Question: when cats scratch humans do they realise they are hurting them?

Kevin Mahon answered on 20 Jun 2012:

It’s almost automatic for them – when cats get aroused or excited their claws come out instinctively, obviously there are cases where cats scratch humans out of fear/aggression but most times when you’re stroking them and their claws suddenly come out, its just a reaction – I don;t think they realise they’re hurting them!