Cardboard Cat Scratchers

Corrugated cardboard provides a textured surface that many cats enjoy pulling their claws through. It is particularly useful for cats that prefer scratching horizontally or at a shallow angle rather than stretching vertically against a post.

Watch how your cat already scratches before choosing a shape.

Neither material is automatically better for every cat.

Sisal is commonly used on upright scratching posts and can suit cats that enjoy stretching vertically. Cardboard tends to work particularly well for cats that prefer horizontal or angled scratching.

Many cats will use both, so you do not necessarily need to choose one material exclusively.

Put the scratcher somewhere relevant to your cat rather than hiding it in an unused corner.

There is no fixed lifespan. It depends on the density and construction of the cardboard, the size of the scratcher and how heavily your cat uses it.

Some cats use the same scratcher for a long time, while enthusiastic scratchers can work through exposed corrugated surfaces much more quickly.

Replace the scratcher when it becomes unstable, excessively broken down or starts shedding large loose pieces that could be chewed or swallowed.

Cardboard cannot normally be washed in the same way as plastic or fabric cat furniture because water can damage the material.

Remove loose fur and debris regularly with a vacuum attachment or soft brush where appropriate.

If the scratcher becomes heavily soiled, wet or contaminated, replacing it is usually more practical than soaking or washing the cardboard.

Always follow any care instructions supplied with the individual product.

Scratching is a normal part of cat behaviour. Cats scratch to maintain their claws, stretch their bodies and leave visual and scent signals in their environment.

Corrugated cardboard provides a surface that claws can grip and pull through, making it attractive to many cats.

Individual preferences vary, which is why one cat may enthusiastically destroy a cardboard pad while another ignores it in favour of a sisal post.

Read our guide to

why cats scratch furniture

for a more detailed explanation of scratching behaviour.

First consider whether cardboard and horizontal scratching actually match your cat’s preferences.

Try positioning the scratcher somewhere your cat already likes scratching rather than expecting them to seek it out in a completely different room.

You may also need to offer a vertical post or another material alongside the cardboard.

Avoid physically moving your cat’s paws across the scratcher. Instead, make the area appealing through location, play and positive experiences.

Read our

scratching post training guide

for more help.