Cats cover their poop mainly because of natural instincts inherited from their wild ancestors. This behavior is about safety, communication, and cleanliness rather than politeness.
Survival instinct
Wild cats are both predators and prey, so hiding strong smells like feces helps keep their location secret from larger predators. Burying poop reduces odor and makes it harder for potential threats to track them.
Social and territorial signals
In feral cat groups, more subordinate cats are more likely to bury their poop, while dominant cats may leave it exposed to advertise their presence and claim territory. Many indoor cats still follow this pattern, covering their waste as if they are the “less dominant” member in the social group at home.
Cleanliness and comfort
Cats are very clean animals and have a strong sense of smell, so they often cover feces to keep their living area more pleasant and avoid contaminating food and water. Even indoor cats that are safe from predators still feel more secure and comfortable when their waste is buried.
