From what I understand cats bury their feces so that the smell doesn't alert their enemies to their presence. I DO like your uncle's description, though - quite descriptive!
Dogs, at least the dogs I've known, aren't a whole lot better. Some dogs have a hobby of chewing on bones ... some chase a ball ...
... Tigger licks his butt. Constantly. To distraction. It's his hobby, one that he indulges in enthusiastically. Then he jumps up on Mommy's lap and licks her face.
Really?!?
A secondary hobby is what I call "drag racing" - ever watch a dog scoot across the floor on his butt? Yep - he even seems to be attempting to beat his land-speed record, because he'll hold several time-trials at one time.
Then he stands up and, right in the exact same spot, vigorously rubs the sides of his face.
Seriously?!?
Not a hobby as such but, I believe, a compulsive need is the consumption of said cat feces. The look of bliss upon his face as he munches upon these ersatz Tootsie Rolls is not to be believed - it's almost as if he's experiencing a sexual release.
Then he sneezes several times (does cat litter contain black pepper?), drinks a few mouthfuls of water and once again licks Mommy's face.
Yeah, dogs are brilliant creatures.