Why do cats bury people? - briefly
Cats may exhibit burying behavior towards humans due to their instinctual need to cover or hide objects they perceive as valuable or important. This can sometimes be misinterpreted as an attempt to "bury" or protect their human companions.
Why do cats bury people? - in detail
Cats, unlike their larger feline relatives such as lions and tigers, are not known for burying their prey or humans. The behavior of burying is more commonly associated with canids like dogs and wolves, which often bury bones, food, or other valuable items to hide them from competitors or to preserve them for later consumption. However, cats exhibit a different set of behaviors when it comes to dealing with their dead or the remains of their prey.
One of the primary reasons why cats do not bury humans or other large objects is due to their size and physical limitations. Cats are relatively small animals with limited strength compared to larger predators. Digging and burying require a significant amount of energy and effort, which may not be feasible for a cat, especially when dealing with a large object like a human body.
Moreover, cats are solitary creatures that do not have the same social structures as canids. Dogs and wolves live in packs where resources need to be shared and protected from other members of the group or rival packs. Cats, on the other hand, are more territorial and often hunt alone. Therefore, there is less pressure for them to bury their prey or other valuable items, as they do not have to compete with others for these resources.
Another factor contributing to this behavioral difference is the cat's natural instinct to mark its territory. Instead of burying, cats often use scent marking to claim ownership over an area or object. They do this by rubbing their bodies against surfaces, leaving behind pheromones that signal their presence to other cats. This behavior is more efficient and requires less effort than digging a hole and burying an item.
In conclusion, the lack of burying behavior in cats can be attributed to their physical limitations, solitary nature, and preference for scent marking as a means of territory claim. These factors combined make it unlikely for cats to engage in the behavior of burying humans or other large objects.