Scratching is partly a territorial behavior. Cats have scent glands on their paws, so, when they scratch something, they are marking it as their own in two ways: first, by physically damaging it, and second, by applying their scent to it.
Scratching is also a grooming behavior. It helps remove the outer layer of dead tissue on their claws.
It is also a way for them to stretch, as well as a form of exercise that strengthens and tones their upper body.
For more information, see the Related Links below.
its simpler than you may think. its to sharpen their claws. like a cat uses a scratch pole, no such device has been made for dogs, so instead they use furniture.
Because some couch makers put cat food in the couches..... just kidding i dunno
It's their way of saying, come on scratch me some more.
Mostly, no. Cats just like/need to scratch things, and they might scratch your couches if you don't give them a proper scratching post(by proper, i mean tall enough and stable; scratching, in cats' minds, is stretching :P). If your cat keeps scratching the couch anyway, you can put double-sided tape on the couch. Cats don't like sticky surfaces. Also, you can train cats to not jump on the stove or something and knock over a pot.
dogs + cats = scratch scratch scratch
all cats do
The same as cats of any other coat pattern and color. They live in dense jungles of couches and blankets.
Because they're tired and shoes are soft and like couches are to us.
to sharpen their claws
yes
yes they do if you aggrevate them
No certain type of breed scratches more than another. Some cats, usually kittens, scratch more often. If your cat scratches furniture, a good investment would be buying a scratching post. Cats naturally have to scratch!
they could be up to $500.00