It’s a universal truth that cats love to scratch. Scratching helps keep their claws groomed and ready for action, and it helps them keep their muscles strong and flexible. Scratching also helps cats mark their territory with their personal scent to make them feel safe and comfortable in their own space.

It’s important that your cat has plenty of healthy and safe places to scratch around your home. This is true not only for the health of your cats but also for your furniture and other items your cats will scratch if they don’t have better options.

Cardboard cat scratchers are great way to ensure your cat has ample scratching opportunities as well as an effective method to help stop your cat from scratching your furniture and other parts of your home.

In this blog post, we’ll explain exactly how cardboard cat scratchers help improve a cat's physical health, mental well-being and contribute to the maintenance of healthy and groomed claws.

Promotes Physical Health
Conditions muscles and joints: Scratching is a natural instinct for cats, and it helps them exercise their muscles and joints. Cardboard cat scratchers let your cat dig their claws into the surface of the scratcher, which keeps their paws in place while the cat pulls and stretches the rest of their body. This tension and pulling helps to not only strengthen their muscles but keep their muscles and joints flexible and ready for action.

Encourages physical activity: Just like people, cats need exercise. As many cat owners know, cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day and spend much of their lives inside. So often opportunities for physical activity and exercise are limited. Frequent scratching on cardboard scratchers provides the opportunity for your cat to exercise. This helps them burn off excess energy and maintain a healthy weight.

Improves circulation: Scratching also stimulates blood flow to a cat's paws and claw areas and throughout its cardiovascular system.


Enhances Mental Well-Being
Reduces stress: Cats experience stress and anxiety due to various factors, such as changes in their environment or daily routine. Scratching on cardboard cat scratchers offer a positive outlet for cats to relieve stress. This also provides a distraction and redirects their focus away from potentially destructive behaviors.

Allows marking of territory: Cats have an instinctual need to mark their territory, and scratching serves as a visual and olfactory marker. Cardboard scratchers enable cats to leave visible and scent-based markers. This helps them feel more secure in their surroundings and reduces anxiety.

Provides mental stimulation: While it seems that all cats want to do is sleep, cats also need a little excitement in their lives. Cats love to play and be mentally stimulated. With more cat owners returning to work outside the home, having one or more cardboard cat scratchers around the house can be an opportunity for mental stimulation, particularly when a cat owner is gone most of the day.

Promotes Health and Grooming
Provides natural nail maintenance: Regular scratching on cardboard surfaces helps cats maintain healthy nails by removing the outer sheath of the claws. This natural process prevents nails from becoming overly long, curved or sharp. Such maintenance reduces the risk of injury to both the cat and its human companions.

Helps prevent claw problems: Cats that do not have access to appropriate scratching surfaces may develop claw-related issues, such as ingrown nails or overgrown claws. Cardboard scratchers offer a safe place to scratch, which helps prevent problems that later require more invasive intervention to correct.

Serves as a full-body grooming aid: Cats often use scratching as a means to groom themselves. Cardboard scratchers can provide an ideal texture for cats to rub and scratch against, aiding in the removal of loose fur, dead skin cells, and other debris from their coats. This grooming action helps maintain a clean and healthy coat while reducing the occurrence of hairballs.

Summary Cardboard cat scratchers are more than just a cat toy or piece of cat furniture. They offer a multitude of benefits that positively impact a cat's physical health, mental well-being and claw maintenance.

By providing multiple and healthy surfaces for scratching, cardboard scratchers promote exercise, flexibility and circulation, which contributes to overall physical health.

Scratching pads also offer the ability to reduce stress, mark territory and experience mental stimulation which are all important for a cat’s mental and emotional well-being.

Finally, cardboard scratchers assist in maintaining healthy claws by facilitating nail maintenance, preventing claw problems and aiding in grooming. So be sure to check out our cardboard cat scratchers as well as cardboard cat houses with scratchers to help keep your cat emotionally happy and physically healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are cardboard scratchers good for cats?
Yes, cardboard cat scratchers are good for cats. Scratchers help keep your cat’s claws properly groomed, help keep your cat’s muscles and joints in shape and encourage physical activity, among other benefits. Cardboard cat scratchers also help your cat relieve stress. All of these activities play an important role in keeping your cat physically healthy and mentally happy.

