Why Does My Cat Scratch the Floor? A Scientific Analysis of This Natural Behavior If you live with a feline, you've probably wondered why my cat scratches the floor , whether before or after meals, around the litter box, or even in random places around the house. This behavior may seem strange, even disturbing, but it's actually deeply rooted in the cat's instinct. In this article, we'll analyze the biological, behavioral, and environmental causes of this phenomenon to better understand your whiskered companion. A behavior inherited from the survival instinct The domestic cat (Felis catus) descends from the Middle Eastern wildcat (Felis lybica), a secretive, territorial, and pragmatic animal. In the wild, hiding food scraps or feces becomes crucial to avoid attracting predators or competitors. Scratching the ground therefore helps mask odors with leaves, dirt, or sand. This almost instinctive behavior has been preserved in our house cats, even though they no longer need to hide to survive. This is why it is common to see a cat scratching the ground around its bowl, even when there is nothing to bury. It is simply simulating burying behavior, just as its wild ancestor would have done. This is ancestral behavior , the equivalent of the reflex in humans. A question of territorial marking Felines have scent glands located under their paw pads. When they scratch the ground, they release invisible pheromones that serve to discreetly but effectively mark their territory. This olfactory information system is particularly important in an environment shared with other pets. Scratching near the litter box, the bowl, or even furniture allows your cat to "leave its mark" on its space. If you notice this behavior developing or becoming more intense, check to see if another animal has recently entered the environment or if changes (food, smells, noises) are disrupting its routine. A sign of stress or boredom While scratching is often normal, it can also be a sign of stress . A ...
Why Does My Cat Scratch the Floor? A Scientific Analysis of This Natural Behavior If you live with a feline, you've probably wondered why my cat scratches the floor , whether before or after meals, around the litter box, or even in random places around the house. This behavior may seem strange, even disturbing, but it's actually deeply rooted in the cat's instinct. In this article, we'll analyze the biological, behavioral, and environmental causes of this phenomenon to better understand your whiskered companion. A behavior inherited from the survival instinct The domestic cat (Felis catus) descends from the Middle Eastern wildcat (Felis lybica), a secretive, territorial, and pragmatic animal. In the wild, hiding food scraps or feces becomes crucial to avoid attracting predators or competitors. Scratching the ground therefore helps mask odors with leaves, dirt, or sand. This almost instinctive behavior has been preserved in our house cats, even though they no longer need to hide to survive. This is why it is common to see a cat scratching the ground around its bowl, even when there is nothing to bury. It is simply simulating burying behavior, just as its wild ancestor would have done. This is ancestral behavior , the equivalent of the reflex in humans. A question of territorial marking Felines have scent glands located under their paw pads. When they scratch the ground, they release invisible pheromones that serve to discreetly but effectively mark their territory. This olfactory information system is particularly important in an environment shared with other pets. Scratching near the litter box, the bowl, or even furniture allows your cat to "leave its mark" on its space. If you notice this behavior developing or becoming more intense, check to see if another animal has recently entered the environment or if changes (food, smells, noises) are disrupting its routine. A sign of stress or boredom While scratching is often normal, it can also be a sign of stress . A cat that excessively scratches the floor, walls, or even its litter box may be expressing frustration or discomfort. Scratching then becomes a way to release pent-up energy. This phenomenon can appear during a move, a change of schedule, or the introduction of a new pet. It is therefore advisable to observe your cat's overall behavior: is it eating properly? Is it playing? Is it grooming itself normally? A stressed cat often shows several signs combined. A behavior linked to a highly developed sense of smell Cats have a very specific organ called the "Jacobson's organ," located in the roof of their mouth, which allows them to analyze odors with ultra-precise precision. Their olfactory apparatus is approximately 14 times more efficient than that of humans. Certain surfaces or areas can instinctively attract them and awaken the need to scratch and search. For example, sometimes a cat will frantically scratch at tiles, linoleum, or parquet floors, without any substance being visible to us. It is then reacting to an olfactory stimulus that we do not perceive. This is not a sign of a behavioral disorder, but a normal reaction to a different sensory perception. How do I react when my cat scratches the floor? There's no point in scolding your cat for this kind of behavior. On the one hand, they wouldn't understand, and on the other, it could increase their anxiety. If scratching becomes problematic (floor damage, obsessive behavior), you can: Enrich your environment with games and hiding places Provide a scratching mat or suitable marking areas Consult a veterinarian to rule out any medical causes Remember that this behavior doesn't necessarily mean a problem. It's part of a cat's normal behavioral repertoire. Conclusion: A Window into the Cat's Inner World Scratching the ground may seem trivial, even confusing, but it's actually a valuable clue about your pet's state of mind. Whether it's to symbolically bury their remains, mark their territory , express stress, or satisfy olfactory curiosity, this behavior is completely natural. By closely observing your companion, you'll be better able to respond to their needs and strengthen your bond with them. And if you're looking for solutions to enrich their daily life or calm their excessive scratching, explore our selection of well-being products for cats on petzeal.fr .
