Have you ever wondered why your cat would roll in a litter? It’s an instinct that most cats have to keep themselves clean and free from parasites. There are many other reasons your cat would roll in the litter, most of which have to do this because they love dust baths.
Many cat owners worldwide wonder why my cat rolls in the litter. Unfortunately, for many cat owners, that question remains unanswered. Generally, cats are domestic and non-violent animals, but cats are wild at heart.
The main reason cats roll in the litter box is to satisfy feral instincts. Feral playing includes digging, jumping, scratching, and rolling in the litter. Also, your cat’s unusual behavior in the litter box indicates a sign of medical or emotional distress. Some reasons your cat roll in general and in the litter box are explained below.
Why Do Cats Generally Roll?
Cats have a reputation for being quite lazy, but you would be surprised by what unusual behaviors these little, pretty cats do. One interesting behavior that cats like to perform is rolling on their backs. So if you notice your cat rolling around their back, they might greet you that way.
This behavior is commonly seen near the person who feeds them. While it isn’t entirely clear why cats roll on their backs, one theory suggests that this is a sign of playful feelings and other positive signs, such as cats feeling safe around. Some other valid reasons cats rolls, in general, are:
- For seeking attention
- For playing
- Stretching their muscles
Main Reasons Cats Roll In Litter
The main purpose of the litter box is that it is used as a cat’s bathroom. Every cat parent knows that cats roll in their litter, but why? The reasons might surprise you. Rolling in a litter is normal behavior, but the causes and reasons for rolling differ, including marking territorial and happiness.
Rolling in a litter can help cats prevent parasites like fleas from infesting your cat’s bodies. Cats will also roll around in the litter because it marks their scent, which tells other cats that the space belongs to them and not someone else. The five main reasons cats roll in the litter are given below.
Relieving An Itch
It is common to notice that cats scratch themselves often. However, as a cat owner, you might not identify that your cat has an itch on its back. If your cat has an itch, one may be on its underbelly or back. Cats roll in the litter to relieve themselves of the itch and rid themselves of potential parasites that cause itching.
Marking Territory
Cats will also use litter to mark their territory. When you have a cat, it will guard that territory. They do this by rolling in the litter and leaving their scent for other cats or cats to know that the space belongs to them.
Medical Issue
Sometimes, cats will roll in their litter due to health reasons. This is often caused by skin allergy or irritation in the body. In addition, the cat may be suffering from urinary tract conditions, and rolling the litter will help relieve it.
If you continuously notice that cats spend the whole day playing in the litter box and don’t produce much waste, as they normally do. Then visit a veterinarian to find out and eliminate medical issues.
Dust Bathing
It’s common for cats to roll around the dust outdoors. The same thing they do in the litter box. By doing this, they get bacteria that are healthy for the digestive system and the same thing they do outdoors. Cats replicate the feeling of outdoor dust bathing activity in the litter box.
Feeling Scared
Feeling scared is another reason they roll in litter boxes because they consider the litter box the safest place for themselves. Strangers and loud noises can scare your little kitty. Whenever your cats feel scared, they do such things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s good for cats. Litter rolling is not just a regular activity of your cat; it is a part of their instinct. The main cause of litter rolling in cats is to get rid of parasites and other biting insects that may harm your cat’s body.
Yes, this is the main reason why cats use the litter box. Cats roll in their litter box to mark their territory and leave their scent so that other pets know the space belongs to them. Also, cats roll in the litter because it is a natural way of relieving itching and getting rid of parasites.
Yes, cleaning your cat’s litter boxes is essential. However, if you don’t clean up the litter box regularly, that may cause health issues for your cat and you. You heard it right; various illnesses spread from the cat’s body to humans. Therefore, mild dish detergent is essential when cleaning the litter box.
Conclusion
Suppose you have a cat, then it’s common to have many questions about their behavior and what they do. If your cat rolls in the litter, don’t worry because that’s an intuitive way of getting rid of parasites from its body. So, litter rolling is good for cats, so make happy to your cats with a clean litter box.
