Why Cats Need to Claws: The Reason Behind the Scratch
Why Do Cats Scratch?
① Sharpening Their Claws
Many pet owners mistakenly believe that cats scratch to keep their claws trimmed, but that's not the whole story. In reality, sharp claws are essential for cats to hunt, climb trees, and escape danger, making them a vital tool for their survival. Therefore, cats frequently sharpen their claws to prevent them from becoming dull.
② Marking Territory
Cats have sweat glands in their paws, and when they scratch, they leave behind scents that can be used to mark their territory. This behavior is a natural way for cats to assert their presence and boundaries in their environment.
③ Stretching Their Bodies
Cats often stretch their bodies while scratching, which might remind you of humans doing pullups. This stretching can be a form of exercise for them, especially for cats that have just woken up or come out of their cages, as they enjoy stretching their limbs before anything else.
How to Create a Suitable Scratching Space for Your Cat
Chances are you've encountered many pitfalls while shopping for cat scratching posts. Let's hope that after today, you'll have a better understanding...
① The Direction of the Scratch Pad
At least one horizontal and one vertical scratch pad should be available in your home. The height of the vertical scratch pad and the length of the horizontal scratch pad should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat's body to meet their daily scratching needs.
② Homemade Scratch Pads
Twisted jute rope is an excellent material for making homemade scratch pads. You can wrap it around the legs of tables, chairs, or any other suitable spot. Cats are sure to love it; it's the same rope you'll find on cat climbing frames.
Cardboard boxes can also be a good tool, although they might be a bit more difficult to make than jute rope. There are many tutorials online that can guide you through the process.
Cat scratching is a natural instinct, and as pet owners, our role is not to prevent it but to guide and channel it properly. For example, the plastic gloves that were popular online are actually quite counterproductive. This is the cost of living with cats, where the joy they bring is often accompanied by some challenges.
