WHISKAS UK

Enter a keyword below to search for articles and products.

    [{"text":"Homepage","url":"\/"},{"text":"Kitten","url":"\/kitten"},{"text":"Behaviour","url":"\/kitten\/behaviour"},{"text":"Rubbing and scratching","url":"\/kitten\/behaviour\/rubbing-and-scratching"}]

    Rubbing and scratching

    griffoir-pour-chat-quel-griffoir-pour-mon-chat.jpg

    In the wild, most big cats are naturally dependent upon themselves and not a pack for survival. Your kitten is no different. That's why they regularly send clear signals to other cats, to prevent misunderstandings and avoid potential conflict. One of their strongest signals is scent.

    Sensitive to scents

    Your kitten’s whole body is specially adapted to send and receive scent messages. They even have a special organ in their mouth – called the Jacobson’s organ – which they use to analyse smells.

    Rubbing

    Your little furry friend loves to rub themselves against all kinds of things: door frames, chair legs, bannisters, trees and, of course, you! Rubbing may seem like a simple behaviour, but it’s actually quite complicated. Not only is your kitten acknowledging your status and confirming their social bond with you, but they're also picking up and leaving important scent signals.

    Scratching

    Just like their big cat cousins, your kitten will spend a lot of time scratching at things around them. By exhibiting this natural behaviour, they're actually doing lots of things at once, including:

    • Keeping their claws in tip-top condition
    • Conditioning the muscles and tendons that move their claws
    • Leaving visual signs that mark their territory
    • Leaving scent signals from special glands on their paws

    Your kitten’s scratching behaviour may be natural, but it isn’t always good for your furniture! That’s why it’s a great idea to give them a scratching post to go at.

    Your kitten’s scratching behaviour may be natural, but it isn’t always good for your furniture!

    That's why they regularly send clear signals to other cats, to prevent misunderstandings and avoid potential conflict. One of their strongest signals is scent.

    Hey! Got any
    cat questions?
    Chat to us now
    10% off your WHISKAS® order

    Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a welcome discount, useful tips and exciting news about our products.

    SIGN UP NOW <span>10%</span> off your WHISKAS® order

    Discount code valid until 31.12.2025 on a purchase of WHISKAS® products on www.zooplus.co.uk. Zooplus minimum order £10, code cannot be used in conjunction with other offers or discounts. Code valid for one time use.

    newsletter popup