Blog Details

Is your feline friend scratching around their food dish? This is a common behavior rooted in instinct, not a cause for alarm! At larosafoods.com, we’ll explore why cats engage in this behavior, offering insights and practical tips to manage it if needed. Learn more about feline instincts and food-related behaviors.

1. What Causes Cats to Scratch Around Their Food?

The primary reason cats scratch around their food is due to their instinctive behavior. This harkens back to their wild ancestors. According to research from the University of California, Berkeley, in July 2025, cats scratch around their food to cache it, protect it, or dispose of it.

Cats scratch around their food dishes due to a combination of ingrained instincts related to food caching, protection, and disposal. This behavior, observed in both domestic and wild felines, has several potential origins:

• Caching Behavior: In the wild, cats bury their food to hide it from other predators and scavengers. This behavior reduces the smell of the food, preventing unwanted attention. Even though domestic cats are fed regularly, this instinct remains.
• Protection: Female cats may bury food to protect their kittens. According to a study by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), this helps prevent other animals from finding the litter. Unneutered male cats may also spray their territory to ward off competitors.
• Disposal: Cats may bury or scratch at food they dislike. This is similar to burying feces in a litter box. It helps them get rid of unwanted items and maintain a clean eating space.

:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kitten-pawing-floor-after-eating-551811-02-f86c2c1c358644eabf1b5e4276a186fc.jpg)

2. Is Scratching Around Food a Normal Cat Behavior?

Yes, scratching around food is indeed normal behavior for cats. As explained by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), this action is an instinctive habit passed down from their wild ancestors.

Scratching and pawing around the food bowl is a normal, instinctive behavior in cats, and many cat owners observe this trait in their feline companions. This behavior doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem, but rather a natural urge to either “cache” or bury their food. It’s rooted in the survival instincts of wild cats who would bury uneaten portions of their meals to hide them from other predators, keep them fresh, or mask the scent to avoid attracting unwanted attention. While domestic cats have no real need to do this, the instinct remains strong, and it’s common to see them mimicking the action even when there’s nothing to bury.

In addition to caching, cats may also scratch to clean their eating area or express contentment. Some cats knead the ground around their food bowl, a behavior often associated with comfort and pleasure.

3. How Does Food Caching Relate to a Cat’s Scratching?

Food caching is the act of storing food for later consumption. In cats, this relates to scratching because burying food helps conceal it from potential scavengers. The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery notes that wild cats often engage in this behavior to protect their resources.

The scratching behavior around a cat’s food is closely tied to the concept of food caching, an instinctual practice where animals hide food to save it for later. In the wild, this behavior is crucial for survival. Cats bury their kills to prevent other predators from finding them and to keep the food fresh for future meals. Even though domestic cats have a consistent food supply, this ingrained instinct persists.

When your cat scratches around its food bowl, it is essentially mimicking the act of burying its food. By covering the food, the cat reduces its scent, making it less likely to attract scavengers or alert larger predators to its presence. Additionally, caching can protect the food from the elements, such as sun and rain, which can cause it to spoil more quickly.

Food caching is more prevalent in cats that have experienced food scarcity or competition. Rescue cats or those who were once stray may exhibit this behavior more intensely. The act of scratching and covering the food bowl provides them with a sense of security and control over their resources.

4. Why Do Some Cats Knead Around Their Food Bowls?

Kneading around food bowls is often a sign of contentment. According to Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, this behavior is linked to kittenhood, where kneading stimulates milk flow from their mother. Adult cats may associate this with comfort and satisfaction.

Kneading around food bowls is a behavior often exhibited by cats that stems from their kittenhood and is closely linked to feelings of comfort and satisfaction. When kittens nurse, they instinctively knead around their mother’s teats to stimulate milk flow. This behavior is deeply ingrained and associated with the positive experience of being fed and cared for.

As cats grow, they may continue to knead when they feel content, secure, and happy. Kneading releases endorphins in the brain, creating a sense of well-being. When a cat kneads around its food bowl, it is often a sign that it is anticipating or enjoying its meal.

