Not all domestic cats hide their feces. Sometimes they don’t in the litter tray perhaps because through excellent cat caregiving they feel equal to their caregiver and non-submissive.
If a cat feels secure, confident, and perhaps even equal to its human, it may not feel the need to display submissive behavior by covering its waste. This could be especially true in a household where the cat is well cared for, has a strong sense of territory, and does not perceive any competition or threats.
Some additional reasons why a cat might not bury its feces include:
- Territorial Confidence – Like dominant wildcats, a confident cat might leave its feces uncovered as a territorial signal, even inside a home. Dominant males do this. A clear sign that burying faeces is primarily about subservience not hygiene.
- Preference or Habit – Some cats may not have learned the behavior from their mother or may simply develop a personal preference.
- Litter Box Issues – A cat might avoid burying waste if the litter box is too small, too dirty, or if the litter texture is unpleasant.
- Medical or Age-Related Factors – Older cats, arthritic cats, or those with mobility issues may find it difficult to dig and cover their waste.
So, in some cases, a cat that doesn’t bury its feces might not be being messy but rather expressing confidence and comfort in its environment—including its relationship with its human!
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