🐱 5 major reasons why pets sharpen their claws

Many cat-owning families in Hong Kong share a common concern: "Why do my cats constantly scratch on sofas, cabinets, and beds?" 😿 Sometimes, even newly purchased furniture becomes a scratching post. In reality, scratching isn't a bad habit; it's a natural part of cats' nature! As long as owners understand the reasons behind it and use the right guidance, they can keep their cats healthy and happy while also maintaining a tidy home. Today, I'll break down the five main reasons why cats scratch , explaining each point in depth and adding my perspective to make it easier to understand. 🐾

✨ Maintaining paw health

One of the most basic reasons for sharpening your claws is to keep them in good condition.

• A cat's claws will continue to grow, and the outer cuticle will gradually thicken. Sharpening the claws can help remove the aging outer layer and keep them sharp and clean.
• If the claws are not sharpened, overly long nails may get caught in fabric or even dig into the flesh, causing pain.
• Regular claw sharpening also helps keep the claws flexible, making it easier for them to climb and protect themselves.

👉 Editor's reminder: Providing scratching boards or posts regularly so that your pet has a place to sharpen its claws safely is the most basic form of care.

✨ Mark your territory and claim your sovereignty

Cats are naturally territorial animals, and scratching is not just an action, but also a way of "declaring sovereignty."

• Cats have scent glands on their paws. When they sharpen their claws, they leave a scent behind to signal to other animals that "this is my territory."
• At the same time, scratches are also a visual mark, allowing other cats or pets to know at a glance that "someone has taken over."
• Especially in multi-cat households, scratching behavior is more frequent because they need to "draw boundaries" with each other.

👉 Editor's tip: If you have two or three cats at home, it's best to prepare multiple scratching posts and spread out the scratching areas to avoid conflicts caused by competition.

✨ Stretch your body and relax your muscles

In addition to caring for the nails, grinding your claws can also help stretch the body.

• When a cat stretches its body to sharpen its claws, the muscles in its back, shoulders, and limbs are stretched, similar to how humans stretch.
• This action helps promote blood circulation, especially after a long rest. Scratching your claws is like "doing exercise" to help stretch your muscles and bones.
• The stretching process can also release some pressure, making the owner feel more comfortable and at ease.

👉 Editor's feeling: I often see my pet sharpen its claws as soon as it wakes up. It's just like humans getting up and stretching, very natural.

✨ Emotional expression and stress release

Many times, scratching is a cat's emotional outlet.

• When they are too excited, nervous or stressed, they will choose to vent by grinding their claws like crazy.
• For example, moving to a new house or having a new family member (human or animal) will cause your pet to sharpen its claws more frequently.
• Scratching can help them calm down, just like humans shake their feet and bite their nails when they are stressed.

👉 Editor's reminder: If you notice that your pet suddenly sharpens its claws more often, it may mean that it is under stress. Pay attention to whether its living environment has changed and provide more comfort.

✨ Stay in shape and be ready to attack at any time

In nature, cats need to use their claws for hunting, climbing, and self-defense. Even if a domestic cat doesn't catch mice, sharpening its claws is instinctive.

• Regular claw sharpening can keep your claws sharp and ready for emergencies at any time.
• This habit continues, and even when their lives are comfortable, they will do it unconsciously.
• For cats, sharpening their claws is a symbol of "maintaining their fighting spirit."

👉 Editor's perspective: Although your pet's biggest "enemy" at home may only be cardboard boxes, they will still instinctively keep their claws sharp and are truly on standby at all times.

🌟 Editor's summary

There's nothing strange about your pet sharpening their claws; it's natural and a health necessity. 💡 Remember:

• Paw care → A must for health
• Marking Territory → Innate Instinct
• Stretch your muscles → stretch your bones
• Emotional outlet → Stress relief method
• Maintain fighting spirit → Survival instinct

As long as the owner provides enough claw sharpening tools (scratching boards, scratching posts, cardboard boxes), and patiently guides the pet, the damage to the furniture can be reduced, and the pet will be healthier and happier! 💞🐾