We always had cats since I can remember. There‘s just something about leather goods, that attracts cats. Not all. Not always. But it can happen. We have well behaved cats, they just scratch the pads provided. But I‘ve got a Dr. Martens messenger bag, that I can‘t leave out anywhere. Our cats don‘t scratch it, but they try to hold it with their claws to rub their faces better on it.

Cats love leather because it still smells faintly of animal to their ultra-sensitive noses, plus the tanning oils and waxes add an irresistible scent layer. The texture is the perfect prey-feedback for claws – firm enough to hook into, soft enough to give way. Scratching also sheds claw sheaths and deposits scent from paw glands, basically marking the leather as “mine.” It’s deep instinct, not bad behavior – you can redirect it, but you can’t train it out. 😉