Why Do Cats Scratch? 5 Reasons Behind This Behavior
Last updated: October 22, 2026. Key takeaways Cats scratch to maintain their claws, to mark territory with scent from glands in their paws, to stretch, and as an emotional outlet. Scratching is normal, not revenge. Punishing a cat for it is ineffective and linked to more unwanted scratching. The fix is to offer sturdy, tall scratchers in the places your cat already scratches, and to reward your cat for using them. Never declaw a cat to stop scratching. Experts consider declawing major surgery with serious welfare risks. Have you ever wondered why your cat is so obsessed with scratching? It looks like destruction, but it is a natural, necessary behavior. Here are five reasons cats love to scratch, based on advice from the RSPCA, International Cat Care and NPR. Infographic created by Pet Story, October 22, 2026. Based on RSPCA Knowledgebase and NPR. Quick pick from this guide: SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post See SmartCat Ultimate post on Amazon → As an Amazon Associate I earn from qual...