Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, and they use their scent glands located on their paws and face to mark their territory. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and it serves several purposes:
Territory Marking: Cats have scent glands in their paws, and when they scratch surfaces like the fridge and oven doors, they leave behind their scent as a way of marking their territory. This behavior is especially common in multi-cat households, where each cat may want to establish their presence in various areas.
Stretching and Exercise: Scratching is also a way for cats to stretch their muscles, including those in their paws and legs. It helps them maintain their physical health and agility.
Stress Relief: Scratching can be a stress-relieving activity for cats. It helps them release pent-up energy and reduce anxiety.
As for smelling the fridge and oven doors after scratching, your cat may be doing this to investigate any new scents or changes in the environment. Cats are curious animals, and they use their sense of smell to gather information about their surroundings. Smelling the areas they have scratched could provide them with additional information about who else has been in the vicinity or if there have been any changes in the environment.
It's worth noting that if your cat's scratching behavior becomes excessive or causes damage to furniture or appliances, you may want to consider providing them with appropriate scratching posts or pads. This can help redirect their scratching behavior to a more suitable location while still allowing them to engage in this natural behavior. Additionally, spending quality playtime with your cat and providing environmental enrichment can also help reduce stress and unwanted behaviors. If you have concerns about your cat's behavior, consulting with a veterinarian or a professional animal behaviorist may be beneficial.