Cats scratching things isn't just a habit, it's deeply ingrained in their nature. It's an instinct they have their whole lives, not just when they're kittens. You might not have given it much thought, or maybe you're wondering why cats scratch things.
Either way, we'll explain everything you need to know about why, when, where, and how cats scratch.
The Important Question - Why Do Cats Scratch?
The answer is multifaceted! Scratching serves several purposes: it's a stress reliever, a form of exercise, a claw-sharpening activity, and a way to stretch and strengthen muscles.
Cats also scratch to keep their claws healthy:
Similar to how we trim our nails, cats shed the outer sheaths of their claws by scratching. They often prefer vertical surfaces like furniture because they provide a good grip and smooth surface for sharpening.
Get attention:
Cats definitely crave attention, and scratching near their owner can be a way to get noticed and ensure they don't get overlooked. Even if they have appropriate scratching posts, attention-seeking scratching might occur.
Cat scratching can also be a playful invitation, a sign of affection, or an excited expression of happiness.
Scratching as a stress reliever:
Cat scratching can also be a way for cats to relieve stress, excitement, or boredom. Since cats can't tell us how they feel, excessive scratching, along with changes in grooming habits or body language, might indicate stress. Pay attention to other behavioral clues to understand your cat's emotional state.
Stretch muscles:
Cats enjoy stretching just like we do! Scratching provides a full-body stretch that increases blood flow and reactivates muscles after periods of rest. Since cats sleep so much (14-16 hours a day), this stretching is important for their physical well-being. This satisfying stretch often involves extending claws, which unfortunately might mean some marks on your furniture.
Importantly, cat scratching is also a territorial behavior:
Cats mark their territory in several ways: spraying, rubbing, and scratching. Their paws have scent glands, and scratching releases a visible and chemical marker that says, “This is mine”.
They also have scent glands on their face, tail, and other body parts that release an oily substance (sebum). This scent helps cats communicate with each other and even humans.
They often target highly visible or frequently used spots, like sofas, carpets, or your favorite chair, because this helps them feel more secure and less stressed. It's their way of making their space feel more like home.
What Kind of Surfaces Do Cats Like to Scratch?
It depends on where they live. For example, outdoor cats use trees and logs to scratch and mark their territory, just like their wild cousins.
Indoor cats need substitutes, ideally a natural scratching space. Without this, though, they'll use whatever's available – which, unfortunately, might be your furniture or carpet.
Encouraging Appropriate Scratching
To help your cat scratch in the right places, offer a variety of cat scratching mats or pads around your home. Remember that cats have preferences! Let your cat choose what they like best – many cats prefer cardboard, but others might favor natural sisal, carpet, or wood. Offering a variety of textures increases the chances of finding a favorite.
Is Your Cat Scratching Out of Boredom?
Cats need mental and physical stimulation, and insufficient playtime can lead to destructive scratching. Address this by providing a variety of engaging toys – like puzzle toys, feather wands, interactive toys, or even just a good old-fashioned cardboard box.
Regular interactive play sessions are also essential to keep your feline happy and less likely to target your furniture.
Why Do Cats Sometimes Scratch People?
While cats scratch for normal reasons like stretching, marking territory, or sharpening claws, sometimes they scratch people. This can be a warning sign if they feel threatened – in this case, give them space.
Rough play is another reason, cats might playfully swipe at hands during a game, especially if you touch their belly. Always use a toy to play with your cat to avoid injuries.
If your cat swipes during play, stay still until they release you. If scratching is aggressive or frequent, consult a certified cat behaviorist, as this behavior can be addressed with training.
Preventing Cats from Scratching Carpets
For cats who prefer horizontal scratching, your carpets might be suffering. To deter this, place scratching mats around the house and encourage their use with toys.
You can also try using scents cats dislike, such as citrus, lavender, or peppermint, to make carpets less appealing. While these scents may fade quickly for you, cats' sensitive noses will detect them for much longer, discouraging scratching.
Keeping Your Cat's Claws Healthy
Caring for your cat includes looking after their paws and claws. You might need to trim your cat's nails if they seem to be getting caught on things. To make nail trimming easier, we recommend a positive approach: regularly handle your cat's paws, rewarding them with treats each time.
Repeat this until your cat associates paw handling with positive reinforcement. Find a treat that really motivates your cat.
Declawing is extremely harmful and should never be done. It's not simply removing claws but it's the amputation of the last bone in each toe. This causes pain, increases the risk of infection, and can lead to problems with walking, jumping, and litter box use. Declawed cats are also more likely to bite as a defensive mechanism.
So There You Have It
We've covered a lot about cat scratching behavior. It’s a form of communication and helps them feel secure, as any cat behaviorist will confirm.
Teaching your cat to scratch appropriately takes patience, but it's worth the effort for both your cat's well-being and the safety of your belongings.
Redirect them to their designated scratching spots. Starting this early is key—having the right scratching surface from the beginning can make a big difference.
Happy scratching!
