Why Do Cats Scratch? Claws, Scent Marks and Stretching
Updated: Oct 6
Reviewed October 6, 2026.
A cat stretching up a post or working its claws across a cardboard pad is doing something natural. Scratching helps cats shed the outer layers of their claws, leave visual and scent marks, and stretch their limbs. Understanding those purposes gives you a better starting point for choosing a scratcher for your Canadian home.
The useful question is which surface and position your cat enjoys. A tall post, an angled ramp and a flat pad offer different experiences, and individual cats can have different preferences.
What does scratching do for a cat?
The Feline Veterinary Medical Association's Cat Friendly guidance on living with a clawed cat identifies scratching as normal feline behaviour with several functions.
1. It helps shed outer claw layers
As a cat's claws grow, the outer layers are shed. Scratching helps remove these layers. You may occasionally find a thin, curved claw sheath near a favourite scratching surface.
Providing an appropriate surface gives your cat a place to carry out that behaviour. Scratching does not replace checking the claws or discussing nail care with your veterinarian, particularly if a claw looks damaged or seems uncomfortable.
2. It leaves visual and scent marks
Scratching leaves visible marks and deposits scent from glands in the paws. These are ways cats communicate through their surroundings. A frequently used scratching spot can therefore matter to a cat even when another scratcher is available elsewhere.
Repeated scratching at one place does not, by itself, tell you that your cat is being aggressive or competing with another pet. Look at the cat's overall behaviour and the setting before drawing a conclusion.
3. It gives the limbs a stretch
Scratching lets cats stretch their limbs. Watch how your cat uses a surface: some reach upward, while others stretch forward over a flat pad or use an incline.
A scratching product should allow comfortable movement in the position your cat prefers. It should also remain steady during use. These practical considerations are more useful than choosing a shape on the assumption that every cat needs the same kind of stretch.
Why do cats prefer different scratching surfaces?
Cat Friendly's scratching-post guidance describes differences in material and orientation preferences. Cardboard, sisal and carpet are common options; cats may favour vertical or horizontal surfaces.
Observe what your cat already uses. Does it reach up a chair leg, pull along a rug or lean into an angled surface? Those movements can help you choose an option to try. If your cat uses more than one style, offering different scratching surfaces may suit it better than buying several identical ones.
In a Canadian condo, apartment or family home, measure the space where a scratcher will go and compare the listed dimensions. Choose a size that lets your cat use its preferred position without being cramped, and check stability once the product is set up.
Encourage scratching in a suitable place
Reward your cat when it uses an appropriate scratching surface, using something it enjoys, such as a small treat or gentle praise. Cat Friendly recommends rewarding wanted behaviour and avoiding punishment. Keep introductions calm and give your cat time to investigate.
If a new scratcher is being ignored, see our practical guide to a cat not using its scratcher for a separate check of placement, texture, stability and introduction.
When a change deserves a veterinarian's attention
Normal scratching is one part of a cat's routine. It is not a health assessment. If your cat suddenly stops using a familiar surface, avoids movement, limps or shows other changes in activity or behaviour, contact your veterinarian. Cat Friendly's guidance on recognising pain explains why changes in everyday behaviour can matter.
Scratching equipment is an outlet for natural behaviour; claims that it treats back problems or decompresses a cat's spine need evidence.
A cardboard option from MuraPet
The MuraPet Triangle Cat Scratcher Ramp has three cardboard scratching faces within a wooden triangular frame and an open centre. Its angled faces make it an option to consider when your cat enjoys cardboard and inclined scratching.
Compare the current size options on the product page with your cat's movement and the space available at home. You can also browse MuraPet's cat scratchers to compare other shapes. Start with your cat's preferences, then choose a surface and format that fit.
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