Cat Not Hiding Poop: Solutions and Tips

Why Does My Cat Not Cover Its Poop?

1. If a cat has never been taught to cover its waste, and it doesn't know to do so after defecating, the owner can take the initiative to teach the cat. For instance, after the cat has finished its business, gently hold the cat and guide its paws to dig into the litter and cover the feces. With consistent practice, the cat will eventually learn to cover its waste.

2. If a cat that used to cover its waste suddenly stops, the owner must first determine the cause before attempting to correct the behavior. A cat might suddenly stop covering its waste due to several reasons:

(1) The cat feels extremely secure in its environment. One reason cats cover their waste is to mask the scent and hide their tracks. If a cat is very familiar with its surroundings and feels completely safe, it may not feel the need to cover its waste.

(2) The quality of the litter is poor or has an overpowering odor, causing the cat to dislike the litter box and refuse to engage with the litter, leading to uncovered feces.

(3) The litter box is too small or there is not enough litter, making it difficult for the cat to cover its waste.

(4) The litter box has not been cleaned properly for a long time, resulting in a dirty or strongly smelling box that the cat avoids.

How to Handle a Kitten That Doesn't Cover Its Poop

Most kittens don't cover their waste because they haven't been taught. To address this, the owner can try keeping the kitten with another cat that already knows how to cover its waste, allowing the kitten to learn by observation. Alternatively, the owner can teach the kitten directly by guiding its paws to cover the feces after each bowel movement. With repeated guidance, the kitten will eventually learn to cover its waste.

How to Choose the Right Litter

When selecting cat litter, consider the following key points:

No Odor: Cats have a highly sensitive sense of smell and can be repelled by strong scents. Therefore, it's important to choose litter that is odorless or has minimal scent to prevent the cat from refusing to use the litter box.

Low Dust Content: Cats have a habit of sniffing after defecating, which is quite normal. However, litter with too much dust can cause the cat to sneeze or even develop allergies. Dusty litter should be avoided.

Good Texture: The litter should have particles that are neither too small nor too large, with a certain amount of fluffiness. Most cats prefer clay litter, as it can be cumbersome for them to dig if the litter is too dense.

Healthy Ingredients: Litter should not contain excessive chemicals or additives, as these can cause allergies in cats and lead to their aversion to the litter.

Strong Clumping and Absorbency: Litter that clumps well is easier to clean and reduces dust. Absorbent litter keeps the litter box dry, preventing the growth of bacteria that can make the cat sick.

The above information from Oxygen Pet Doctor provides an overview of why cats may not cover their waste. Owners can refer to these points to identify the cause of their cat's behavior and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.