Do cardboard cat scratchers make a mess?
Cardboard cat scratchers do shred over time. But you can minimize the mess by buying a high-quality cardboard cat scratcher with a high-density corrugated flute. This helps limit the amount of cardboard removed from the scratcher when your cat scratches. All Cat Box Classics Cardboard Cat Scratchers are made with high-density flute corrugated cardboard to limit the amount of shredding and ensure that the scratcher lasts a long time.

How do you make a cat scratcher at home?
You can make a cat scratcher at home by cutting flattened cardboard into one-inch-wide strips, standing those strips on their side and tightly gluing them together side-by-side. Gluing enough strips of cardboard together side-by-side then forms a surface on which your cat can scratch.

Cat owners have many options when choosing cardboard cat scratchers. There are many types, sizes and shapes to choose from. There is also a broad range of quality and pricing from expensive to DIY cardboard cat scratcher plans owners can use to build their own. In this blog, we will explore some of the most important characteristics to consider when purchasing a scratcher that will help keep your cat happy and healthy.

Size and Shape:
The size of the cardboard cat scratcher is crucial to ensure it offers sufficient space for your cat to stretch and scratch comfortably. Some cats also like to sleep on top of their scratchers. So, if you have one of those cats, you’ll want to purchase a scratcher long enough to accommodate your cat’s naps.

For scratching, you’ll want to consider the size of your cat and choose a scratcher that is long and wide enough for your cat to fully extend their body. This allows them to not only scratch but also to flex and stretch. Stretching is one of the main side benefits of cardboard cat scratchers.

Quality Materials and High-Density Cardboard:
The quality and type of the cardboard used in a scratcher plays a significant role in its durability. Look for scratchers made from high-density cardboard that can withstand vigorous scratching sessions. A sturdy construction ensures that the scratcher won't fall apart quickly or make a mess, providing your cat with a long-lasting and enjoyable scratching experience

The higher density and the stronger cardboard, the less shredding of the cardboard you’ll experience and the longer the scratcher will last.

Cardboard cat scratchers are made from corrugated cardboard, which are characterized by what are called flute structures. Flute structures range from A to F. The B and C structures and densities are considered the best type of high-density corrugated cardboard to use in the manufacture of cat scratchers.

The type of cardboard accessible for homemade DIY scratchers is often not the strongest or the highest density. This results in the scratcher not only failing quickly, but less dense cardboard also creates more shredding and mess.

All Cat Box Classics standalone cardboard cat scratchers are made with a combination of B and C density cardboard for maximum durability, less shredding and the longest life.

It’s also important to choose a cardboard cat scratcher that you know is manufactured using glue that is safe for your cat. Not all industrial glues used in manufacturing by large companies are suitable for cats.

All Cat Box Classics scratchers are made using cat-safe rice glue.

Eco-Friendliness:
Many, if not most, cardboard scratchers are recyclable. Most cardboard products, in fact, are able to be recycled. However, if you want to be super healthy for the planet you can choose a scratcher that is made from cardboard that has already been recycled.

All of our company’s cat scratchers as well as our cardboard cat houses with scratchers are made from recycled cardboard.

Multi-functionality:
Consider a cardboard cat scratcher that offers additional features and functions. Cat scratcher houses are a great option. They offer a place for your cat to hide, relax, play and sleep as well as scratch. A larger size cat scratcher is also a good option because it allows your cat to nap on top of their scratcher.

When cats scratch, they released their scent onto the scratcher. So, many cats like to sleep on the scratcher because they identify it as their own and feel comfortable on it.

Cost-Effectiveness:
One of the advantages of cardboard cat scratchers is their affordability compared to other materials. And there are many options for pricing.

The cheapest option is, of course, a homemade cat scratcher. While these are less expensive, they often don’t last as long as the higher density, professionally manufactured cat scratchers that use the B and C flute structures. DIY cat scratchers also tend to produce more shredded cardboard when cats scratch that later needs to be cleaned up.

