From an early age, cats instinctively know how to use a litter box, unlike many other domestic animals. But where does this knowledge come from?
The Power of Instincts
According to Reader's Digest, it all comes down to animal instincts. Cat feces contain pheromones that allow them to identify and track their owner. In the wild, among large groups of cats, only the dominant individual has the right to mark territory, while the others conceal their scents. Typically, the dominant cat does not bury its feces, while the others do so instinctively. Additionally, solitary cats bury their waste to avoid attracting the attention of predators.
In domestic settings, the dominant “cat” is often a human. This is why domestic cats usually bury their feces. However, in homes with multiple cats, the more dominant individual may leave its feces unburied.
The texture and consistency of cat litter allow pets to easily bury their waste, which naturally attracts them to the litter box.
What to Do If Your Cat Can't Get Used to the Litter Box?
If a cat stops using the litter box, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. Such behavior may indicate health issues, such as a urinary tract infection.
If a cat regularly uses the litter box but sometimes goes outside of it or scatters its contents, there could be several reasons. Cats are finicky and clean creatures, so such a reaction may be caused by a litter box that is too dirty. Additionally, the size or shape of the litter box, as well as its location, may not suit the pets.
Sometimes, cats try to bury their food bowl. This behavior is also likely related to instincts. In this way, animals “cover their tracks” after eating to confuse predators.
