How to Make Scratch Pads

You can't stop a cat from scratching but you can redirect its natural instinct to claw toward something less precious to you than your furniture or carpet. If your cat prefers horizontal to vertical scratching, most pet supply stores sell scratching pads made of corrugated cardboard. If you have a little time, an inclination toward craftiness and a few simple tools, you can make your own at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard boxes, flattened (at least 5 medium size boxes, more if you want a larger scratch pad)
  • Masking, electrical or duct tape
  • Box cutter or Exacto knife
  • Straightedge
  • Art paper
  • Fabric
  • Catnip
  • Nontoxic glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Observe your cats scratching habits to make a scratch pad he will want to use. Scratching toys work best when they replicate the conditions the individual cat prefers for its clawing.

    • 2

      Cut your boxes into cardboard strips. The width of the strips will all match the height you have selected for the scratching post, but the lengths can vary. Cut so that the corrugated edge of the cardboard goes across the edges of the strips. The corrugation provides the rough texture cats seek to satisfy their urge to scratch.

    • 3

      Wrap your strips around each other to make a circle. Start by winding the first strip into a tight small circle. Use tape to connect the next strip and wrap that around the first strip. Continue the process, gradually widening the circular pad to your desired circumference. Again, let your cat's size and scratching tendencies guide you in determining dimensions. Coil the strips tightly so your scratching pad will stand up to regular usage.

    • 4

      Make the pad attractive to your cat. If you cat does not already use a scratching pad and you want to entice her to use the one you made, try some catnip. Measure the base of the pad and cut a circular piece of fabric to match its size. Sprinkle some catnip on the fabric, then use tape or glue to attach it to the bottom of the pad.

    • 5

      Decorate the pad to make it look attractive to you and your visitors. Cut art paper to the width of your cardboard strips and long enough to wrap around the outer edge. Tape the decorative covering to your scratch pad.