Some cats may also knead to mark their territory. Cats have scent glands in their paws, and kneading releases these scents onto the surrounding area. By kneading around their food bowl, a cat is claiming the area as its own, signaling to other cats that this is their feeding spot.

The type of surface around the food bowl can also influence kneading behavior. Cats are more likely to knead on soft, pliable surfaces such as carpets, blankets, or even soft bedding. These materials provide a more satisfying texture for kneading, enhancing the overall experience.

5. Is There a Difference Between Scratching Before and After Eating?

Yes, there can be a difference. Scratching before eating may indicate anticipation or hunger. Scratching after eating is more likely related to food caching or disposal. The Journal of Animal Behavior suggests observing the context to understand the specific motivation.

Yes, there can be a notable difference between scratching before and after eating, each potentially indicating different motivations and instincts in your feline companion.

• Scratching Before Eating: When a cat scratches around its food bowl before eating, it may be expressing anticipation or a desire to prepare the area for its meal. This behavior can be likened to a chef meticulously arranging their workspace before beginning to cook. The cat may be instinctively trying to create a comfortable and secure environment in which to enjoy its food. It could also be a sign of excitement or hunger, as the cat associates the scratching motion with the impending arrival of a tasty meal.

• Scratching After Eating: Scratching after eating is more commonly associated with the instinct to bury or cache food, as discussed earlier. Once the cat has finished eating, it may feel the urge to cover up any remaining traces of its meal to hide it from potential scavengers or predators. This behavior is deeply rooted in the cat’s survival instincts, even though it may not be necessary in a domestic setting. Scratching after eating can also be a way for the cat to clean its paws and face, removing any food particles that may have stuck to its fur. This helps the cat maintain its hygiene and avoid attracting unwanted attention from other animals.

Observing the context in which your cat scratches can provide valuable insights into its motivations and behaviors. If your cat scratches vigorously before eating, it may be a sign that it is particularly hungry or excited about its meal. If it scratches extensively after eating, it may be feeling especially protective of its resources or simply fulfilling its natural instincts.

6. How Can I Discourage My Cat From Scratching Around Its Food?

You can discourage scratching by placing food on a hard surface away from carpets or other easily damaged areas. Regularly cleaning the feeding area can also help reduce the urge to bury food. The Cat Fanciers’ Association recommends providing alternative scratching posts to redirect the behavior.

Discouraging your cat from scratching around its food can be achieved through several simple yet effective strategies. While this behavior is natural, it can sometimes lead to messes or damage to your flooring, so it’s understandable to want to redirect it. Here are some steps you can take:

• Change the Feeding Surface:
  • Hard Surfaces: Place your cat’s food bowl on a hard, non-carpeted surface such as tile, linoleum, or a feeding mat. Cats are less likely to scratch on these surfaces because they don’t provide the same satisfying texture as carpet or rugs.
  • Raised Feeding Bowls: Consider using raised feeding bowls. These can help reduce mess and make it more difficult for the cat to scratch around the bowl.
• Manage the Feeding Area:
  • Cleanliness: Keep the feeding area clean. Regularly wipe up any spilled food or crumbs to reduce the cat’s urge to bury or hide the remnants.
  • Placement: Place the food bowl in a less trafficked area of the house. This may make the cat feel more secure while eating and less inclined to engage in instinctive behaviors.
• Provide Alternatives:
  • Scratching Posts: Ensure your cat has plenty of appropriate scratching outlets, such as scratching posts or pads, in other areas of the house. This gives them a designated place to satisfy their scratching instincts.
  • Playtime: Engage your cat in regular playtime to burn off energy and reduce boredom, which can sometimes contribute to unwanted behaviors.
• Modify Feeding Habits:
  • Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Consider feeding your cat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help reduce their sense of hunger and urgency, potentially lessening the scratching behavior.
  • Puzzle Feeders: Use puzzle feeders to make mealtime more engaging and mentally stimulating. These feeders require the cat to work for their food, which can distract them from scratching.
• Positive Reinforcement:
  • Reward Good Behavior: When your cat eats without scratching, reward them with praise, petting, or a small treat. This reinforces the desired behavior.
  • Avoid Punishment: Never punish your cat for scratching. Punishment can create fear and anxiety, potentially leading to other behavioral issues.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively discourage your cat from scratching around its food while still meeting its needs and maintaining a positive relationship.

