In the wild, cats may cover their poop to hide their scent so predators don't know they're around. Or they might be trying to show that they're not a threat to an "alpha" cat in the area. So a cat who isn't covering his poop might be in competition with another cat and is trying to show dominance.
"Cats have the instinctual behavior of eliminating away from their core living area and then burying their waste so they don't alert predators to their presence," explains Pam Johnson-Bennett, CCBC, author and owner of Cat Behavior Associates and member of Daily Paws' Advisory Board.
Cats usually cover their waste, and don't need their owner's help. But it's not uncommon for a cat, especially a male cat, to suddenly stop covering his poop in a litter box.
Declaring Territory
A domesticated cat may choose to not bury their poop to let other cats—or their owner—know "I am here." Even if a cat has lived in the same place for a while, he may not feel it is his territory. The smell of their poop shows that particular cat's presence.
Cats like privacy when they do their business. Try a different type of litter box. If you're using a hooded litter box, try an uncovered one. An open litter box gives a cat a feeling of security because he can see people or other animals approaching.
The bathroom is full of the smells of you: your cat's favorite human! You spend time there doing important things, or at least it may seem that way to your cat. Your cat may be intrigued by watching you do all the little things humans do in there.
Cats are at their most vulnerable to attack when they are urinating or defecating outside and, if they feel threatened, it may deter them from doing so. Other cats are usually the biggest problem but it could be a neighbour's dog or even a sudden loud noise.
Your cat not covering its urine might be an indication of age and health issues. First, your kitty might not be able to cover up their urine due to arthritis. If this is the case look at the litter box that you use and see if you can trade it out for another one that makes movement easier for them.
How Often Should You Change the Cat Litter? If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
Marking by rubbing
Felines have scent glands on their cheeks, paws and flanks and when they rub against something—a door, a chair, you—they put their own personal scent on that object. This leaves the message for other cats that they've been there and laid claim.
Are Cats Supposed to Clean Themselves After Going to the Bathroom? "Cats are naturally clean critters, so they are inclined to clean up after using the litter box," Dr. Zay told POPSUGAR. "Typically though, they have little to no residue from their bathroom habits.
Full Bath
Fill the tub or sink first with warm water before you go and collect your cat. The sound of running water might freak them out. Once they're in the water, wet the affected areas and massage cat shampoo in their fur to loosen and remove any stuck poop.
When your cat sniffs your face, they're taking in information too: what you smell like! Sniffing your face allows your cat to familiarize themselves with your scent so that they can recognize it, and you, in the future. Once they commit your scent to memory, they are better able to identify you going forward.
It's a Sign of Affection
Granted, it's not the same thing as a lick on the face or a rub up against your leg, but when your cat presents her butt to you, it means she loves you and wants to be petted.
You've Hit the Spot
Although elevator butt may seem rather insulting to us, it's actually the cat's very positive response to the fact that you've hit just the right spot when petting her.
“Their litter box might be in there, so it could be a room that smells very familiar. Cats also probably know that when we are on the toilet, we are a captive audience — nowadays we are so busy and distracted that many cats are probably looking for an opportunity to have our undivided attention!”
Cats can develop painful kidney infections, bladder infections, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections if their litter boxes are not kept clean. The vets at Anasazi Animal Clinic recommend daily scooping and weekly litter changes to best protect your cat's health.
Scoop waste daily. How often you replace the litter depends on the number of cats you have, the number of litter boxes and the type of litter you use. Twice a week is a general guideline for replacing clay litter, but depending on your circumstances, you may need to replace it every other day or only once a week.
Add baking soda to the litter: Surprisingly, baking soda is a great all-natural deodorizer that is both safe for cats and can help manage the litter box smell. By mixing a little bit of baking soda with the litter, you can help absorb any urine odors also.
Kneading to convey comfort — Happy cats appear to knead to show pleasure. Cats often knead while being petted, or when snuggling into a napping spot. Your cat may also knead on your lap to show her love and contentment, and then settle in for a pat or nap. A stressed cat may knead to create a soothing, calm mood.
In most cases, cats will purr when they are in a relaxed environment, sending out waves of calmness. This may also occur when you stroke them, and if this is the case, your feline friend is feeling happy or sociable. However, cats purr to communicate other emotions and needs, too.
When a cat poops, it stimulates a nerve in their body that gives them a euphoric feeling, which might explain why your cat gets the zoomies. The nerve that's being stimulated is called the vagus nerve, and it runs from the brain throughout the body, including the entire digestive tract, Shojai said.
Do Cats Like When You Watch Them Poop? While cats and other pets may be able to feel embarrassment, they most likely won't feel embarrassed if you catch them using the litter box. While humans seek privacy when doing their business, a cat may actually appreciate it if it knows that you're keeping an eye on it.
Will cats use a top-entry litter box? The idea of sliding down a firepole to get to the toilet might not excite most of us human beings, but many cats actually prefer a top-entry litter box. So do their people. A topside opening often proves to be a litter box's best feature.