Why Do Cats Like Nail Files? 10 Likely Reasons
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
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 Have a Mineral Deficiency
- Behavior: The cat is licking nail files or emery boards.
An interesting theory for this behavior is that the cat is suffering from a mineral deficiency. Nail files and emery boards contain microscopic nail shavings that are rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorous. By licking the shavings, your cat can gain access to these minerals. A healthier choice for cats with a mineral deficiency is high-quality cat food with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient.
2. They Are Grooming
- 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 is similar to a cat’s tongue. If your cat is rubbing against these objects, they might be using them as a grooming tool.
3. They Are Seeking Comfort
- Behavior: The cat is rubbing against the nail file or emery board.
Your cat might be rubbing against a nail file, or emery board is because they help comfort them, especially if they are the only cat. The rough surface of these objects could resemble a mother’s tongue.
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 was so important. They might bite or knock it around with their paw during the investigation.
5. They Are Filing Their Nails
- Behavior: The cat is pawing at the emery board or nail file.
It might sound impossible, but your cat might be trying to use the nail file or emery board to file their own nails. Cats instinctively use scratching posts, carpets, furniture, and other items to sharpen their nails, and it’s possible that they are doing the same with your file, 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 was lucky enough to be one of them, likely because it is something that you use regularly.
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 a game of hind and seek or hiding them because they are angry that you are spending too much time filing instead of playing with them.
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 strange 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, but their teeth are quite thin, and chewing on an emery board might damage them, especially if your cat likes to do it often.
Can I File My Cat’s Claws?
Yes. Filing your cat’s claws is safe because they are similar to human nails. 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. 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. The other options are also possible, especially if your cat requires minerals or is marking their territory.
Featured Image Credit: Lapina, Shutterstock
