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why do cats claw things

Cats claw things mainly because scratching is a normal, instinctive behavior that helps them mark territory, maintain their claws, stretch their bodies, and release tension. It is not “bad behavior” so much as a natural cat need that often collides with human furniture preferences.

Quick Scoop

  • Scratching is how cats communicate by leaving both visual marks and scent from glands in their paw pads on objects they care about (like the furniture you sit on).
  • It keeps claws in shape by sloughing off old outer layers and exposing sharper, healthy claw underneath.
  • The full-body motion of scratching lets cats stretch muscles in the shoulders, back, and legs and can feel physically and mentally relaxing.
  • Indoors, cats often pick door frames, sofas, and carpets because they are stable, vertical or gently sloped, and located in important pathways or social spots in the home.

What Your Cat Gets From Clawing

  • Territory marking : Scratching leaves visible shredded material and deposits pheromones from the paws, which tell other cats “this spot is taken” and carry information about the cat’s identity and status.
  • Nail care : By raking their claws down a surface, cats strip off frayed outer layers, which is crucial for hunting, climbing, and defense, even if your cat never goes outside.
  • Exercise and stretch : The motion works core and limb muscles and gives a satisfying full-body stretch, similar to a person doing a big morning stretch.
  • Stress relief : Scratching can help reduce anxiety and excess arousal; many cats scratch more when excited, frustrated, or after a startling event.

Why Your Stuff Specifically?

  • Cats often choose high-value social areas—like the couch, bed corners, or spots near doors—because those locations matter most in their daily life and social “map.”
  • If there are no attractive scratching posts or they are in dull, out-of-the-way areas, cats default to sturdy, textured items such as sofas or door frames instead.
  • Fabric type and orientation matter: many cats love rough, woven fabrics and vertical or angled surfaces they can lean their full weight into.

Redirecting, Not Stopping, Scratching

Behavior experts generally recommend teaching cats where to scratch, not trying to stop scratching entirely.

  • Provide scratching posts or boards that are:
    • Tall or long enough for a full stretch
    • Very stable and non-wobbly
    • Covered in appealing material (like sisal, cardboard, or rough fabric)
    • Placed right next to current “problem” spots (like the edge of the couch)
  • Use positive reinforcement: reward your cat with treats, praise, or play when they use the “approved” scratchers.
  • Make off-limits areas less attractive with temporary coverings, double-sided tape, or alternative textures while the cat forms new habits.

Forum-Style Take: What People Are Saying

“My cat goes straight for the couch arm no matter what. Scratching posts in every room, and he still picks the couch first.”

Common themes in recent behavior articles and online discussions include:

  • Many owners initially see scratching as “naughty,” then later realize it is normal and focus on management instead.
  • Vertical sisal posts and heavy, stable cat trees near favorite human seating areas are repeatedly mentioned as game-changers.
  • People report best success when they combine good scratchers, strategic placement, and rewards, rather than just scolding or using deterrents.

TL;DR: Cats claw things because scratching is how they mark territory, care for their claws, stretch, and manage their emotions; the goal is not to stop it, but to channel it onto the right surfaces.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.