Why do animals like to be scratched?

Well, don't you like having your back scratched, especially when it's itchy? Cats and dogs are the same way. The next time you scratch one of them behind the ears or on the back, take a look at the expression on their face. I'll bet it will be one of pure ecstasy. LOL

I'm not sure, but don't you like getting scratched in places you can't reach. Also it could be related in the same manner as why we can't tickle ourselves. Just a thought.

Well, birds like to be scratched too! I think it's like humans. Humans like to be massaged, since other people are doing it for us. I think animals like to be scratched, especially at places where they cannot reach properly.

I think it's because like humans, cats and dogs gets an itch just about anywhere. So in the areas, that they can't reach, that's where we come in. Even in areas that they can reach, it's nice to have someone come along and scratch for them. I mean as a human, it's nice to get my back scratched. I have seen horses, cows, and pigs leaning up against trees to scratch themselves. Dogs and cats, are just spoiled, they know we will scratch them.

Everyone needs love and affection, this certainly includes animals. Animals are just more loving and kind than the average human.

I think all animals liked to be scratched as someone else has said, because there are a lot of places that they just can't reach. Especially in the summer time when they get hot under their coats. My dogs get really itchy now that the weather is warmer. I try to give them a hose bath at least once a week and that helps them. But they love for me to scratch them as much as I can. My goats get especially itchy unfortunately cause they are ruining my fences scratching on them.

for the same reasons we like to be scratched and touched, they have feelings too, they have nerve endings in their skin just like we do too.

maybe they itche but they sure do like thier ears rubbed or scathced maybe its the love part thatt hey get out of it

Haven't you ever had someone scratch your back? Now imagine having rather dry (no sweat glands, either) skin, that's hairy to boot, and how great it would feel--especially since you don't have hands of your own to scratch... That's my conjecture for the moment, but the enjoy being petted, depending on the pet, brushed, in the case of dogs, patted--we to like our strokes--often leading to more intimate touch, you know--and we need those strokes as infants to survive, as I"m sure you know... Answer?: Instinct, it feels good, higher animals are wired to recieve it when they can (gentle touch of all sorts also increases circulation) and enjoy it...

They feel loved when we scratch or pat them. Animals do get intimate with each other by snuggling because they can't hug like monkeys. This shows that animals do have emotion. Touching them either by scratching or patting creates a bond. This is the wonder of touch therapy. It does not only apply to human beings but to animals as well.

I like to get my back scratched...especially when it itches. Imagine having a thick coat ...especially in the summer and feeling hot under their. Scratching must be a true luxury to them.

I guess it is because they cannot get to alot of places to scratch like we can. My dog loves for us to scratch him because he cannot reach certain areas. He also likes for his belly to be rubbed too. Our hamster also likes it.

Interesting question. I guess it may go back to animals in the wild. Many of them pet and preen their offspring or mates. I guess that they enjoy the scratching cause depending on where they like to be scratched maybe they cant reach?

maybe because they love it. they can feel our love for them, Especially when we feed them with their favorite meal, they will be loyal to you. Not all pet here like to be scratch, when they not your pet, or they are just a visitor from your neighbors. They will not allow you to touch them. But if they know you and you give them food, they will allow you to scratch them but not instantly. maybe before you able to scratch neighbors cat, you have to earn their trust first. Show kindness to them.

I think it must feel good, perhaps like when their mommies used to groom them. I don't mind a good back scratch or massage once in a while, too.

They like it because it feels good...I would love to be rubbed and scratched,it feels good to be scratched and rubbed on....Animals are smart and they know what feels good....I could lay up on someones lap if they wanted to stroke and scratch and rub me..Lol

It's because they itch and usually it's in spots they can't get to very well on their own. They also like the attention they get from their owners while being scratched in itchy places.

ha ha ha ha ha... I wondered this myself sometimes. Till the other day, I was just lazing on the sofa, lying face down and head pointing towards the TV. My wife out of the blue, just started rubbing her hands all over my back. It feels good. Her hands when in circular motions all over my back and it feels like I having a very light massage. Relieved a lot of the discomforts that I had been feeling from sitting too long in the office. So using the same reasoning, I guess that would be a similar feeling that your pets get when you scratch or pet them on the back. It just feels good to them.

So, why is it?? Good question. I have always thought that it was because they are hot and itchy under all that fur.

I suppose part of it is that they have an itch they can't reach! LOL