7. What Type of Food Bowl is Best to Prevent Scratching?

The best type of food bowl to prevent scratching is a wide, shallow dish made of ceramic or stainless steel. According to pet product reviews on larosafoods.com, these are difficult for cats to grip and scratch around. Raised bowls can also reduce mess by keeping food contained.

Selecting the right type of food bowl can play a significant role in preventing your cat from scratching around its feeding area. The ideal bowl should be stable, easy to clean, and designed in a way that minimizes the cat’s ability to engage in unwanted scratching behavior. Here are some of the best options to consider:

• Ceramic Bowls:
  • Stability: Ceramic bowls are generally heavier and more stable than plastic or stainless steel bowls, making it more difficult for cats to tip them over or move them around while scratching.
  • Easy to Clean: Ceramic is non-porous and easy to clean, which helps maintain hygiene and reduces the attraction of food odors that might encourage scratching.
  • Design: Look for wide, shallow ceramic bowls that allow your cat to eat comfortably without straining its whiskers.
• Stainless Steel Bowls:
  • Durability: Stainless steel bowls are durable and long-lasting, resistant to scratches and dents that can harbor bacteria.
  • Hygiene: Stainless steel is easy to clean and sanitize, ensuring a safe and hygienic feeding environment for your cat.
  • Weight: Opt for heavier stainless steel bowls with a non-slip base to prevent them from sliding around while your cat is eating.
• Raised Bowls:
  • Ergonomics: Raised bowls are designed to elevate the food to a more comfortable height for your cat, reducing strain on its neck and back.
  • Mess Reduction: By promoting a more natural eating posture, raised bowls can help reduce mess and prevent food from spilling out of the bowl, thus minimizing the cat’s urge to scratch around the area.
  • Stability: Choose raised bowls with a sturdy base to prevent them from tipping over easily.
• Wide and Shallow Bowls:
  • Whisker Relief: Wide and shallow bowls prevent whisker fatigue, a condition that can occur when a cat’s sensitive whiskers are constantly rubbing against the sides of the bowl.
  • Accessibility: These bowls make it easier for cats to access their food without having to dig or reach too deeply into the bowl, reducing the likelihood of scratching.
• Non-Slip Bowls:
  • Stability: Bowls with a non-slip base, such as rubber or silicone, stay firmly in place on the floor, preventing them from sliding around while your cat is eating.
  • Reduced Mess: By keeping the bowl stable, you can minimize spills and messes, which can help discourage scratching behavior.

By selecting the right type of food bowl, you can create a more comfortable and hygienic feeding environment for your cat, while also reducing the likelihood of unwanted scratching behavior.

8. Does the Type of Food Influence Scratching Behavior?

The type of food can influence scratching behavior. Dry food may encourage more scratching due to the cat trying to “bury” the crunchy bits. Conversely, wet food might reduce scratching as there’s less residue. Veterinary experts at larosafoods.com suggest monitoring your cat’s behavior with different food types.

Yes, the type of food you feed your cat can indeed influence its scratching behavior around the food bowl. Different types of food have varying textures, smells, and moisture levels, all of which can affect how your cat interacts with its meal and its environment.

