Why Does My Cat Lick His Scratching Post?

Cats are territorial creatures, and they use scent marking to communicate with each other. When a cat scratches, it is leaving behind its scent to say, "This is my territory." Licking the scratching post reinforces this message and also helps to distribute the cat's natural oils throughout the house.

In addition, scratching posts provide cats with a way to stretch their muscles and keep their claws sharp. When a cat licks the scratching post, it is also helping to clean its claws and keep them in good condition.

Finally, some cats simply enjoy the taste of the material that their scratching post is made out of. This is especially true if the scratching post is made out of wood or contains catnip.