You can make a cat scratcher from cardboard by cutting corrugated strips, orienting them so the wavy layer is exposed, and gluing them tightly into a base.
Making a cardboard cat scratcher costs almost nothing and saves your furniture from your cat’s claws. The finished toy feels just like the store-bought ones, because it uses the same material: corrugated cardboard with the wavy inner layer exposed. Whether you build a rolled spiral or a box filled with standing strips, the project takes under an hour.
The build comes down to three things: cutting the cardboard in the right direction, packing it tightly, and using safe glue. Before you start, gather a ruler, scissors or a craft knife, tape or non-toxic glue, and a source of plain corrugated cardboard. Gloves help when cutting thicker layers.
If you would rather skip the DIY and compare ready-made options instead, our tested roundup of the best cat scratchers on the market covers the top picks.
How To Cut The Cardboard Strips
Cut the cardboard into strips about 2 inches wide, and cut across the corrugation, not along it. The goal is to expose the wavy cross-section on the cut edge — that is the surface cats dig their claws into. A Connecticut Humane Society tutorial notes the strips should be cut so the corrugations run horizontally across them, which puts the rippled edge where the scratching happens.
A straight edge and a craft knife give the cleanest cuts. Scissors work, but they crush the cardboard edges. Keep the strips even in width; uneven strips make the rolling or stacking look messy and leave weak spots your cat will notice.
Two Build Methods: Spiral Or Stacked
There are two proven ways to assemble a cardboard cat scratcher. Both start with identical strips, then differ in how you pack them.
Rolled Spiral Scratcher
Take one strip and roll it tightly into a coil, adding glue or tape to the end of each strip before attaching the next one. Keep rolling until the coil reaches your target size. One tutorial’s finished spiral measured 7 inches in diameter, but you can adjust the size to fit your cat. A larger cat needs a bigger base so it doesn’t tip over while scratching.
Box-Filled Scratcher
Cut the bottom off a cardboard box to use as your frame. Fill it with strips standing vertically on their cut edges, packing them as tightly as possible. Glue each strip in place as you go. This method adds rigidity because the box walls hold everything together, and it uses up odd-sized pieces that are too short for a spiral.
Safety And Common Mistakes To Avoid
Plain, untreated corrugated cardboard is safe for cats to scratch and chew. Never use cardboard that has tape, plastic wrapping, or chemical residues on it. For glue, stick to non-toxic, water-based craft glue; avoid hot-melt glue and superglue, which can irritate a cat’s mouth if ingested.
Most failed DIY scratchers share the same flaws. Cutting strips too wide or unevenly makes the assembly lumpy. Cutting with the corrugation running the wrong way leaves a smooth surface cats ignore. Loose packing lets the scratcher wobble and collapse. And a base that is too small tips over during aggressive scratching. The Connecticut Humane Society guide notes the size can be adjusted based on your cat, so build bigger if your cat is large or enthusiastic.
If the cat ignores your creation at first, sprinkle a little catnip on top. Most cats figure it out within a day or two, especially once they feel the corrugated texture under their claws.
FAQs
What type of cardboard works best for a cat scratcher?
Plain corrugated cardboard with no tape or plastic coating works best. The thick, wavy inner layer is what cats love to dig into, so any shipping box that is clean and untreated will do. Avoid thin cereal-box cardboard, which shreds too easily and does not hold up to scratching.
How long does a homemade cardboard scratcher last?
The lifespan depends on how hard your cat scratches and how tightly you packed the strips. When the surface becomes shredded and flat, flip it over to expose the fresh underside, or replace it with a new one.
Is it safe for cats to chew on cardboard?
Plain, untreated cardboard is generally safe for cats to chew and scratch. The fibers pass through the digestive system without harm in small amounts. The real risk is glue and tape, so use non-toxic, water-based craft glue and remove any tape or plastic labels before building.
References & Sources
- Connecticut Humane Society. “How to Make a Cardboard Cat Scratcher.” Provides the core build instructions, strip orientation, and size guidance.