Introduction
Scratching is a natural, hardwired behavior for cats that serves several functional purposes. While scratching can frustrate owners when directed at furniture and other inappropriate objects, it’s important to understand why cats scratch so owners can meet their pet’s needs and prevent damage to household items. This article explores the key reasons behind cat scratching behavior, why the instinct is ingrained in felines, and how owners can redirect cats to safe scratching outlets.
Natural Instinct
Scratching is an innate behavior that traces back to cats’ wild origins. In the wild, cats scratch trees and other surfaces to mark their territory, sharpen their claws, and relieve stress. Even domesticated housecats retain these natural scratching instincts.
Cats have scent glands in their paws that release pheromones when they scratch. This leaves a scent marker that signals “this area belongs to me!” to other cats. Scratching also helps remove old nail sheaths and keep their claws healthy. It is a completely normal behavior for cats.
According to the Human Society, “Scratching is a normal, instinctive cat behavior. Cats have a need to scratch.” This innate drive comes from their wild ancestors and remains strong in domestic cats today. Understanding this natural instinct helps explain why cats are so attracted to scratching behaviors.
Communication
Cats scratch for visual and scent marking, which is an important form of feline communication. According to Cat Communication by I Cat Care, scratching deposits scent from glands in their paws that mark their territory. Cats will repeatedly scratch the same areas to maintain these scent markers over time.
Per Cat Communication: Scratching Post Secrets Revealed from Chirpy Cats, scratching serves as a visual signal to other cats of an individual’s presence and establishes territory boundaries. Focused scratching on objects releases scent that communicates information to other cats and reinforces where their domain begins and ends.
When a cat scratches, it leaves both a visual mark through the physical damage and a scent mark from the pheromones released. These signals clearly indicate to other cats that the area belongs to that feline.
Shedding Claws
Cats scratch to help remove old layers from their claws and keep them sharp and healthy [1]. Cat claws are made up of layers of keratin, similar to human fingernails. As new layers grow underneath, cats scrape off the old outer layers by scratching. This is essential for maintaining sharp claws that can properly extend and retract. Dull claws from old layers can hamper this ability and become painful. Scratching serves as a natural manicure for cats, allowing them to shed the old layers and keep their claws in peak condition.
Stretching
Cats have a natural instinct to stretch and scratch for full body flexibility. As cats rise up on their hind legs to scratch a surface, they extend their spine in an arched position and fully stretch their front and back legs. This stretching motion engages muscles throughout the entire body, maintaining overall flexibility, strength, and conditioning. Stretching while scratching helps stimulate circulation and joint mobility. It serves as a form of exercise that keeps cats physically fit as they age. According to veterinarians, scratching allows an effective, whole body stretch that cats instinctively desire [1]. The scratching and stretching motion satisfies this innate need for cats to fully extend their muscles and joints.
Stress Relief
Cats scratch objects for the calming and therapeutic effect it provides. According to research from Purrfect Post, scratching posts help relieve feline stress. When cats can satisfy their instinct to mark territory by scratching, they feel more at ease. This is related to their inborn need to communicate and define their domain. Scratching serves as an outlet for cats to release pent-up energy and tension.
As this article from CatScratching.com notes, providing adequate scratching posts is one way to help a stressed cat. The act of scratching has a calming and therapeutic effect for cats by allowing them to work off nervous energy. By satisfying their innate scratching instinct, cats can better relax and reduce anxiety.
Location Preferences
Cats have definite preferences when it comes to where they like to scratch. According to the International Cat Care organization, cats will scratch on both vertical and horizontal surfaces but often develop a preference for one or the other (https://icatcare.org/cat-scratching-behaviour-a-nuisance-or-necessity/). Many cats prefer vertical surfaces like furniture legs or door frames. Some cats prefer horizontal surfaces like carpets or rugs.
Cats also have preferences for certain textures and materials when choosing scratching spots. The VCA Hospitals notes that cats tend to prefer materials like wood, sisal, and cardboard for scratching (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/scratching-behavior-in-cats). These materials allow cats’ claws to hook and pull in a satisfying way. Cats usually avoid smooth surfaces like metal, plastic, or glass that don’t snag their claws. Understanding a cat’s location and texture preferences can help provide suitable scratching outlets.
Deterrents
Cats have a natural instinct to scratch, but it’s understandable that cat owners want to protect their furniture and belongings. There are several effective and humane ways to discourage unwanted scratching.
One option is to use scratch deterrent sprays made with natural ingredients like citrus or lavender oils. According to this article on cats.com, sprays create a mild unpleasant scent that deters cats from scratching. Spray problem areas like furniture, carpets, walls, etc. It’s important to reapply regularly for continued effectiveness.
There are also scratch deterrent tapes available, which have sticky or textured surfaces cats don’t like scratching. Deterrent tapes can be applied to furniture edges and other targets. Just be sure to monitor your cat and watch for signs of stress if restricting certain scratching spots. Cats have preferences, so you may need to experiment.
Most importantly, be sure to provide acceptable scratching alternatives, like scratching posts, cardboard scratchers, and sisal mats. Place them near previous problem spots to redirect scratching instincts. Give cats appropriate outlets for natural behaviors. With patience, they can be trained to scratch approved surfaces.
Providing Scratching Posts
Cats have an innate desire to scratch, so it’s important to provide appropriate and appealing scratching posts. The best scratching posts allow cats to satisfy their scratching instincts while preserving your furniture and carpets. According to experts, ideal scratching posts have the following qualities (The Spruce Pets, 2023):
- Sturdy and stable base
- Tall enough for full body stretching
- Covered in preferred scratching material like sisal, cardboard, or carpet
- Vertical scratching surface
Scratching posts should be placed in areas your cat already likes to scratch. Start by putting the post right next to furniture or spots your cat scratches. You can also rub some catnip on the post to attract your cat to it. When your cat scratches the post, reward them with treats and praise. If they go for the furniture, gently pick them up and redirect them to the post. With consistent rewards and redirection, you can train your cat to use the post and save your belongings (Wirecutter, 2022).
Conclusion
To summarize, scratching is a natural instinct and desirable behavior for cats. It allows them to stretch their muscles, remove dead claw sheaths, mark territory, and relieve stress. While destructive scratching can be frustrating for owners, it’s important not to punish cats for this normal urge. Instead, provide appropriate designated scratching posts and vertical surfaces around the house. Place the scratchers in appealing locations and offer different materials like sisal, cardboard, and carpet so cats have options. With patience and by catering to your cat’s innate scratching needs, both cats and owners can live in harmony.