Is a cat's major defense against pain scratching?

A cat's major defense against pain is not scratching. While a cat may scratch as a response to pain or discomfort, it is primarily an instinctual behavior linked to marking territory and sharpening claws. A cat's actual defenses against pain involve more complex behaviors, such as fleeing, hiding, or vocalizing when in distress. These actions stem from their natural instincts to protect themselves from threats, rather than relying solely on scratching.

Additionally, scratching is not a proactive defense mechanism; it is more of a reactive behavior. Cats typically do not scratch unless they feel threatened or provoked. Therefore, stating that scratching is a major defense against pain oversimplifies a cat's response to negative stimuli.