We all know that cats like to scratch, but why? Is it a form of exercise? A way of sharpening the claws? A way of wearing down the claws? Actually, none of these answers is correct. Scratching furniture and other objects is a social behavior. Cats mark their territory by scratching, just as they do with anal secretions, urine, and feces. By scratching, cats leave a visible mark for other cats indicating their territory. When a cat scratches furniture, he is demonstrating his ownership of the area he shares with his owners. If you place a scratching post in a corner, it is unlikely that your cat will use it since cats want to scratch in a visible area. If you hope to encourage your cat to use a scratching post, the best place to put it is right next to the spot he already likes to scratch.
To keep damage to a minimum, clip your cat's claws regularly. Though your cat will still scratch, her dull claws will not damage the furniture.
If done correctly, clipping a cat's claws does not cause pain (at least not to the cat). Few cats enjoy having their claws clipped, so it is best to start clipping a cat's claws when she is young so that she becomes used to the procedure. Be careful to clip her claws in a different area of the house each time, or she will associate a specific area with what she views as unwelcome attention.

The best way to clip a cat's claws is to sit down with the cat on his back between your thighs. This is a relaxing position for a cat and you can reassure him by petting his stomach between snips. Use a nail cutter to clip the nail above the pink area, the quick. Cutting too deep causes the nail to bleed and inflicts pain. If you cut too deep, you can be sure your cat will recall the unpleasant event the next time you attempt to clip his nails. It is better to leave the nails a little long and clip the nails more frequently.

Cats being shown must have their claws clipped. If done regularly and properly, grooming and nail clipping will become a routine part of the interaction between you and your cat. Your cat will soon come to view the process as a sign of attention and affection.

A cat's claws can indicate his general state of health. Nails that are splitting or cracking or are too hard or too soft may indicate an amino acid deficiency or a bacterial or fungal infection.

Cats may chew their claws. As with nail biting in humans, this behavior is a sign of stress, which could lead to depression.

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