Scratching isn't bad behaviour. It's one of the most important things a cat can do for their physical and emotional health.
If you've ever watched your cat drag their claws down a piece of furniture with what seems like pure satisfaction, you've witnessed one of feline nature's most fundamental rituals. Scratching is not a behaviour problem, it's a biological necessity.
Understanding why cats scratch changes everything. Once you see it through your cat's eyes, the goal shifts from stopping it to redirecting it toward surfaces and spots that work for both of you.
The Real Reasons Cats Scratch
1. Claw maintenance
Cats' claws grow in layers. Scratching peels away the outer sheath, revealing a sharp, healthy claw underneath. It's the feline equivalent of filing your nails, except their life may literally depend on it. In the wild, maintained claws mean the ability to hunt, climb, and defend.
2. Scent marking
Cats have scent glands in their paw pads. Every time they scratch, they're depositing pheromones onto the surface, a chemical message that says I was here. This is mine. This is deeply calming behaviour for cats, especially in a home environment where they have limited territory to claim.
The material of the scratcher matters here too. Permeable surfaces like corrugated cardboard are ideal because they absorb scent particularly well, making the experience more rewarding and effective for your cat.
3. Physical stretch and exercise
Watch closely next time your cat scratches: they typically extend their full body, spine elongating, muscles engaging all the way from their shoulders through to their hind legs. It's a full-body stretch that helps maintain flexibility, especially in the shoulders and forelimbs.
4. Emotional regulation
Cats scratch when they're excited, when they're anxious, and when they wake up from a nap. It's a self-soothing mechanism, a way to process and release emotional energy. For cats in busy or multi-pet households, access to a good scratching surface can meaningfully reduce stress.
Horizontal vs Vertical: Does It Matter?
Yes, and many cat owners don't realise their cat has a strong preference. While many cats love a tall vertical post to stretch up against, a significant number are horizontal scratchers who prefer to lean forward and drag their claws along a flat or angled surface.
If your cat keeps returning to your carpet, rugs, or low furniture, you likely have a horizontal scratcher on your hands. Providing a dedicated horizontal scratcher (one that's sturdy, low to the ground, and wide enough to fully stretch on) can make all the difference.
The key qualities to look for in any scratcher:
- Stability: it must not wobble or slide. A scratcher that moves when pushed will be abandoned immediately.
- Size: big enough for your cat to fully extend their body.
- Texture: something they can really dig into. Corrugated cardboard is a perennial favourite.
- Scent absorbency: permeable materials hold pheromones, making the scratcher feel "owned" and worth returning to.
- Placement: near sleeping spots, near entry points, or wherever your cat already gravitates.
What a Cat Behaviour Expert Thinks
We asked cat behaviour consultant Molly Kelsey to try our scratcher with her rescue cat Gary. Here's what she had to say:
"This scratcher ticks all the boxes! As a cat behaviour consultant I'm always looking for cat products that are truly designed for cats. This scratcher is both sturdy and stable, offering wonderful horizontal scratching opportunities, and as a bonus it is made of permeable cardboard which is perfect for kitties to leave their scent. I love that once it reaches the end of its use it can be composted or recycled. Our rescue boy Gary took to it immediately (he also loved the catnip that came with the scratcher) and he's decided that on top of it being a good place to scratch it is also a great spot to lounge. I'll be recommending this scratcher to my clients, especially those with horizontally-inclined scratching kitties."
Molly Kelsey, Cat Behaviour Consultant
How to Encourage Your Cat to Use a Scratcher
Even the best scratcher needs a little introduction. A few tips that help:
- Place it in a high-traffic area first, not tucked in a corner. Visibility matters.
- Use catnip to attract initial interest. Most cats find it irresistible and will associate the scratcher with that positive experience.
- Never physically move your cat's paws to the scratcher. This creates negative associations. Let them discover it themselves.
- If they're still using furniture, try temporarily covering those surfaces with double-sided tape while the scratcher is nearby.
- Praise and reward when you see them use it. Positive reinforcement works beautifully with cats, even if they pretend otherwise.
A Note on Sustainability
Cardboard scratchers do wear out, and that's part of the deal. But the good news is that a well-used cardboard scratcher can go straight into your compost or recycling bin at end of life. It's one of the more genuinely low-impact cat products you can buy, especially compared to sisal or synthetic alternatives that end up in landfill.
At Pauwz, we think about the full lifecycle of everything we make. Your cat gets to scratch to their heart's content, and the planet doesn't pay the price.