Why Do Cats “Cover” Their Food?

When feeding cats, you may see a strange behavior: after sniffing their food, some cats make a motion like they are covering it up.It looks odd but there are several reasons behind it

Instinct from the Wild

This behavior comes from cats’ wild instincts. In nature, cats are small predators. They need to hide their tracks and use their sense of smell to avoid enemies. When they catch prey or get food but can’t finish it, they cover the leftovers with dirt, leaves, or sand. This hides the smell so other animals won’t find it. It also helps keep the food safe for later. Even house cats still have this instinct. So, when a cat doesn’t like or can’t finish food, it may try to “cover” it to hide it, just like in the wild.

Not Liking the Food

Cats are known to be picky eaters. They have strong likes and dislikes for taste, texture, and smell. If a cat doesn’t like the food in front of it, it may try to cover it up. If you suddenly change the brand or flavor of the cat food, the cat might reject it. It is a way of saying, “I don’t want this.” Cats may also cover food that has ingredients like vegetables or fruits they don’t like.

Influence of the Environment

The cat’s environment can also affect this behavior. If the feeding place is noisy or feels unsafe—like many people moving around or other pets nearby—the cat might cover the food to protect it. If the food bowl is in a drafty spot where smells spread easily, cats might try to hide the food smell by covering it. Also, if the bowl is slippery or too shallow, cats may feel uncomfortable and cover the food more often.

Possible Health Issues

Sometimes, covering food can be a sign of health problems. If a cat has mouth pain, stomach trouble, or other illnesses, it may lose its appetite. Even favorite food might only be eaten a little before the cat stops. For example, mouth sores can make eating painful. Stomach issues can make digestion hard. If a cat often covers food and also shows signs like low energy, poor appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, take it to the vet quickly.