Buzz
Reader David from Florida asks: “Do wild felines bury their droppings like domestic cats do?”
As loyal readers will know, lions, tigers, and other large wild felines have a fondness for cardboard boxes, catnip, and tearing through rolls of toilet paper, much like their smaller domestic cousins. They also exhibit similar bathroom habits.
While cat waste may smell like typical cat waste to human noses, the distinct scent can fade among the many natural aromas in a jungle or forest. Yet, the chemical compounds in their feces provide valuable signals to other felines and can alert animals with strong senses of smell to their presence. Wild cats often bury their droppings deep within their home ranges to avoid attracting attention from other cats or predators. However, they may leave it exposed on the outer edges of their territory or between ranges either to mark their domain or because they care less about concealing their whereabouts.
In homes where there are no wild predators or territorial conflicts, house cats typically bury their waste out of instinct, unless they’re unwell or unsure of their position in the household hierarchy (but let's face it, which cat doesn’t believe they’re the one in charge?).
