Why do cats cover their poop?

It's a fascinating instinct, really. This behaviour is a direct link to their wild ancestors. In nature, smaller or more subordinate cats cover their waste. They do this for a couple of key reasons. First, it hides their scent from potential predators that might be hunting them. Second, it's a sign of respect to more dominant cats in the territory. It’s like they’re saying, "I'm not a threat and I don't want to challenge you." A confident, dominant cat might actually leave theirs uncovered to mark their space. So your kitty is just following ancient survival rules.