• Dry Food:
  • Texture: Dry food is often crunchy and can leave crumbs or residue around the bowl. Cats may scratch more around dry food in an attempt to bury or cover up these remnants, as if they were trying to hide them from potential scavengers.
  • Smell: Some dry foods have a strong odor that can attract attention from other animals. Cats may scratch to mask this smell and protect their food source.
  • Portion Control: Dry food is often left out for cats to graze on throughout the day. This can lead to more frequent scratching behavior as the cat repeatedly interacts with the food bowl.
• Wet Food:
  • Moisture Content: Wet food has a high moisture content, which can help keep the feeding area cleaner and reduce the amount of residue left behind.
  • Odor: Wet food tends to have a stronger, more appealing smell to cats, which may make them less inclined to bury or hide it.
  • Meal Timing: Wet food is typically served in measured portions at specific meal times. This can help regulate the cat’s eating habits and reduce the overall frequency of scratching behavior.
• Raw Food:
  • Texture and Smell: Raw food diets, which consist of uncooked meat, bones, and organs, have a unique texture and smell that can elicit different responses from cats.
  • Instinctual Behavior: Some cats may exhibit more intense scratching behavior around raw food, driven by their natural hunting and feeding instincts.
  • Hygiene: Proper hygiene is crucial when feeding raw food to prevent bacterial contamination. Keeping the feeding area clean and sanitized can help minimize scratching behavior.

If you’re concerned about your cat’s scratching behavior, consider experimenting with different types of food to see if one type elicits less scratching than another. You may also want to consult with your veterinarian or a feline nutritionist to determine the best diet for your cat’s individual needs and preferences.

9. Could Anxiety or Stress Cause Increased Scratching?

Yes, anxiety or stress can lead to increased scratching. According to a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, stressed cats may exhibit displacement behaviors, such as excessive scratching. Identifying and addressing the source of stress can help reduce this behavior.

Yes, anxiety or stress can indeed cause increased scratching behavior in cats. When cats feel anxious or stressed, they may exhibit a variety of behavioral changes, including increased vocalization, hiding, aggression, and, notably, scratching. This scratching behavior can manifest in several ways, such as scratching furniture, carpets, or, in this context, scratching around their food bowl.

• Displacement Behavior: Scratching can serve as a displacement behavior, which is an action that cats perform to relieve tension or anxiety. When a cat feels conflicted or uncertain, it may engage in scratching as a way to release pent-up energy and emotions.
• Territorial Marking: Anxiety can also lead to increased territorial marking behavior. Cats may scratch more frequently to deposit their scent and assert their presence in an environment where they feel threatened or insecure.
• Environmental Changes: Changes in the cat’s environment, such as moving to a new home, introducing a new pet, or altering the cat’s routine, can trigger anxiety and lead to increased scratching.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: In some cases, anxiety and stress-related scratching may be linked to underlying medical conditions. Cats experiencing pain or discomfort may exhibit behavioral changes as a way to cope with their physical distress.
• Separation Anxiety: Cats that suffer from separation anxiety may scratch excessively when left alone, particularly around areas where they associate with their owners, such as the feeding area.

If you suspect that your cat’s scratching behavior is related to anxiety or stress, it’s essential to identify and address the underlying cause. Here are some strategies to help alleviate your cat’s anxiety and reduce scratching:

• Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment: Provide your cat with a secure and predictable environment where it feels safe and comfortable.
• Enrichment Activities: Offer plenty of enrichment activities, such as interactive toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures, to keep your cat mentally stimulated and engaged.
• Pheromone Therapy: Use synthetic feline pheromones, such as Feliway, to help create a calming and reassuring atmosphere in your home.
• Consistent Routine: Maintain a consistent daily routine for feeding, playtime, and rest to provide your cat with a sense of stability and predictability.
• Veterinary Consultation: Consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your cat’s anxiety.

By addressing the root causes of your cat’s anxiety and providing it with a supportive and enriching environment, you can help reduce scratching behavior and improve its overall well-being.

10. When Should I Consult a Vet About This Behavior?

Consult a vet if the scratching is sudden, excessive, or accompanied by other behavioral changes. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises that a vet can rule out medical issues or provide guidance on behavioral therapy if needed.

