Why do cats scratch surfaces – windows, mirrors, floors, and so on?
Leaves a smell
Cats rely on scent as one of their most important forms of communication. They have scent glands in several places on their bodies, including their paw pads. When a cat touches smooth surfaces with its paws, it may be because it is leaving scent marks.
Leaving their scent behind is a way for cats to stake their claim to “territory.” For indoor cats, this could mean their sleeping area, toys, people, or a favorite spot on the floor. Cats also use scent to establish dominance, which is why you may notice your cat scratching smooth surfaces more often if you have a new pet in the house.
Trying to hide food
If your cat is scratching the floor next to its food bowl, it may be trying to bury it. In the wild, cats hide food to protect themselves.
Domestic cats may follow the same instincts to hide their food bowl, even if they live indoors where there are no predators or prey nearby.
Playing
A cat may scratch smooth surfaces with its paws when it is playing. This is especially true if it is touching reflective surfaces, such as a mirror or window. Cats do not always understand that the “cat in the mirror” is not a new friend, and may slap the surface with their paws in an attempt to play with their reflection. They may do the same with a window, or because they see another animal.
Hunting for something
Sometimes cats may scratch smooth surfaces with their paws because they are trying to catch “prey” that they have spotted, such as a speck of dirt or debris on a wooden floor. Cats do not have as good a distance vision as humans, but they have excellent close-up vision for tracking prey.
They also have strong hunting instincts. This combination can lead to the cat digging and pawing at smooth surfaces, trying to catch something that it sees there.
Behavioural problems
In some cases, a cat may scratch smooth surfaces with its paws due to behavioral issues. Some breeds of cats, such as Siamese, may develop obsessive-compulsive disorder, in which they repeatedly do certain things for no apparent reason.
If your cat scratches smooth surfaces a lot and obsessively, consult a veterinarian.
