SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cat-scratch-natural

Why do cats scratch things?

Scratching is natural: claw care plus communication.

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  1. To sharpen their teeth
  2. Only to annoy owners
  3. It keeps claws healthy and marks territory ✔

Why: International Cat Care says healthy, sharp claws help with climbing, hunting, play and defence. Scratching also works as a marking signal to other cats, along with urine marking and face rubbing.

Huh, didn't know that: Kittens start to scratch from around 5 weeks of age.

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Why was the cat afraid of the tree? Because of its bark!
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References

Answer: It keeps claws healthy and marks territory. International Cat Care says healthy, sharp claws help with climbing, hunting, play and defence. Scratching also works as a marking signal to other cats, along with urine marking and face rubbing.

  1. International Cat Care, Scratching on furniture and carpets icatcare.org/articles/scratching-on-furniture-and-carpets
    Along with urine marking and face rubbing, scratching is used as a marking behaviour for communication with other cats.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Cornell Feline Health Center, Destructive Behavior www.vet.cornell.edu/node/3983
    Because scratching is an innate behavior like grooming or burying waste, it can be difficult to stop.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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