cats

[filthiestfis]

My cat sometimes drags his paw repeatedly (like bulls do before they charge) on the newspaper next to his bowl of food after sniffing it. Why is this?

[LoftyLottie]

It is instinctive for cats to cover up any food that they have not eaten, to hide it from other animals who might eat it. What he is doing is attempting to cover it up. Outside, they would have some success in covering it with earth, etc. using their paws in the manner you describe. Mine does it to the dog's dinner as well.

[filthiestfis]

But he only does it sometimes, say once every few weeks. Why wouldnt he attempt to cover every meal?

[LoftyLottie]

Because he is a domesticated cat instinctive behaviour like that will not happen all the time. Sometimes my cat will cover his poo, on other occasions he will just not bother!

More information for you:

http://cats.about.com/cs/behavioralissues/f/ki tpawsfloor.htm

[binarma]

I have read somewhere that cats secrete a scent from their pads when they claw carpet trees etc maybe when you put new paper down he's doing that, it is apparently one of the ways in which they mark their teritory?

[kyra16]

both my cats do it...i thought it was to leave their scent...lol oops....