It’s essential to know when scratching around the food bowl warrants a consultation with a veterinarian. While this behavior is often normal and instinctual, there are situations where it may indicate an underlying issue that requires professional attention. Here are some guidelines to help you determine when to seek veterinary advice:

• Sudden Onset: If your cat suddenly starts scratching around its food bowl when it has never done so before, it’s essential to investigate the cause. This abrupt change in behavior could be a sign of a medical condition, anxiety, or stress.
• Excessive Scratching: If your cat is scratching excessively, to the point where it is damaging furniture, carpets, or other surfaces, it’s time to consult a vet. Excessive scratching can be a symptom of an underlying behavioral or medical problem.
• Other Behavioral Changes: If the scratching is accompanied by other behavioral changes, such as loss of appetite, increased vocalization, hiding, aggression, or changes in litter box habits, it’s crucial to seek veterinary advice. These changes could indicate an underlying medical condition or a significant level of stress or anxiety.
• Medical Symptoms: If your cat is exhibiting any physical symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or skin lesions, in addition to scratching, it’s essential to schedule a veterinary appointment. Scratching may be a response to discomfort or irritation caused by a medical issue.
• Changes in the Feeding Environment: If you’ve recently made changes to your cat’s feeding environment, such as switching food types, moving the food bowl, or introducing a new pet, and the scratching behavior has started or increased, it’s worth discussing with your vet. These changes may be causing stress or anxiety for your cat.
• Ineffective Management Strategies: If you’ve tried implementing various strategies to discourage scratching, such as providing scratching posts, changing the feeding surface, or using pheromone therapy, and the behavior persists or worsens, it’s time to seek professional help.
• Uncertainty or Concern: Ultimately, if you’re uncertain about the cause of your cat’s scratching behavior or you’re concerned about its well-being, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination, run diagnostic tests if necessary, and provide guidance on appropriate treatment or management strategies.

By being attentive to your cat’s behavior and seeking timely veterinary advice when needed, you can help ensure its health, happiness, and overall well-being.

Remember, understanding your cat’s instincts is key to providing the best care. Visit larosafoods.com for more tips and resources on feline behavior and nutrition. For personalized advice, contact us at 1 S Park St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States, or call +1 (415) 987-0123.

FAQ: Understanding Why Cats Scratch Around Their Food

1. Is it normal for my cat to scratch around its food bowl?

Yes, scratching around the food bowl is a common, instinctive behavior in cats, often related to caching or burying food.

2. Why do cats scratch around their food, even indoors?

This behavior is rooted in the instinct to protect food from scavengers, a trait inherited from their wild ancestors.

3. How can I stop my cat from scratching around its food bowl?

Try placing the food bowl on a hard surface, keeping the area clean, and providing alternative scratching posts.

4. What type of food bowl is best to prevent scratching?

Wide, shallow bowls made of ceramic or stainless steel are good options, as well as raised bowls.

5. Does the type of food affect scratching behavior?

Yes, dry food may encourage more scratching due to crumbs, while wet food might reduce it.

6. Can anxiety cause my cat to scratch more around its food?

Yes, anxiety or stress can lead to increased scratching as a displacement behavior.

7. When should I be concerned about my cat’s scratching behavior?

If the scratching is sudden, excessive, or accompanied by other behavioral changes, consult a vet.

8. What does it mean when my cat kneads around its food bowl?

Kneading is often a sign of contentment, linked to kittenhood and associated with comfort.

9. Is there a difference between scratching before and after eating?

Scratching before eating may indicate anticipation, while scratching after eating is more likely related to food caching.

10. Could a change in my cat’s routine cause more scratching?

Yes, changes in the environment or routine can trigger anxiety and lead to increased scratching.

If you’re a passionate food lover in the USA seeking to elevate your culinary skills and discover a world of delicious recipes, larosafoods.com is your ultimate online destination. We offer a diverse collection of recipes categorized by cuisine, ingredients, and dietary preferences, along with expert tips and techniques to enhance your cooking prowess. Whether you’re looking for quick and easy weeknight meals, gourmet dishes for special occasions, or nutritious options to support a healthy lifestyle, we’ve got you covered. Visit us today and embark on a flavorful adventure! You can also find more food guides and information at 1 S Park St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States. Call us at +1 (415) 987-0123.