You can also choose a cat scratcher from a large, multinational manufacturer or large brand-name department store. These are usually cheaper than higher-quality scratchers.

But it’s important to consider that it is difficult to determine whether the glues and inks these large companies use to manufacture their scratchers are the same as they use in their thousands of other products. These types of materials may or may not be safe your cat. It’s simply hard to know.

Cat Box Classics Cardboard Cat Scratchers are not the least expensive option, nor do we want them to be.

We use only flute structures that are best designed for scratcher durability and use. All of the glues used in the manufacture of our scratchers or cat-safe rice glue. And our scratchers are constructed using both recyclable and recycled cardboard which is better for the planet.

As such, our cat scratchers last longer, generate less shredding cardboard and may in fact be more cost-effective in the long run.

Your Cat's Preference:
Every cat has its unique scratching preferences. Some cats prefer horizontal scratching surfaces, while others prefer vertical ones. Observe your cat's scratching habits and behavior to determine which type of cardboard scratcher would best suit their needs. Offering a variety of scratcher types in different locations can also help cater to your cat's preferences.

Conclusion:
Selecting the right cardboard cat scratcher is an important decision to provide your feline companion with a satisfying and safe scratching experience. By considering factors such as size, design, material quality, eco-friendliness and your cat's preferences, you can make a choose that is the best for your particular cat.

Cat Box Classics’ commitment to all cats and their well-being is evident in every aspect of our products. While we may not offer the most inexpensive cat scratchers on the market, our focus is on providing unparalleled quality when it comes to cardboard cat scratchers. Your cat's needs, health, happiness and safety are our primary concern.

Let's delve into the reasons why Cat Box Classics stands out as the premier choice for cardboard cat scratchers for your beloved feline companion:

Only the Best and Most Suitable Materials
There are many levels of quality and types of cardboard used in cardboard cat scratchers. The quality of scratchers depends on the flute structure of the cardboard used. Some cardboard cat scratchers are made with very cheap flimsy corrugated cardboard flute structures.

Our standalone cat scratchers use a combination of BB and BC flutes, which is widely considered to be the best and most durable type of corrugated cardboard with which to manufacture a cardboard cat scratcher.

Our scratchers are also constructed using cardboard that is both recyclable and has already been recycled. We believe that this is best for both your cat and the planet.

Soy Ink for Graphics
Industrial inks commonly used in manufacturing processes can be harmful to cats and the environment. While it's challenging to determine if larger companies use such inks in their cat scratchers, you can rest assured that Cat Box Classics only uses cat-safe soy ink. We prioritize the well-being of your cat and the environment.

Non-Toxic Glue Used for Scratchers
Similar to industrial inks, it can also be difficult to determine the type of glues large multi-national, cheap knockoff and name-brand stores use to build their scratchers.

Cardboard cat scratchers are fairly simple in concept. They are constructed using strips of cardboard glued together into a highly density finished product. It’s very important to know what type of glue is used in that process.

All Cat Box Classics cardboard cat scratchers use only cat safe rice glue in the construction of our scratchers and cat scratcher scratchers.

Partners Who Care About Cats
The health and wellbeing of all cats is paramount to Cat Box Classics. So we new that we had to choose a manufacturing partner who shares our same dedication to cat safety and well-being. We carefully selected a partner whose focus aligns with our values.

Our manufacturing partner focuses only on cats. And their facilities are inspected and tested regularly to ensure compliance with relevant U.S. and international standards. This unwavering commitment to quality and safety guarantees that you receive the best cardboard cat scratchers available on the market.

By partnering with a manufacturer who shares our dedication to cat safety and quality, we ensure that each cat scratcher is meticulously crafted to provide long-lasting durability and functionality.

As fellow cat lovers, we deeply understand and appreciate the love you have for your cats and all feline friends. This shared passion drives us to provide you and your cats with the finest cardboard cat scratchers imaginable. We go above and beyond to prioritize your cat's happiness and well-being, ensuring that they have a comfortable and engaging scratcher to call their own.