Why Do Cats Use Cat Scratchers

Why Do Cats Use Cat Scratchers ?

If you’ve ever wondered why do cats use cat scratchers, the answer goes far deeper than just sharpening claws. Scratching is a natural, instinctive, and essential behaviour for cats of all ages. From kittens to senior cats, scratching plays a critical role in physical health, emotional wellbeing, communication, and territory marking.

Understanding why cats scratch — and why cat scratchers are so important — can help you create a happier home, protect your furniture, and support your cat’s natural needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the science, instincts, and behavioural reasons behind scratching, while also explaining how the right cat scratcher makes all the difference.

Scratching Is a Natural Cat Instinct

Scratching behaviour is hard-wired into a cat’s DNA. Even cats that live entirely indoors retain the same instincts as their wild ancestors.

Scratching Is Not Bad Behaviour

One of the most common misconceptions is that scratching is destructive or naughty. In reality, scratching is as natural to cats as grooming or sleeping.

Cats do not scratch to annoy owners — they scratch because they must.

When cats don’t have appropriate scratchers available, they will instinctively turn to furniture, carpets, door frames, or curtains instead.

Providing a dedicated cat scratcher allows your cat to satisfy this instinct safely and appropriately.

Why Do Cats Use Cat Scratchers Specifically?

While cats will scratch almost anything with resistance, these are designed to meet several important feline needs at once.

1. To Maintain Healthy Claws

Scratching helps cats shed the outer layer of their claws. This process removes worn, dead claw material and keeps the claws sharp and healthy.

Without regular scratching:

  • Claws can become overgrown

  • Nails may split or snag

  • Older cats may struggle with mobility

Cat scratchers provide the perfect texture and resistance for safe claw maintenance.

2. To Stretch Muscles and Joints

Scratching isn’t just about claws — it’s a full-body workout.

When cats scratch, they:

  • Stretch their shoulders and back

  • Engage core muscles

  • Extend their spine

  • Maintain joint flexibility

Vertical ones are particularly important because they allow cats to stretch to their full height, supporting long-term musculoskeletal health.

3. To Mark Territory Visually and Scent-Wise

A key reason why cats use them is territorial marking.

Cats have scent glands in their paws. When they scratch, they leave behind both:

  • Visual marks

  • Invisible scent markers

This sends a clear message to other pets (and humans): “This is my space.”

Even in single-cat households, marking territory helps cats feel secure and confident in their environment.

The Emotional Benefits of Scratching

Scratching plays a major role in a cat’s emotional wellbeing.

Stress Relief and Emotional Regulation

Scratching helps cats:

  • Release pent-up energy

  • Reduce anxiety

  • Cope with environmental changes

  • Regain a sense of control

Cats often scratch more when:

  • Moving to a new home

  • Introducing a new pet

  • Adjusting to schedule changes

  • Experiencing boredom or frustration

Providing accessible units throughout your home gives your cat a healthy outlet for stress.

Building Confidence in Cats

Confident cats scratch openly and regularly. When cats feel insecure, scratching can decrease — or shift to hidden locations.

By placing cat scratchers in visible, high-traffic areas, you encourage positive scratching behaviour and help your cat feel safe and confident in their surroundings.

Why Furniture Is So Attractive to Cats

If scratching is instinctive, why do cats often choose furniture over scratchers?

Texture and Resistance Matter

Cats prefer surfaces that:

  • Don’t wobble

  • Offer strong resistance

  • Feel satisfying under their claws

Furniture like sofas and chairs often meet these criteria, especially if scratchers are too small, unstable, or poorly positioned.

High-quality products available at Total Pet Supplies are designed with feline preferences in mind, helping redirect scratching behaviour naturally.

Location Is Just as Important as the Scratcher

Cats often scratch in places that:

  • Are near sleeping areas

  • Sit along common walking paths

  • Face entrances or windows

Placing cat scratchers strategically — not hiding them away — is essential for success.

Types of Cat Scratchers and Their Benefits

Different cats prefer different styles. Offering variety can dramatically improve engagement.

Vertical Cat Scratchers

Best for:

  • Cats who stretch upwards

  • Larger or more active cats

  • Full-body stretching

Vertical scratchers mimic tree trunks and are ideal for instinctive scratching behaviour.

Horizontal Cat Scratchers

Best for:

  • Cats who scratch carpets or rugs

  • Senior cats

  • Kittens learning to scratch

These provide ground-level resistance and are easy to access.

Angled and Combo Scratchers

Best for:

  • Multi-cat households

  • Cats with changing preferences

  • Enrichment and play

Combination scratchers give cats options and reduce boredom.

Why Indoor Cats Need Scratchers Even More

Indoor cats rely entirely on their environment for stimulation and enrichment.

Without access to outdoor surfaces like trees or fences, indoor cats:

  • Have fewer natural scratching options

  • Are more prone to boredom

  • May develop behavioural issues

Cat scratchers are essential indoor enrichment tools that support:

  • Mental stimulation

  • Physical exercise

  • Emotional balance

How Many Cat Scratchers Does a Cat Need?

A common rule of thumb is:

  • At least one scratcher per cat

  • Plus one extra in multi-cat homes

Placing scratchers in different rooms ensures your cat never feels the need to search for an alternative (like your couch).

Training Cats to Use Cat Scratchers

Cats don’t need punishment — they need redirection.

Tips to Encourage Scratcher Use

  • Place scratchers near favourite resting spots

  • Reward your cat when they use the scratcher

  • Gently move your cat’s paws onto the surface

  • Avoid forcing or scolding

Positive reinforcement is always more effective than correction.

The Long-Term Benefits of Cat Scratchers

Providing the right scratchers helps:

  • Protect your furniture

  • Reduce stress-related behaviours

  • Maintain healthy claws

  • Improve your cat’s quality of life

Most importantly, it allows your cat to express natural behaviour without frustration.

Why Choosing the Right Scratcher Matters

Not all scratchers are created equal. Poorly made or unstable scratchers can discourage use altogether.

At Total Pet Supplies, cat scratchers are selected with:

  • Stability

  • Durability

  • Cat-approved textures

  • Long-term value in mind

Choosing the right scratcher is an investment in both your cat’s happiness and your home.

Final Thoughts: Why Do Cats Use Cat Scratchers?

So, why do cats use them ?

Because scratching is:

  • Instinctive

  • Necessary

  • Physical

  • Emotional

  • Communicative

Cat scratchers allow cats to be cats — safely, confidently, and comfortably. By understanding this behaviour and supporting it with the right products, you create a healthier, happier environment for both you and your feline companion.

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