat From Burying Her Wet Food?

While burying food is typically harmless, if it bothers you, try changing your cat’s feeding area. You could also try offering smaller portions of food to avoid leftovers that need to be “buried”. However, if the behavior persists or intensifies, consult with your vet to rule out health or behavioral issues.

Does The Type Of Wet Food Affect Whether My Cat Tries To Bury It?

Yes, the type of food can influence your cat’s behavior. Some cats may be more inclined to bury wet food with certain textures, smells, or flavors. If the food is unappetizing to your cat, she might try to cover it as a way of indicating disinterest.

How Do I Know If My Cat Is Burying Her Food Out Of Anxiety Or Habit?

If your cat’s burying behavior is frequent or occurs alongside other signs of anxiety, like excessive grooming or hiding, it may be anxiety-driven. If it happens only occasionally and without other behavioral changes, it’s likely a natural instinct.

Should I Be Concerned If My Cat Is Burying Her Food Every Time I Feed Her?

If your cat buries her food every time without showing signs of stress or health issues, it’s likely just an instinctual behavior and nothing to worry about. However, if there are other behavioral changes, such as changes in appetite, litter box habits, or grooming, it’s best to consult your vet.

Can I Help My Cat Feel More Secure During Feeding Times To Reduce Food Burying Behavior?

Yes, providing a calm, quiet space for your cat to eat can reduce stress and make her feel more secure. Try feeding her in a low-traffic area or with a consistent routine to reduce anxiety, which might help minimize the burying behavior.