How to Make a Corrugated Cardboard Cat Scratcher

Cats need to scratch in order to maintain the health of their nails by removing the dead outer shell. However, scratching posts can be expensive. Make your own corrugated cardboard cat scratcher by simply recycling some old boxes you may have. When your cat is finished with his personalized scratcher, simply recycle it, cut up some more boxes and make him a new one.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard
  • Pencil
  • Scissors or X-ACTO knife
  • Hot glue gun
  • Colored paper or wrapping paper
  • 1 tablespoon catnip
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the shape you want your cardboard cat scracher to be. Remember when doing this that the corrugated edge of the cardboard will need to be face up for your cat to scratch it. The scratcher should be low to the ground and long enough so that your cat can stretch out while he or she scratches. Consider making the scratcher into a long rectangular shape, almost twice the length of your cat (so he can sit on it and stretch out to scratch) and approximately the same width of your cat. Cut one piece of cardboard to your desired shape and size.

    • 2

      Lay the first piece of cardboard you cut on another and trace its outline in pencil onto the cardboard. Cut out the piece and continue doing this until you have cut enough pieces to meet your desired width.

    • 3

      Lay one of the pieces on a flat surface and apply hot glue to the cardboard. Line up the edges of a second piece of cut cardboard with the edges of the first and press it down so it binds with the hot glue. Work quickly so the glue does not cool before you can press the next piece of cardboard onto it. Continue doing this until you have glued all your pieces of cardboard together.

    • 4

      Decorate the outside with thick colored paper or wrapping paper. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of catnip generously onto the cardboard and introduce your cat to their new toy.