The function of the cat's paws
A cat's paw is not only a tool for their survival and hunting, but also a way for them to express emotions and communicate. In the natural environment, it is a normal behavior for cats to sharpen their claws and mark their territory by scratching. In the family, this instinct is not weakened by domestication, on the contrary, it is manifested in the interaction with the master.
Scratching as a means of communication
Cat scratching their owner can be a way to express emotions and needs. They may want to get your attention, express joy, desire for interaction, or seek attention and touch. This is a natural way for cats to convey emotions through their behavior, and it is not an attack on the owner.
Cat's territorial awareness
Cats express their territorial awareness by scratching, releasing pheromones from the plantar glands of the feet. In the wild, it's a way of marking territory. At home, scratching is also the behavior of the cat to mark its own area and owner. This behavior is not hostile, but an identification and expression of territory.
The physiological demands of paw sharpening
Cats need to sharpen their claws by scratching to maintain their shape, sharpness, and also to strip away the old outer claw skin. Providing a proper paw board or cat climbing frame can satisfy the cat's natural tendency to sharpen its claws, preventing them from choosing furniture or the owner's body.
Alternative options are available
In order to alleviate the cat's scratching behavior towards the owner, they can be provided with a special scratching board or cat climbing frame to direct their attention to the appropriate place. At the same time, giving timely rewards and care, reinforcing the right behaviors, can help establish positive interactions.
It is part of the nature of cats to express emotions, meet physiological needs and mark territory by pulling their owners "with their paws". The owner should establish a harmonious relationship with the cat by understanding the reasons behind this behavior, guiding it correctly, and providing appropriate alternatives. Confused behavior of cats