Cat scratching around food

by Nicole
(North Carolina)

I just had a quick question about cat behavior.

I notice that whenever I feed my cats, one of my cats scratches all around their food bowls when they are done. Almost like she wants to cover it up with something (and sometimes she does, if there is a toy nearby she will scratch it into the bowl). Its obvious to me its some kind of primal instict, but why?


Dear Nicole,

You answered your own question. Many cats exhibit this behavior and it is indeed a remnant of their instincts when in the wild. She is definitely trying to bury it.

Thanks for the very cute picture!

Thanks for writing,
Dr. Neely