Do Scratching Posts Sharpen Or Dull A Cat’s Nails?

 betterwithcats.net

Do Scratching Posts Sharpen Or Dull A Cat’s Nails?

While a scratching post won’t sharpen nails the way we would sharpen a knife, using a scratching post removes the outer layer of a cat’s claw.

Basic Anatomy Of A Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw grows directly off the bone and forms a three-dimensional shape which is the secret to sharper claws since it allows a cat’s nail to grow in layers.

So How Do Scratching Posts Protect Furniture?

When claws are too long, cats will have trouble retracting them and get their claws stuck on furniture or carpet just by walking.

Do Cats Scratch Only To Sharpen Their Claws?

When cats scratch, they visibly mark their territory with their claws and leave their scent, giving them a chance to get a full-body stretch.