Whether your cat is displaying a behavioral problem or making a territorial statement, there are several possible reasons for your kitty not to cover its poop. Listed below are some common reasons cats don’t cover their feces. Dr. Melissa Bain, assistant professor at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and service chief of the Companion Animal Behavior Service, speculates that cats cover their feces to protect themselves from parasites.
Your cat may be sending you a message
If your cat is not covering its poop, he or she may be suffering from a health problem. While this behavior can be unpleasant, it may also be indicative of a bigger problem. To find out why your cat is unable to cover poop, it is a good idea to check with your veterinarian. There are many reasons your cat may not be covering his or her poop.
It may be dealing with a medical issue
Seeing blood in your cat’s stool can be a sign of a medical problem. Although your cat may have strained to go when pooping, it may also be an indication of constipation. Either way, it should be checked out by your veterinarian. If you see bright red blood in your cat’s stool, this could mean a medical problem. Infection, parasites, food allergies, and even cancer can cause blood in the stool.
It may be sending you a territorial statement
Not covering poop is one of the most obvious signs that your cat is territorial. In the wild, cats cover their poop to protect themselves from predators and to demonstrate their dominance over other cats. However, if your cat only uses one litter box, it may feel insecure and is trying to communicate with you by not covering its poop. In this case, you may want to try using a different litter box to avoid the occurrence of the problem.
It may be sending you a message
Your cat may not be covering the poop in the litter box for a variety of reasons, including personal defense, territoriality, or group recognition. It may also be communicating with you about its preferences for site or surface. If your cat suddenly starts avoiding the litter box, pay close attention to its toilet habits. Other signs of trouble may be brewing. Read on to discover the reasons why your cat may not be covering the poop.
It may be sending you a message because it isn’t instinctive
If you are a new cat owner, you might be wondering why your cat is not covering its poop. Leaving the waste out is instinctive for cats, but that doesn’t mean all indoor cats do this. If your cat is displaying this behavior, he may simply be trying to communicate with you that he’s dominant, or it could be a sign of stress or a lack of affection for you.