could she have parasites that irritate her backside, and seeks to cool off the irritation that way? Her box habits are also not great, and she doesn't bury very well.
gracieandlizzie
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I've had cats all my life and every one of them has loved to sit on paper, sitting on paper isn't a sign of worms.
Eating a lot and not gaining weight, scooting their backside on the carpet, a "Potbelly" appearance, vomiting, loose runny stools, worms in the litter box, rice like things...which are actually tape worm segments on their butt, tail or bedding...those are signs of worms.
When you say her box habits aren't great, what do you mean by that?
Does she use it sometimes and not others?
Has she stopped using it all together?
As for not burying...some cats don't...we have four, three bury and the fourth doesn't...he never has.
Shelly P. Tofu, E.M.T.
Yes, for sure cats like paper. If I'm messy enough to leave a sheet on the floor, I'm' sure to find one of the cats laying on it. Must be something about the texture or temperature they like. Definitely not a sign of any problems
Also some cats just aren't good about burying their #2's. I have one that never buries (although she'll sit and paw at the SIDE of the litterbox and even the wall next to her for the next 5 min after she does #2, but will never actually touch the sand and get anything accomplished. It's almost funny to watch because she looks so intent, but DUMB. She's actually a smart cat BTW.) So, if that is the extent of her "not great" box habits, then it likely isn't a sign of anything wrong either.
One of the other answerers gave good signs of a cat having worms. You would likely see things that look like rice in her stool.
Anonymous
My cats have always loved to sit on paper, too!! They especially love poster paper. They have both just had check ups and no parasites or illnesses. I think they just love the way paper feels. She may not be burying well because of the litter - have you tried the crystal kind? Mine do better with it.
Nightlight
My cats like to sit on paper too. If there's one sheet of paper somewhere they'll hurry to sit on it. I think it's warm and that's why they like it.
As for the box problem, we use Arm & Hammer Super Scoop clumping litter, it's the best litter I've ever used. We have 3 cats and one box, since we have limited space. If you scoop every day or every other at most, it clumps hard as a rock and there's no smell at all. Our cats never have a box problem even though they have to share.
Saiph
Paper retains heat-I guess it's one of the reasons why cats like it so much. But it really is one of those cat things-all of my family's cats have the same habit. My cat especially loves lying on open books one is trying to read! Or on particularly important papers that are lying on the table - you'd think she knows how to read, she has such a knack for picking the important bills to lie on!*lol*
Regarding the litter-try the previous suggestions. Also: are you putting enough litter in her box? Cats have a hard time covering up if there isn't enough clean litter in the box. I use the fine clumping litter for my cat (I really like Arm & Hammer's kitty litter. It's well-priced and controls odors well), but I keep the box full pretty deep - it's recommended to keep it at least1 inch deep, but I prefer to keep it around 3 inches. IIt sounds like a lot, but it's a lot easier for her to cover her business up that way. I scoop out twice a day to keep it tidy and clean for her, and pour in fresh litter about once a week to keep it full enough, and it's worked out well. Hope that helps. :)