Scratching is an important part of a cat s health and wellbeing.
Why do cats scratch the floor when eating.
A common mistake cat owners make is that when their cat swipes their paw on the floor around their food dish they think that they are covering up the food like they would their poop in a litter box.
This assumption is inaccurate.
The good news is that there are millions of ways to do it and all they need are a bit of time and perseverance.
Cats scratch by digging their front claws into a horizontal or vertical surface then pulling their feet down or back.
This behavior may be witnessed before or even after the meal.
Why does my kitten scratch the floor after eating.
Why do cats dig and scratch around their food bowl.
If you re feline pal has taken the time to physically cover his food rather than just pawing on the floor he s just going the extra mile.
Though it may seem that your hard flooring is bound to suffer a bit the scratching isn t harmful at all.
Why does my cat scratch the floor after eating.
However kitty doesn t think like that.
In the wild cats don t come back to a meal they ve stored for several days.
If you have a kitten as well as an adult cat you may have noticed her scratching the floor area and it may have left you confused.
While this often damages the item being scratched it provides a benefit to the cat.
This is not an unusual behavior.
Before or after your kitten or cat eats or drinks it may paw scratch or knead the floor as if it is digging or burying something.
Cats have an instinctive need to scratch so if you don t want them to do it in the wrong places guide them to the right ones.
Scratching around the food bowl is a common behaviour in cats which is completely normal.
The reasons for the behaviors are different for both of the situations that you have asked about.
Because it can be difficult to diagnose flea infestation in cats some veterinarians recommend trying reliable flea control products purchased from a veterinary office for six to eight weeks to see if it reduces the incidence of licking scratching or chewing.
The wall and floor scratching behaviors you are describing are common cat behaviors.
Another theory is that as cats in the wild tend to eat where they sleep they don t want a rotting carcass lying around.
Should i do something about it.
Why cats scratch carpet upholstery and other surfaces.
In the end it s pure instinct and it helps the cat stay in touch with its wilderness roots in case it ever has to fend for itself out there.
Your kitten may scratch the floor after eating because of her instinct.
Wild cats as well as feral cats have all been observed burying any uneaten food to avoid attracting predators or scavengers.
In fact your pet is demonstrating an instinct shared even by the big cats and it is a very positive sign that it is feeling at home in your house.
Cats who scratch the floor or wall after using the litter box are usually making a comment about the litter box itself and or the litter that is being used.
There s nothing wrong with your cat.
