It isn’t odd for cats to rub against nail files or lick them and there are several reasons why this may occur. The most likely reason is that they enjoy consuming the left-over nail dust on the file. Although there are other reasons, none are particularly worrisome, so you don’t have to worry about your cat getting too close to your nail file.
Here are some reasons why your cat may like nail files.
The 4 Reasons Why Cats Like Nail Files
1. Minerals
When you file your nails, you may unwittingly leave several minerals on the nail file. Nails are made of the protein keratin and nail dust can contain magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. Cats may be deficient in these items or just like the taste. The felines may lick the nail files to consume these nutrients and minerals.
Of course, we don’t know if this is true or not. We can’t ask the cats and no studies have been done on this topic. However, it is one of the most popular theories.
Cats fed commercially available complete and balanced diets may rarely need extra minerals due to underlying health conditions. However, many cats are naturally attracted to them.
2. It Feels Good
The scratchy surface of the nail file may feel good on your cat’s face or tongue. They may rub up against the nail file for this reason. The nail file has a surface similar to a cat’s tongue. Therefore, it’s likely that cats like how it feels.
That said, we can’t know for sure about this reason either. It’s a strong possibility, but we can’t exactly just ask our cats.
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3. Scent Marking and Smell Curiosity
Cats have scent glands in their cheeks to mark their territory. That’s why cats often rub against things with their face, marking their territory. Your feline may need to mark their territory on the nail file. In this way, they may rub up against the nail filer for a time.
However, if this is the case, the cat will probably rub up against everything else, too (including you!)
Likewise, your cat might simply be attracted to the smells you left behind on the nail file.
If you have questions about scent marking, the health of your cat, or their behavior, a consult with a vet can help.
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4. Texture
Cats are naturally curious and often use their mouths and paws to explore their environment. The coarse texture of a nail file may feel satisfying for them to rub their teeth or claws against, possibly resembling the sensation of sharpening their claws on tree bark or a scratching post.
Scratching is a need for cats and they have developed an attraction to rough textures because they must scratch to keep their nails filed down, and it’s vital for their health. This is why cats scratch on furniture and carpets. It is instinctual.
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Conclusion
Cats often like nail files because of the left-over nail dust on the file. However, they may like the nail file for many other reasons, too. For instance, it may simply feel good on their skin. Alternatively, they could be attached to your smell on it or try to leave theirs behind. Typically, there isn’t a problem with your cat liking the nail file. In most cases, there isn’t anything you need to be concerned with. However, cats that insistently lick the nail filer may have mineral deficiencies that need to be addressed by a vet.
Featured Image Credit: Lapina, Shutterstock
