Are Cardboard Cat Scratchers Effective? A Trusted Guide for Pet Owners

Are cardboard cat scratchers good? Well, let’s consider the alternatives. There is the side of your new leather couch. Drapes will work nicely too, especially right before Halloween. You could get a cat tree. They are sturdy but kind of expensive. And then there is another option. A cardboard cat scratcher. I don’t know why, but whenever I hear the word “cardboard” I think “cheap” and “easily destroyed.” But is that the truth?  Cardboard is very commonly used as the main material in making cat scratchers, however, too often its durability is questioned. Is that for good reason? Are cardboard cat scratchers good? Or are they a waste of money? Please read on to find out.

By the way, have you ever wondered how many cat owners found the side of their armchairs all ripped up after they came home from a hard day’s work? Has that ever happened to you? Has your cat ever laid waste to the side of your leather couch, exposing the foam underneath? If so, you’re not alone. 90% of cat owners have had something destroyed by their cats while they were away or asleep.

And that is why it’s important for you to give your cat something to claw on. Cats need that. It’s in their DNA. Scratching serves several purposes. Trust me, your cat didn’t destroy your couch to be a jerk. Quite frankly, if you got angry at your cat, it probably has no idea why because there is no ill-intent meant when your cat destroys something with its nails. When cats dig their nails into something, they’re actually doing it because it is in their DNA. Read the next section to find out why scratching is so important.

Table of Contents

Do cats like cardboard scratchers?

Of course they do. You may think that your cat loves to scratch your couch, but I assure you he/she would much rather scratch cardboard. Scratching on cardboard helps your cat immensely by . . .

Removing frayed parts of cat nails – Scratching on cardboard allows your cat to remove older, frayed and worn-out parts of their nails, exposing sharper nails.

Showing ownership – Cats can scratch on wood outside, but often times it is too hard to leave marks on. But cardboard allows marks to remain, so that other cats can see that that property is owned by your fearless cat.

Relieving stress – Being a cat is a tough life. Cats can scratch on cardboard scratchers to relieve that stress. The cardboard gives way, making a very pleasing sound as well. It your cats lives in s stressful environment, you may find him scratching a lot more than he should be.

Stretching – When a cat digs its nails into cardboard, it can get a good stretch without having to worry about its nails snagging. A cat with a nail hooked onto something can be hurt and killed by predators in the wild. And even though your cat most likely has never had to live in the wild, it still retains its instincts to protect itself from its predators.