why do cats hide their poop

Harper

I've noticed that my cat always covers her poop after using the litter box, and I'm curious why they do this. Is it an instinct, or is there a deeper reason behind this behavior? Some cats seem very meticulous about it, while others barely bother. Does it relate to cleanliness, territory, or something else entirely?

Elias

Cats bury their poop as an instinct from their wild ancestors—it helps them avoid attracting predators or rivals by masking their scent. My vet mentioned that dominant cats sometimes leave waste uncovered to mark territory, while more submissive ones hide it carefully.

Victoria

I read that indoor cats might cover their poop more often because they see us cleaning their litter boxes and mimic our tidiness. My cat, Luna, even paws at the wall nearby like she’s trying to "clean" beyond the litter—it’s quirky but makes me wonder if she’s just extra fastidious!