my kittie micho does this too.he will never stop.but i am thinking it has to do with when they were nursing from their mothers and they would push with their hands.we have a mat under his bowl and he picks it up with his claws over and over.it gets annoying but i know its not hte food cause he won't eat anything but whiska's with savory nuggets.and ice cream.i wish i could help you but i don't think their is a cure for finniky scratching.-iluvmicho