Have you ever observed your cat meticulously scratching around her food bowl after you’ve lovingly served her a meal? This peculiar behavior, often resembling an attempt to bury the food, can be puzzling to cat owners. Is your cat disgusted with the food? Or is there something else? The truth is, this action is often rooted in instinct.
The Mystery of the Invisible Shovel: Why Cats “Bury” Their Food
Imagine offering your feline companion a delectable meal, only to have her act as though it’s something unpleasant. She might start pawing at the floor around the bowl, as if trying to cover it with dirt. This “fake cover” action, as it’s sometimes called, mimics the burying behavior cats exhibit in the wild. Some cats take it a step further, attempting to cover their food with nearby objects like newspaper or towels.
Caching: An Instinctive Behavior Rooted in Survival
This behavior, known as “caching” by scientists, is an instinctive trait, meaning it’s not learned from their mothers but rather a deeply ingrained behavior. In the wild, caching serves a crucial purpose: preserving food for later consumption.
- Protection from Scavengers: Covering food hides it from other animals that might steal it.
- Preservation: Burying food can help keep it cooler and fresher for a longer period.
By burying their food, wild cats ensure they have a reliable source of sustenance to return to later.
From Cougars to Kittens: Examples of Caching in the Wild
The Santa Cruz Puma Project, which studies mountain lions, relies on observing caching behavior to distinguish kills made by mountain lions from those made by coyotes. While coyotes leave their leftovers exposed, mountain lions typically cover their kills with brush, leaves, and dirt. This highlights the strong connection between caching and the feline family.
Even seemingly impractical attempts at burying food demonstrate this instinct. One researcher observed a mountain lion placing a single twig on a deer carcass before leaving, illustrating that the impulse to cache can outweigh the practical application.
A Hilarious Example of Caching Gone Wrong (or Right!)
One particularly amusing anecdote comes from Reverend John George Wood’s 1853 book, Illustrated Natural History. The reverend’s cat was an avid food coverer. She would search for paper to place on her food. If no paper was available, she would resort to using the reverend’s wife’s handkerchief. If those weren’t available, she would use one of her kittens! And if there were no kittens, she’d shred the carpet and put the ragged bits on top of her food. And finally, in the absence of paper, handkerchief, kittens, and carpet she would drag the tablecloth from the table!
Should You Discourage Your Cat’s “Burying” Behavior?
Generally, there’s no need to stop your cat from pawing around her food. It’s a natural behavior. However, intervention might be necessary if:
- Damage to Your Home: The scratching is causing damage to your floors or furniture.
- Obsessive Behavior: Your cat is obsessively trying to hide her food, especially in multi-cat households. This could indicate stress or competition for resources.
Simple Solutions for Excessive Caching
If you need to curb the behavior, the easiest solution is to remove the food bowl after your cat has had a chance to eat. This eliminates the trigger for the caching instinct.
Understanding Your Cat’s Instincts
The next time you see your cat “burying” her food, remember that she’s not necessarily being picky or rude. She’s simply exhibiting a natural behavior passed down from her wild ancestors. Understanding these instincts can help you better appreciate and care for your feline friend.
