Why do cats scratch around their bowl?

Have you ever noticed your pet scratching around their bowl after finishing their meal? Now you can find out what lies behind this peculiar behavior.

Scratching around food is an instinctual, innate behavior in cats. When your pet does this, it gives the impression that they’re trying to bury something, but in reality, there’s nothing there. Cats may scratch around both their food and water bowls, and this behavior can last for varying lengths of time. It’s not to be confused with kneading and can have several different reasons, but generally, it’s nothing to worry about. Let’s see why cats scratch around their bowl.

What it means when a cat scratching around its bowl

One of the most common reasons cats scratch around their bowl is an ancient instinct driven by a sort of defensive mechanism. In the wild, cats hunt alone and, except during mating season, they tend to avoid other members of their species. To accomplish this, they bury their leftover food.

By burying the food, they conceal its scent, making it harder for other cats to find.

This instinct is also evident when a cat scratches around its bowl. Additionally, in the behavior of mother cats, there may be a desire to protect their kittens. Other cats could pose a threat to the litter, so mother cats try to do everything possible to keep them away.

It could be related to the food itself

Another intention behind the scratching might be the cat’s attempt to save food for later to avoid going hungry. This can be especially beneficial in areas where there’s competition for food sources. It’s also worth considering that cats are finicky about cleanliness, so if they can’t finish all their food, they might try to cover it up with digging motions.

It’s also possible that the cat simply doesn’t like the particular food. Scratching is more likely to occur when introducing a new, unfamiliar taste. To test this, you can revert to their usual food; if the scratching stops, you’ve identified the issue. If the food and the sleeping area are too close to each other, this can also be problematic, so it’s worth placing them further apart.

Sometimes it could indicate a health issue

Generally, scratching around the bowl isn’t a cause for concern. However, if it suddenly appears and isn’t related to a change in food, it could be a sign of stress in the cat, which should be addressed properly.

If scratching is accompanied by decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea, there might be an underlying health problem, so it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian.

How to discourage the behavior

If your pet eats wet food, start by storing leftovers (in the refrigerator, covered) after they finish eating. It’s recommended because if left for too long, food can spoil, leading to serious health issues. Don’t neglect dry food either; consider using a slow feeder or an automatic feeder. There are also maze-like feeders where cats can paw at dry food, which can distract them from scratching.

It might also help to redirect their attention; if you engage them in play, they won’t be focused on scratching.

However, it’s important not to punish the cat for scratching as it’s a natural behavior. This could lead to problematic behaviors and affect the bond between you and your pet.