Cat Scratchers and Kitten Development

Kittens and Scratching

Kittens and scratching – they’re notorious for it. This adorable yet seemingly mischievous behaviour is a vital part of a kitten’s growth and development. From around two weeks of age, kittens might start playfully swatting or pawing at things. But their scratching habits begin to really develop between four to eight weeks when their little claws start to sharpen.

Scratching isn’t just a sign of an imminent furniture catastrophe; it actually serves several purposes. Firstly, it helps shed the outer sheath of their claws, keeping them sharp and healthy. Secondly, it’s a way for kittens to mark their territory, leaving both a visual mark and a scent from the glands in their paws. It’s an instinctual behaviour that stays with felines from kitten to adult.

But do kittens scratch more than older cats? Yes, they certainly do. Kittens are a whirlwind of energy, curiosity, and playful exploration. They’re in the prime of their learning phase, so everything is a potential toy or a scratching post. Older cats, on the other hand, might have outgrown some of the exuberant scratching tendencies of their youth and are usually more discerning about where they extend their claws. So, while kittens may be prone to turning your furniture into shredded works of art, with a little training and the right scratching posts, you can save your belongings and nurture your little furball’s scratching instincts without sacrificing the sofa.