Overview
- Recent coverage on June 26–27 reinforced that veterinarians and feline behavior specialists describe scratching as a natural, instinct-driven action rather than spiteful behavior.
- Scratching serves three core functions for cats: it removes worn outer nail layers to keep claws healthy, allows full-body stretching to relieve muscle tension, and leaves visual and scent marks to signal territory.
- Owners should offer a variety of well-placed scratchers where the cat already scratches, trying vertical and horizontal formats and materials such as sisal, corrugated cardboard and wood to find the cat’s preference.
- Specialists advise against shouting or physical punishment because it raises fear and anxiety; instead use redirection, play and small rewards to reinforce the cat using appropriate scratch surfaces.
- If a cat suddenly increases scratching at people or furniture, or starts scratching in new ways, clinicians recommend a veterinary check to rule out pain, stress or other health problems because behavior change can signal an underlying issue.