Cats scratch by digging their front claws into a horizontal or vertical surface then pulling their feet down or back.
Why do cats scratch on the carpet.
But carpet isn t a preferred scratching substrate for cats because the loops can catch their claws and pull on their toes.
Cats scratch surfaces such as carpet to sharpen their claws to stretch and to leave scent marks.
Outside if they scratch visible marks on trees or the outsides of doors they re writing that warning down.
Why do cats scratch in the first place.
Scratching is an everyday activity for most cats.
Cats love to scratch at the carpet.
So why is your cat scratching your carpet.
Reasons for the behavior include.
Although your cat will scratch your carpet on a regular basis carpet is not actually a scratching substance that they prefer to use.
My cat scratches stair carpet.
Think of it as a manicure.
Most often the cat is claiming territory.
Outdoor cats will usually scratch trees and fences and prefer to use that kind of rough texture.
Cats have scent glands in their paws and by scratching at a place where other cats might try to trespass they are depositing their own smells as warnings.
Cats scratch because it is ingrained behavior.
Relieving stress and tension.
Why cats scratch carpet upholstery and other surfaces.
As we mentioned in the first section of this article cats scratch as part of their natural instinctive behavior.
They get to buff up their claws while also stretching to relax.
Scratching is an important part of a cat s health and wellbeing.