I just happened across a good page about cat behavior. I was actually looking for info on them having multiple sets of eyelids, but this page has a lot of other good stuff too. One of the most enlightening bits I’ve seen so far is:

Many people believe they bury their waste products because they are fastidious. That isn’t necessarily so. In the wild, only secondary cats bury their waste to protect their trail from predators. The dominant feline will actually display his or her feces prominently. This sends a strong message of dominance. In the world of house cats, you are the dominant animal and the house cat chooses not to offend you. They will carefully bury their feces to eliminate interfering with what they perceive as the natural order.

So that means if your cat is just pooping anywhere, that they don’t recognize your authority. Sucker!