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Cats are capable of strange behaviors, like chattering at birds outside the window and running at the sight of a cucumber. However, their attraction to nail files is particularly odd. If you have noticed your cat seeking out the nail files or emery boards around your home, keep reading as we list several possible reasons for the behavior.
The 10 Reasons Why Cats Like Nail Files
1. They Are Attracted to Texture or Residue
- Behavior: The cat is licking nail files or emery boards.
Nail files and emery boards may carry trace residues such as skin cells, salts, or scents from their owner, which can attract curious cats. A healthier choice for cats with a suspected nutritional imbalance is a complete and balanced commercial cat food with real meat, like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient.
2. They Are Self-Soothing
- Behavior: The cat is rubbing against the nail file or emery board.
Another reason your cat might be interested in a nail file or emery board is that the surface may feel stimulating against their skin. If your cat is rubbing against these objects, they might be using them as a self-soothing or sensory stimulation tool.
3. They Are Seeking Tactile Sensations
- Behavior: The cat is rubbing against the nail file or emery board.
Your cat might be rubbing against a nail file, or emery board, because the texture provides sensory feedback that some cats find comforting. The rough surface may offer a familiar or stimulating sensation, especially in cats that seek tactile input.
4. They Are Investigating
- Behavior: The cat is playing with the nail file or emery board when you are out of the room.
Cats are extremely curious animals, and if they notice you using a nail file or emery board, especially when they are looking for attention, they will likely want to see what is so important. They might bite or knock it around with their paw during the investigation.
5. They Are Exploring a Scratching-Like Surface
- Behavior: The cat is pawing at the emery board or nail file.
Cats instinctively use scratching posts, carpets, furniture, and other items to shed the outer nail sheath and maintain claw health. An emery board may accidentally appeal because it resembles a rough scratching surface, especially if you have tried to file their nails in the past.
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6. They Are Marking Their Territory
- Behavior: The cat is rubbing their face against the emery board or nail file.
Cats release pheromones, which are special fragrances that they can smell using a special gland. They deposit these pheromones by rubbing their face on different objects around the home. The nail file or emery board may be appealing because it carries your scent and is handled frequently.
7. The Nail File Resembles a Toy
- Behavior: The cat is running off or playing with the emery board or nail file.
One reason your cat seems to like your nail file or emery board is that it resembles a toy. Emery boards are small, lightweight, and easy to carry. Nail files are similar and often shiny, which might help attract the cats.
8. The Cat Is Hiding Them
- Behavior: The cat runs off with and hides the emery board or nail file.
If your nail file or emery board keeps going missing, there is a good chance that your cat is hiding it. They might be doing this as part of play or object hoarding, a normal behavior in some cats.
9. They’re Curious
- Behavior: The cat comes around when you are filing your nails.
If your cat comes in from another room every time you start to file your nails, there is a good chance that the sound is attracting your cat. Your cat’s hearing is more sensitive than ours, and your filing may create a high-frequency sound that you don’t hear.
10. They Think That You Are Playing
- Behavior: The cat comes running when you file your nails and sometimes attacks your hands.
Your cat might see your hands moving while you file your nails and think that you are playing a game. This is especially apparent if they run in from the other room when you file your nails and start to attack your hand playfully as you move them back and forth.
Are Emery Boards Toxic to Cats?
No. Emery boards are not toxic to cats. However, chewing on them can damage teeth or irritate the mouth, especially if your cat likes to do it often.
Can I File My Cat’s Claws?
Yes. Filing your cat’s claws is safe if done gently and with cat-specific tools. Filing can be as effective as clipping, but the tricky part is getting your cat to go along with it.
What’s the Best Way to Keep My Cats Nails Short?
Scratching posts are the best way to keep your cat’s nails short and dull without a big fuss. If you can’t convince the cat to use one, clip their nails with cat-safe nail clippers.
Summary
The most likely reason your cat is interested in your nail files is that they look like toys or textured scratching surfaces. The sound that they make and the movement of your hands can also attract your cat because they are likely curious and might even think that you are playing due to how your hands move. Other reasons, such as scent marking, are also common; however, because nail files aren’t designed for cats, it’s best to keep them out of reach to prevent tooth damage or accidental injury, and offer appropriate toys or scratching surfaces instead.
Featured Image Credit By: Lapina, Shutterstock
