The Best Cat Scratch Pads
We all know that our feline friends like to keep their claws sharp and healthy, and what better way to do it than with a good scratch. Cats scratch to keep their claws and paws in great condition and also to mark their territory. Excessive scratching on furniture and other objects isn't necessarily a sign that your kitty is misbehaving. After all, this behavior forms a natural part of a healthy feline's routine. If you're struggling to prevent claw marks from appearing all over the house, your cat may need to fulfill this basic instinct in an area they can call their own, like a scratch pad.
What to Look For
To find the best cat scratch pads on the market, we asked ourselves three questions: How durable is the pad material to constant scratching? How comfortable is the pad for our pets? How practical is the pad for home use? Our preferred option came from Coching, an all-around durable design that also serves as a comfortable bed. It even comes in several different sizes to suit cats of any age. For ultimate durability, we were impressed by the scratch-resistant fiber construction of the Fukumaru Cat Scratcher Mat. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Coching Cardboard Cat Scratch Pad
Long-lasting durability
If you’re looking for a pad that provides a cozy spot for your cat to nestle up, this versatile option might be the perfect choice for you. With a bowed frame construction, this pad presents a comfortable and enticing spot for stretches and naps. The surface is made from high-density recycled cardboard, mimicking the texture of tree bark to mirror a cat’s natural scratching environment. The pad is durable and ready to withstand a long life of scratching. The cardboard is sealed together using a non-toxic corn starch adhesive, leaving an odorless finish and peace of mind.
Pros:
- We found that the durable cardboard held up better than other pads. It looked almost unscathed after a month of use.
- We were glad to see different sizing options for this pad, meaning we could easily find the perfect option to suit kittens and adult cats of all shapes and sizes.
Cons:
- Without a retaining box to catch shreds of cardboard, this pad sometimes leaves a mess after heavy scratching sessions.
Kitty City XL Wide Corrugate Cat Scratchers
Affordable fun for your feline
No matter how durable your scratching pad is, its surface will need to be replaced after prolonged use. A fresh pad surface will keep your cat occupied and offer the best health benefits to your cat’s claws. For this very reason, we loved the great value of this bundle from Kitty City. The two-sided scratching surface is built from sturdy corrugated cardboard, ensuring these pads will last your cats as long as possible.
Pros:
- Not only does this multi-pack guarantee you’ll have a replacement handy, but cats also love to have multiple scratching pads set up around the house.
- The containing box did a great job catching any loose cardboard shreds torn from the pad’s surface.
- We love the price of these scratchers. This pack offers significant savings when compared to individual purchases.
Cons:
- Though we love the design of the housing box, we wish there were a few more color options available to suit different interior spaces.
Adolug Cat Scratch Pad
Wave goodbye to claw marks
If you’re having trouble getting your cat’s attention with a flat pad design, this could be one to try. Adolug’s pad ensures your cat isn’t short of scratching options with its curved wave shape. A range of heights and curves on the surface means your cat can choose the angle and strength of each scratch. This pad comes bundled with a pack of catnip and a mouse toy, perfect additions to introduce your cat to their new space.
Pros:
- We found the curved wave shape also made a comfortable bed for our cats.
- The included catnip was very effective in encouraging our cats to use this pad. The smell lingers on the surface after the first application, meaning they’ll eagerly return to the pad.
- We found the surface of this pad was easy to clean of cat hairs, helping us keep it in the best condition for scratching.
Cons:
- The underside of this pad can slide around on smooth floor surfaces like stone or hardwood.
SmartyKat Scratch Up
All positions covered
If you’ve never used a scratching pad before, you might be unsure where best to place it in your home or whether your cat will prefer a vertical or horizontal position. This design lets you explore several possibilities as this pad can be laid flat on the floor or hung vertically. This pack also comes with catnip to encourage immediate use.
Pros:
- With a large cardboard handle for suspension, we found it’s possible to hang this pad directly on top of scratch spots on sofas or other furniture. This can help redirect your cat’s attention to the new pad.
- We found that this design was more compact than other scratch pads, making it easy to conceal or store away when not in use.
Cons:
- Although the hanger seems ideal for doorknobs, the pad was held too high off the ground for all but the largest cats.
Fukumaru Cat Scratcher Mat
Scratch in style
Some of us might not have space in our homes for a cardboard pad, so we might look instead for a design that offers a great scratching surface while also blending in with the aesthetic of our space. This mat provides excellent functionality for your feline and comes in a classic and trendy design that’s sure to be a welcome addition to most indoor spaces. The mat is made from sisal, a durable natural fiber that can withstand even the most ferocious scratching.
Pros:
- If you’ve been struggling to keep your scratching pads from sliding around, this matt comes with an anti-skid latex underside.
- We found that the sisal design created far less mess than cardboard pads. This is an excellent alternative if you’re tired of cleaning up paper shreds after each scratching session.
Cons:
- We found that fur could cling to the fibers of this mat, making it a bit more challenging to clean than other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I encourage my cat to use a new scratchpad?
When adding a new scratch pad to your home, try infusing the surface with catnip to attract their interest. Choosing where to place the pad can also be a decisive factor in its use. Cats often scratch to mark their territory, so if you’ve been struggling to control scratching indoors in a particular spot, try placing the pad in this same position.
How does scratching keep my cat’s claws healthy?
Cats love a good scratch, but it’s not simply for pleasure. Frequent scratching helps to remove the damaged outer shells of claws, similar to cutting nails on our hands. This exposes fresh nail growth, helping to keep cats’ claws healthy and sharp.
About the Author
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