Cats will be cats. Scratching is a part of their world, whether we like it or not. While they often scratch just for the fun of it, their claws are vital to them. Many experts believe that it’s also a form of communication by marking particular spots as theirs. It’s worth noting that both the American Veterinary Medical Association and The Cat Fanciers’ Association oppose declawing.
A better alternative is to give your kitty appropriate things to scratch and indulge their instincts. It’ll at least spare your furniture. DIY ideas can add fun to the mix. There are plenty of simple projects to keep your feline companion happy.
The 8 DIY Cardboard Cat Scratcher Plans
- Give It a Home
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Check Instructions HereThere’s nothing like cutting to the chase and saying what it is up front. This project is the cat equivalent of a child’s fort. They can scratch it or just take a nap inside it. It’s so easy to make that you can quickly replace it after your pet has had its fun with it.
- Flatten It Out
Check Instructions HereSome people have theorized that cats scratch after napping as their way of stretching. We know how good that feels too! The flat DIY cardboard cat scratcher allows your pet to loosen up those tight muscles for the next adventure.
- Multi-Purpose Is the Way to Go
Check Instructions HereWho says that a cat scratcher has to have only one purpose? This DIY project gives your cat something to scratch on and a place to take a snooze when they’re done playing. It’s an excellent alternative to expensive cat furniture.
- Make It Tall
Check Instructions HereStretching goes both ways, horizontal and vertical. We like this DIY project as a fun thing for kids to do on a rainy day. The best thing about this plan is that you can build the base and refill it as necessary, making it a permanent fixture for your cat.
- King of the Hill
Check Instructions HereNow, if you really want to get creative, you can go all out and make a cat tower that will serve double-duty as a cat scratch post and a place to lounge around or sleep. Let your imagination take off to create an interesting tower with many places to explore and hide.
- Home Sweet Home
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Check Instructions HereWe like this idea because it’s multi-functional, and you don’t need anything to lure your cat into exploring it. What’s great is that cats don’t seem to lose their curiosity or sense of adventure over time. Even older kitties will want to take a peak.
- Tower Over the Rest
Check Instructions HereThis project is definitely a labor of love. But isn’t your cat worth it? It serves its purpose well, with a bit of flair that makes it that much more special. We bet that you won’t find one of these at your local pet store either!
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Check Instructions Here
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Trust Us Muses (@trustusmuses)
A post shared by Trust Us Muses (@trustusmuses)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by DIYCatToys (@diycardboardcattoys)
There’s nothing like cutting to the chase and saying what it is up front. This project is the cat equivalent of a child’s fort. They can scratch it or just take a nap inside it. It’s so easy to make that you can quickly replace it after your pet has had its fun with it.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by DIYCatToys (@diycardboardcattoys)
A post shared by DIYCatToys (@diycardboardcattoys)
Some people have theorized that cats scratch after napping as their way of stretching. We know how good that feels too! The flat DIY cardboard cat scratcher allows your pet to loosen up those tight muscles for the next adventure.
Who says that a cat scratcher has to have only one purpose? This DIY project gives your cat something to scratch on and a place to take a snooze when they’re done playing. It’s an excellent alternative to expensive cat furniture.
Stretching goes both ways, horizontal and vertical. We like this DIY project as a fun thing for kids to do on a rainy day. The best thing about this plan is that you can build the base and refill it as necessary, making it a permanent fixture for your cat.
Now, if you really want to get creative, you can go all out and make a cat tower that will serve double-duty as a cat scratch post and a place to lounge around or sleep. Let your imagination take off to create an interesting tower with many places to explore and hide.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Wineta Andaruni (@wandaruni)
We like this idea because it’s multi-functional, and you don’t need anything to lure your cat into exploring it. What’s great is that cats don’t seem to lose their curiosity or sense of adventure over time. Even older kitties will want to take a peak.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Wineta Andaruni (@wandaruni)
A post shared by Wineta Andaruni (@wandaruni)
This project is definitely a labor of love. But isn’t your cat worth it? It serves its purpose well, with a bit of flair that makes it that much more special. We bet that you won’t find one of these at your local pet store either!
Final Thoughts
There’s something gratifying for a pet owner in making toys or scratch posts for their cat. The designs on this list are also smart ways to repurpose cardboard to eke out another use for them before they hit the recycling can. That makes these projects both eco-friendly and feline-friendly.
- You might want to read next: 10 Awesome DIY Cardboard Box Cat Beds
Featured Image Credit: Daga_Roszkowska, Pixabay
