Greetings, my pawsome human minions.
Forrest Wisewhiskers, your cat of comprehension, is here again with a topic that stinks…uncovered cat poop.
Imagine this, if you will. You’re enjoying your day, doing whatever humans like to do, and you catch a whiff wafting from the litter pan that’s strong enough to singe your nose hairs. Now, you know kitty poo stinks, but this is some kind of intense, so you check the pan and find a big steaming pile of uncovered cat poop.
I know, yuck. I myself am a staunch coverer, but some kitties aren’t. For some, it’s just a quirk because they’re comfy in their environment. And for others, they harbor one of several reasons for not burying their poop. Take Kevin TwoToe, for example.
Keven TwoToe Doesn’t Care If You Have To Cover His Poop
Keven TwoToe was the most formidable and roughest cat I ever met. Not only was he the Tom-iest of Tom cats, if you know what I mean, his attitude was just as big as his big furry nuggets. He’d lived a hard life on the streets of a metropolitan sprawl, and his years there had left him with a cloudy eye, missing an ear, and only two toes on his left front paw. He said they went missing in the belly of a guard dog. That same incident had left a strip of his foreleg without fur all the way down to the missing digits. And on that bared skin, I kid you not, Kevin TwoToe wore a mouse skull and crossbones tattoo.
But, for all his grizzle, his tail was the most impressive thing you’d ever seen; a long plume of feathery fur you’d only expect to find on the showiest of the purebreds. And if he ever took you under his wing, you were Kevin TwoToe’s buddy for life. I am proud to say he called me friend, and I often wonder where he is now.
But for all I admired this tough tom, Kevin TwoToe never covered his poo. And he sure laid some stinkies…
He offered the two-toe situation as the reason he didn’t; said the scar tissue where his toes were missing was too sensitive to scratch with. I pointed out he had another fully intact front foot, to which he shrugged and said, “Who’s going to challenge me? Besides, the humans will do it.”
He Makes Valid Points, But Smelly Ones All the Same
His points were valid, but unlike him, I can’t leave my business uncovered. Instinct tells me I must hide away that which bears my scent signature. When living in the wild, cats cover their excrement to keep safe and remain undetected. By burying their business, cats tamp down the odor that reveals just who and what they are, protecting them from predators while not scaring away the skittering prey that serves as dinner.
So, in the house, cats may not cover their litter box deposits because there isn’t any prey roving around to be scared away and no significant bad critters lurking and looking to hurt a cat. But for other kitties, like Kevin TwoToe, covering comes with a cost.
The Reasons Some Cats Don’t Cover Their Poop
Sensitivity Issues Can Stink
Kevin TwoToe listed paw sensitivity as his reason for not burying his poop, which is valid. Some kitty feet are extra sensitive, whether it’s from injury or just by their design. If your little paw prince or princess doesn’t care for their litter because it feels funny on their feet, try a different material. Gone are the days when cat parents were stuck with only stinky, dusty clay litters that couldn’t be scooped. Now, from pine to silica gel, there’s quite a range of litter materials to choose from, and hopefully, you’ll find the one that doesn’t irritate your cat’s feet.
Pain in the paws isn’t the only sensitivity cats can experience with litter. Felines have sensitive noses, and cat litter with added fragrances can prove overwhelming, driving your kitty to get in and out as fast as possible. For cats with allergies, respiratory issues, and plain old picky sniffers, stick with unscented cat litter to encourage burying.
RELATED: How To Make The Right Choice With Cat Litter
Medical Issues Can Be a Pain
Like cats who urinate or defecate on the floor, some kitties who don’t cover in the litter pan may be trying to communicate illness or pain. If your cat has always been one who gives a courtesy cover but suddenly stops, maybe it’s time to visit the vet and check that everything is okay. If you see blood or your cat had diarrhea, make an appointment sooner than later.
Senior Cats Don’t Dig Their Pan
Older cats with sore joints and fatigue issues might find climbing into a high-sided litter pan a taxing endeavor, which might lead to going and not covering. If your old man or lady kitty is struggling with getting in the pan, offer them one with low sides or entrances. Purrhaps they thank you with a return to covering their stinky business.
Kittens Who Don’t Know
Kittens sometimes lose their moms early in life. And without a mother to teach a kitten how to cat, orphaned kittens might need a little education regarding litter pan etiquette. To help your kitten learn, swoop in and use your scoop to cover the poo while they’re watching. When your baby picks up the notion and starts covering, give them lots of praise and treats to reinforce the behavior.
Territorial Issues Are a Real Poop
Cats engaged in a power struggle with another feline member of the family might be leaving their poo uncovered as a ‘what’s good?’ to the other cat. Leaving your feces and all the scents mingled within on display for all to see and smell tells another cat in the area, you ain’t scared. Help battling cats find peace with these 5 Ways To Help Your Cats Bond With Each Other.
All About the Size
If you’ve got a big cat, you need a big litter pan. Cats who don’t have a large enough box to accommodate their size may choose to dump and run rather than bury simply because they don’t have enough room to operate.
Dirty Litter Equals Hold Your Breath & Run
You don’t like to go in a filthy bathroom, nor does your cat. But when there’s no other choice, some cats poop and run without covering, so they don’t have to dirty their sweet feet more than necessary. Be sure to scoop the pans once or twice daily to give your cat a cleaner potty experience. Also, dump old litter monthly and start again fresh and clean.
Feeling Safe & Secure
As I mentioned, kitties who don’t cover may skip it because they feel safe in the house. They realize there’s no one to hide from or challenge them. So, going and not burying could just be a normal thing your cat does because you’ve given him such a happy home. Way to go, minion; you’re doing a fine job for your feline overlord.
Now, after you cover your Royal Highness’ poop, get them ready to go again, and don’t forget to feed the cat.