Why Do Cats Need to Scratch?
- Kim Manners
- May 9
- 1 min read
Scratching isn’t bad behaviour. It’s essential feline behaviour.
Every cat — from kittens to senior indoor companions — has a natural instinct to scratch.
The Biological Reasons Cats Scratch
Cats scratch to:
Remove the outer sheath of their claws
Stretch shoulder, back and leg muscles
Mark territory visually and through scent glands in their paws
Release built-up energy or stress
Scratching is not destruction. It’s maintenance and communication.
Why Indoor Cats Scratch More
Indoor cats often scratch more visibly because:
They have fewer natural surfaces (trees, fences, bark)
They experience boredom or excess energy
Furniture is accessible and textured
Providing appropriate scratch furniture helps redirect this instinct safely.
Why Suppressing Scratching Doesn’t Work
Attempting to stop scratching entirely can:
Increase anxiety
Lead to scratching in new areas
Cause frustration
Instead of stopping scratching, the goal is to provide a better alternative.
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