I have a fan character who scratches people as a cruelty punishment.

Have you ever been slapped, like really slapped? It's no contest.

For sure!

I get scratched all the time since I was 9 so it doesn't really bother me too much. I have cats that stick out their claws when they lay on my lap and when I am holding one and then my puppy tries to jump on me so they run out my arms with their claws out. The puppies get far too excited when I come home and jump on me with their claws out.

My cat completely shredded my entire arm once that I still have scars from it... yeah I've been legitimately slapped before, but that doesn't compare to the amount of pain you get after being scratched. A slap just hurts in the moment, and a scratch will sting for ages >.<