Cat Scratching Boards, Mats & Pads
£14.05
Which type of cat scratching mat or board should I choose?
There are many scratching board designs available, from cardboard scratch pads to mounted wall boards and textured floor mats. To help you choose the right one for your cat, here’s an overview of the most common types and their benefits:
| Type | Cardboard scratch pad |
|---|---|
| Features | Lightweight, recyclable, often infused with scent or catnip |
| Best For | Cats who enjoy shredding and shallow scratches |
| Type | Sisal-coated scratch boards |
| Features | Durable, natural fibre that mimics tree bark |
| Best For | Vigorous scratchers who prefer strong resistance |
| Type | Fabric or carpet-style scratch mats |
| Features | Softer texture, may double as resting mats |
| Best For | Cats who enjoy comfort and gentle scratching |
| Type | Wall-mounted scratching boards |
| Features | Saves floor space, encourages vertical stretching |
| Best For | Cats who like to scratch upright |
| Type | Large scratch pads for cats |
| Features | Provides space for stretching or lounging while scratching |
| Best For | Bigger breeds like Maine Coons or multiple-cat households |
| Type | Corner or furniture-attachable mats |
| Features | Designed to protect sofa sides or walls from damage |
| Best For | Redirecting scratching habits in specific areas |
Type | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Cardboard scratch pad | Lightweight, recyclable, often infused with scent or catnip | Cats who enjoy shredding and shallow scratches |
Sisal-coated scratch boards | Durable, natural fibre that mimics tree bark | Vigorous scratchers who prefer strong resistance |
Fabric or carpet-style scratch mats | Softer texture, may double as resting mats | Cats who enjoy comfort and gentle scratching |
Wall-mounted scratching boards | Saves floor space, encourages vertical stretching | Cats who like to scratch upright |
Large scratch pads for cats | Provides space for stretching or lounging while scratching | Bigger breeds like Maine Coons or multiple-cat households |
Corner or furniture-attachable mats | Designed to protect sofa sides or walls from damage | Redirecting scratching habits in specific areas |
Tip: For households with more than one cat or with cats who like variety, adding scratching barrels may help meet different preferences.
Which type of cat scratching mat or board should I choose?
There are many scratching board designs available, from cardboard scratch pads to mounted wall boards and textured floor mats. To help you choose the right one for your cat, here’s an overview of the most common types and their benefits:
| Type | Cardboard scratch pad |
|---|---|
| Features | Lightweight, recyclable, often infused with scent or catnip |
| Best For | Cats who enjoy shredding and shallow scratches |
| Type | Sisal-coated scratch boards |
| Features | Durable, natural fibre that mimics tree bark |
| Best For | Vigorous scratchers who prefer strong resistance |
| Type | Fabric or carpet-style scratch mats |
| Features | Softer texture, may double as resting mats |
| Best For | Cats who enjoy comfort and gentle scratching |
| Type | Wall-mounted scratching boards |
| Features | Saves floor space, encourages vertical stretching |
| Best For | Cats who like to scratch upright |
| Type | Large scratch pads for cats |
| Features | Provides space for stretching or lounging while scratching |
| Best For | Bigger breeds like Maine Coons or multiple-cat households |
| Type | Corner or furniture-attachable mats |
| Features | Designed to protect sofa sides or walls from damage |
| Best For | Redirecting scratching habits in specific areas |
Type | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Cardboard scratch pad | Lightweight, recyclable, often infused with scent or catnip | Cats who enjoy shredding and shallow scratches |
Sisal-coated scratch boards | Durable, natural fibre that mimics tree bark | Vigorous scratchers who prefer strong resistance |
Fabric or carpet-style scratch mats | Softer texture, may double as resting mats | Cats who enjoy comfort and gentle scratching |
Wall-mounted scratching boards | Saves floor space, encourages vertical stretching | Cats who like to scratch upright |
Large scratch pads for cats | Provides space for stretching or lounging while scratching | Bigger breeds like Maine Coons or multiple-cat households |
Corner or furniture-attachable mats | Designed to protect sofa sides or walls from damage | Redirecting scratching habits in specific areas |
Tip: For households with more than one cat or with cats who like variety, adding scratching barrels may help meet different preferences.
What are the main benefits of a scratching mat or board?
While scratching is often suggested to maintain claw health, it can serve several other purposes in your cat’s daily life. Here’s why a cat scratching mat or options such as cardboard cat furniture might be a welcome addition to your cat’s routine:
- Claw maintenance: Scratching removes outer sheaths, which may help keep claws neat.
- Scent marking: Cats have scent glands in their paws and use scratching to mark territory.
- Stretching: Scratching on longer boards allows cats to extend their bodies fully.
- Furniture protection: Providing appropriate scratch surfaces may discourage scratching on sofas or carpets.
- Routine and enrichment: Incorporates an instinctive behaviour into a predictable, comforting routine.
What are the main benefits of a scratching mat or board?
While scratching is often suggested to maintain claw health, it can serve several other purposes in your cat’s daily life. Here’s why a cat scratching mat or options such as cardboard cat furniture might be a welcome addition to your cat’s routine:
- Claw maintenance: Scratching removes outer sheaths, which may help keep claws neat.
- Scent marking: Cats have scent glands in their paws and use scratching to mark territory.
- Stretching: Scratching on longer boards allows cats to extend their bodies fully.
- Furniture protection: Providing appropriate scratch surfaces may discourage scratching on sofas or carpets.
- Routine and enrichment: Incorporates an instinctive behaviour into a predictable, comforting routine.
What mounting options are available for scratching pads?
Scratching boards can be freestanding, mounted to the wall, placed flat on the floor, or attached to furniture, allowing flexibility depending on your cat’s habits and your home layout. Our best-selling cat trees are also a great choice if mounting isn’t an option. If living in rental accommodation, consult with your landlord prior to any alterations.
What mounting options are available for scratching pads?
Scratching boards can be freestanding, mounted to the wall, placed flat on the floor, or attached to furniture, allowing flexibility depending on your cat’s habits and your home layout. Our best-selling cat trees are also a great choice if mounting isn’t an option. If living in rental accommodation, consult with your landlord prior to any alterations.
How big should a scratching pad be?
It should allow your cat to fully stretch while using it. Horizontal scratchers should be at least the length of your cat (excluding the tail), while vertical options should generally range from 75 to 105 cm.
How big should a scratching pad be?
It should allow your cat to fully stretch while using it. Horizontal scratchers should be at least the length of your cat (excluding the tail), while vertical options should generally range from 75 to 105 cm.
Do larger cats need larger scratching boards?
Yes, larger cats often need more space to stretch and scratch comfortably. A large scratch pad for cats can help meet their needs without limiting movement.
Do larger cats need larger scratching boards?
Yes, larger cats often need more space to stretch and scratch comfortably. A large scratch pad for cats can help meet their needs without limiting movement.