How to Choose and Use a Cardboard Cat Scratcher

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A cardboard scratcher is the cheapest way to give your cat somewhere to scratch that is not your rug or sofa. It suits cats that like to scratch flat on the floor or at a low angle, and it wears out faster than sisal. This guide covers which cats prefer cardboard, what to look for in a flat pad, ramp or lounge, where to put it, how to get your cat to use it, and when to replace it.

How we wrote this: the scratching advice comes from International Cat Care, Cats Protection, the Cornell Feline Health Center and VCA Animal Hospitals, and the notes on how cardboard holds up come from Your Best Digs, whose team tested eight scratchers with their own cats. All are linked where they are used and were checked on 1 November 2026. We looked for hands-on tests of cardboard scratchers by named review sites and found only one, so this is a how-to and we do not link or rank any scratcher. We did not test any scratcher ourselves, and we do not show prices or ratings.

Does your cat want cardboard?

Watch where and how your cat scratches now. Cornell suggests noting whether your cat scratches vertically, with paws stretched above the head, or prefers horizontal surfaces, and says a cat that likes the horizontal motion of scratching on a carpet “might be more likely to use a flattened cardboard box, or a log placed on its side”.

• Rug and stair scratchers. International Cat Care says many cats target the lower step on staircases and scratch horizontally while lying down. A flat or slightly angled cardboard pad copies that.
• Kittens and older cats. International Cat Care says kittens or senior cats might prefer softer surfaces such as large angled or horizontal cardboard scratchers, because they give less resistance and are easier to scratch.
• Cats that stretch up the sofa. These cats usually want a tall, heavy vertical post instead. See our best cat scratching post guide.

VCA recommends providing both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces, so a cardboard pad works well next to a post rather than instead of one.

What to look for in a cardboard scratcher

• Dense, thick cardboard. In Your Best Digs‘ test, reinforced corrugated cardboard did not wear down as quickly as cheaper cardboard, but cardboard still scored lower on durability than sisal and jute because it breaks up within a couple of months of use.
• A shape that matches your cat. Flat pads suit cats that scratch rugs, ramps and wave shaped loungers give an angle and a place to nap, and hanging pads go on a door. Your Best Digs’ cats mostly ignored a cardboard pad hung from a doorknob because it was too high and moved around.
• It stays put. International Cat Care says lightweight scratchers can move around during use, and Cats Protection says a scratcher should not wobble or topple. Your Best Digs found its cardboard pads moved less on a rug or carpet, and that its cats did not like a scratcher that slid.
• Two sides or refills. A reversible pad can be flipped when one side wears out, and some loungers take replacement inserts, so you are not throwing away the whole frame.
• Size. Pick a pad long enough for your cat to stretch out on. Your Best Digs scored bigger scratching areas higher because they gave cats more room and lasted longer.

Where to put it

1. Where your cat already scratches. Cats Protection suggests placing a scratching post next to the area where your cat has been scratching. Once your cat uses it, you can move it gradually to a better spot.
2. Near the bed. International Cat Care says cats often scratch after sleep, so it may help to place the scratcher near their favourite bed. Cats Protection says the same.
3. Where the family spends time. International Cat Care says to place the scratcher where your cat spends a lot of time.
4. One per cat. Cats Protection says every cat should have their own scratching post, in a different place, to avoid conflict.

How to get your cat to use it

• Play around it. International Cat Care suggests a simple predatory game with a wand toy around the scratcher: “Once the claws contact the surface of the post, this is often all that’s needed to encourage further use.”
• Catnip. Cats Protection suggests rubbing catnip on the scratcher to entice your cat. Not every cat reacts to catnip.
• Make the old spot less appealing. Cats Protection suggests covering the area your cat has been scratching with thick, shiny plastic sheeting while your cat learns, then removing it once the scratcher is in use.
• Never punish. International Cat Care says your cat should never be punished for scratching, because it is a natural behaviour and punishment is very confusing for your cat.

Mess, wear and when to replace it

Cardboard sheds. Your Best Digs found that cardboard breaks into smaller pieces and is often messier than other materials, so put the pad somewhere easy to vacuum. Turn a reversible pad over once the first side is worn down, and replace it when the surface is flattened or falling apart, since a worn pad gives your cat less to grip. Cornell notes that cats are more likely to re-scratch areas that already carry their scent, so place a new pad in the same spot as the old one.

If your cat suddenly starts scratching much more than usual, or seems to be in pain, see your vet. For claw care, see how to trim cat nails; International Cat Care says senior cats may need regular claw trims because they cannot scratch as easily.

Scratchers named in reviews

Your Best Digs, which says it buys and tests cat products with its own cats, tested three cardboard scratchers over three months with six cats in 2023. It made the Coching Cardboard Scratch Pad its budget pick: two of its cats used it for scratching and for naps, and the reinforced cardboard held up better than cheaper pads. It found the Fukumaru 3-Sided Vertical Cat Scratching Post stylish but too light, so it moved during use, and its cats left the SmartyKat Scratch Up hanging pad alone. Catster‘s cardboard roundup lists the Hepper Hi-Lo, PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge and Catit scratchers but gives no hands-on test details. Since only one named review site tested cardboard scratchers with cats, we do not link or rank any of them.

For more ideas, see how to stop a cat scratching furniture, our best cat trees for indoor cats and best toys for indoor cats.

FAQ

Are cardboard scratchers good for cats?

Yes, for cats that like to scratch flat or at a low angle. Cornell says a cat that scratches carpet may prefer a flattened cardboard box, and International Cat Care says kittens and senior cats may find cardboard easier to scratch. Many cats also like a vertical post, so VCA recommends offering both.

How long does a cardboard scratcher last?

It depends on your cat. Your Best Digs found cardboard wears out faster than sisal or jute, within a couple of months of testing for the pads it tried. Flip a reversible pad and replace it once it is flattened or falling apart.

Why won’t my cat use the cardboard scratcher?

It may be the wrong direction or the wrong place. Try it where your cat already scratches or next to their bed, make sure it does not slide, play with a wand toy around it, and try catnip. If your cat stretches up furniture, add a tall post.

Is it bad if my cat chews the cardboard?

Scratching will leave small bits of cardboard around. If your cat chews and eats pieces, take the scratcher away and talk to your vet.