Cats are well known for their peculiar interests and habits. One such unique habit is their obsession with nail files, or emery boards. Most cats seem to have a fetish with nail files and are known to move closer to their owner when they are filing their nails, almost requesting their nails get filed too. This is a rather strange habit considering not all cats love having their nails groomed.
While there may not be one universal reason why cats like nail files, and no scientific research on it either, there is tons of anecdotal evidence of cats being attracted to them. Based on those reports and observations, we can theorize a few plausible reasons to explain this particular attraction. This article will further discuss the likely reasons behind this cat’s behavior.
The 7 Likely Reasons Why Cats Like Nail Files
As mentioned earlier, it is quite difficult to pin down the exact reasons why cats are obsessed with nail fillings. However, we can deduce the most plausible causes for this behavior from their reaction to a nail file. They include:
1. Texture Appeals to Their Licking Senses
Cats are used to licking their bodies using their tongue. Just like sandpaper, nail files have an abrasive and rough feel. So, the nail file’s texture will feel similar to how their tongue feels as they groom their bodies, thus, ending up licking the surface of the nail file.
It may sound far-fetched, but that’s exactly what your cat will be doing. They will feel motivated to put it in their mouths and eventually lick the file; perhaps they find it comforting and pleasurable.
2. Scratching Sensation
All cats need to scratch their bodies, and they will usually scratch different surfaces in a bid to keep their nails filed down, which is vital to their health and general well-being. It’s very instinctual and is probably why you will find your cat scratching on carpets and furniture in your home. As such, cats are used to testing and feeling different textures in the environment and may dream of a gigantic size nail file all for themselves.
Remember that it is very important to allow our pets to express the natural behavior of their species, do not forget you must provide them with a scratching post to help wear the nails down. Otherwise, they will be more likely to take it on your furniture.
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3. Scent Marking
Cats usually have scent glands located on their cheeks to help them mark everything in what they consider to be their territory. This is why you will find your cat rubbing against surfaces in your home. So, once your cat is piqued by a nail file and enjoys playing with it, they will try to rub their face against the surface of the nail file to claim it as its own.
4. Seeking Comfort
Another reason why your cat may enjoy rubbing against a nail file is that it is a source of comfort for them. To cats, the rough surface of the nail file or any other object may resemble that of the mother or another cat’s tongue, reminding them of the pleasures and comfort of allogrooming.
5. Investigative Curiosity
Sometimes your cat may move closer to a nail file after you leave the room to investigate. As extremely curious creatures, if your cat notices you are using a nail file, they will want to investigate why it is such an important tool for you, especially when looking for attention. As they investigate, they are likely to bite or knock the nail file around to try and provoke a response.
6. Nail File Might Resemble a Toy
If your cat keeps running off or playing with your nail file, they might be doing so because it resembles a play toy. Just like most cat toys, nail files are lightweight, small, shiny, and easy to move around. This is perhaps why cats are so attracted to them.
7. They Think You Are Playing When Filing Your Nails
Sometimes, your cat may unexpectedly come running to you as you file your nails and even attack your hands. This usually happens when they see you moving your hands and assume that you are playing games. The cat will playfully attack your hands so that you can move them back and forth.
Conclusion
From a general perspective, cats like nail files for the same reason they are attracted to many things in their lives. First, they love rubbing against surfaces and objects within their territory, they love looking for rougher surfaces as they scratch to keep their nails in tip-top condition.
Cats are always attentive to your moves. They are also very curious and playful, and seeing the uninterrupted attention you give to this interesting object that you handle in such a unique way, might make it especially attractive to them.
Featured Image Credit: Lapina, Shutterstock
