Cats bury their poop primarily due to an instinctual survival behavior inherited from their wild ancestors. This behavior helps them hide their presence by covering the scent of their waste, reducing the risk of attracting predators or rival cats. It is also a way to avoid drawing attention visually and chemically from competitors and to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in their environment. Additionally, covering their feces is linked to territorial signaling—left uncovered, poop can indicate territory ownership, but burying it shows a more submissive or cautious approach to avoid confrontations. This behavior is deeply ingrained and observed even in domestic cats, reflecting their evolutionary need for safety and cleanliness.