Why Does My Cat Scratch Around Its Food Dish?

Kittens, being new to the world, explore and investigate almost anything they can reach in their environment. Scratching around the food bowl indicates that the kitten is either unsatisfied with the food or the food dish location or is attempting to hide the food for a meal later. Examining how the kitten reacts to its current feeding arrangements can reveal if this behavior is out of dissatisfaction or boredom.

  1. Nutritional Requirements

    • Cats require a quality food that includes adequate levels of protein, low levels of carbohydrates and essential vitamins necessary for growth and development. Dry or canned kitten foods are especially formulated and include vitamin and mineral amounts that differ from adult cat food. Because a kitten's digestive system is still learning to digest food, adult cat food can cause intestinal distress. A high quality diet on a regular feeding schedule of several small meals throughout the day is optimal for growing kittens.

    Food Dish Location

    • Cats require a small space of the house that is quiet, out of the way of traffic and clean. Cats that are shy may scratch to cover and eat later if the house is busy with people during normal feeding time. Consider relocating the food and water dishes to a less busy location of the house. Calming aids, favorite toys and scratching posts can also provide a bit of security.

    Boredom

    • Cats that do not have any other space or enrichment toys feel comfortable releasing anxiety by patting around their food bowl because it is their space. Catnip toys provide scent and texture stimulation, while scratching posts relieve stress and keep nails clean from dirt and litter. Providing a space within the house such as a corner of a room for toys in conjunction with daily play sessions can reduce anxiety and boredom as well as the bad behaviors that follow in tow.

    Considerations

    • Qualit foods, toys and scratching posts are available at pet supply stores. Keeping food and water dishes clean is also essential, as most animals will not knowingly eat spoiled foods. If you are feeding a quality food, consider increasing the amount of food fed in small increments as the kitten may simply need more nutrients to be satisfied. If cats refuse to eat or show other signs of illness, contact a veterinarian.