Best Cardboard Cat Scratchers
A cardboard scratcher is either a flat pad or a shape your cat can lounge in as well as scratch. Our overall pick is the Kitty City XL 3-pack: three flat double-sided pads, rated 4.7 stars from 21,305 ratings. For a shaped scratcher, we picked the three-sided Scratch Lounge and the catnip-infused SmartyKat chaise.
Flat cardboard gives a horizontal surface; for a cat that scratches upright, see the FAQ below.
Our picks
- Best Overall: Kitty City XL Cat Scratcher Pads, 3-Pack · Amazon
- Best Three-Sided Scratcher: The Original Scratch Lounge (listed as XL) · Amazon
- Best Catnip-Infused Scratcher: SmartyKat Super Scratcher Chaise · Amazon
How we picked
We searched Amazon for cardboard cat scratchers on October 14, 2026, sorted by review rank, set aside sponsored results and kept listings rated at least 4.5 stars on 1,000 or more ratings. We set aside refill pads that only work inside one brand's base, and unbranded multi-packs. Then we opened the shortlisted listings and read the size, format, inserts, catnip and seller.
Why cats scratch, and where to put a scratcher so it gets used, is in our guide why do cats scratch. For upright scratching, see our cat trees for large cats.
1 Best Overall: Kitty City XL Cat Scratcher Pads, 3-Pack
- Three double-sided pads, each 10 x 18 x 1.5 inches, per the bullets
- Recycled corrugated cardboard; flip a pad when one side wears down
- Works on its own or as a refill in select Kitty City furniture
- Six-month limited warranty, per the spec table
Kitty City's three-pack has by far the deepest rating base here and gives you three double-sided pads to place around the house. These are plain flat pads; the listing mentions no catnip. Its spec table lists a door mount and an 18-inch height, neither of which matches a flat pad, so we use the bullets' per-pad size.
2 Best Three-Sided Scratcher: The Original Scratch Lounge (listed as XL)
- Three-sided scratching surface a cat can nest in, per the listing
- Reversible inserts and a bag of catnip included
- About 21 to 22 inches long by 13 inches wide, per the listing
- Made in the USA, the listing says
The Scratch Lounge shares the top star rating here and has a shape the flat pads lack: three scratching sides. Its listing is short and partly marketing, calling it the world's best scratcher and saying its pads last up to 10 times longer than others, which we cannot check. It is unclear whether this is the XL or the Classic: the title says XL, while the directions and the included-components line say Classic.
3 Best Catnip-Infused Scratcher: SmartyKat Super Scratcher Chaise
- Chaise shape for scratching and lounging, about 17.5 to 18 by 13.62 by 4.5 inches, per the listing
- Catnip infused between the cardboard layers, so there is no loose catnip, per the listing
- SmartyKat suggests trying corrugated cardboard first, saying it mimics tree bark
- Spot clean with a damp cloth, per the spec table
SmartyKat's chaise also shares the top star rating, on the thinnest base of the three, and it stands out for its catnip: the listing says catnip is infused into each layer, so the scent is released as the cat scratches, and SmartyKat says this gives it long-term appeal. It is sold and shipped by Hearthshire, a third-party seller, and SmartyKat's satisfaction guarantee applies only to authorized sellers, which the listing does not say this seller is.
At a glance
| Scratcher | Format | Size (per listing) | Catnip | Sold by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitty City | 3 flat double-sided pads | 10 x 18 x 1.5 in each | None listed | Amazon |
| Scratch Lounge | Three-sided lounge, reversible inserts | About 21 to 22 x 13 in | Bag included | Scratch Lounge |
| SmartyKat | Chaise | 17.5 to 18 x 13.62 x 4.5 in | Infused | Hearthshire |
Specs as stated on each Amazon listing on the capture date.
What to look for
Flat or shaped
Flat pads are simple to place anywhere; the Scratch Lounge and SmartyKat chaise are shaped so a cat can lie in them too.
Enough of them, in the right places
International Cat Care suggests one scratching post per cat plus one more for choice, in different spots. Flat pads can add to that, alongside a tall post.
Reversible or double-sided
Kitty City's pads are double-sided and the Scratch Lounge has reversible inserts, so each gives a second surface when the first wears down.
Catnip
Scratch Lounge includes a bag of catnip; SmartyKat infuses it into the cardboard. Kitty City lists none.
The bottom line
- Best overall: Kitty City's 3-pack has the most ratings and three double-sided pads to place around the house.
- Best three-sided scratcher: Scratch Lounge shares the top rating and has three scratching sides in a lounger shape.
- Best catnip-infused scratcher: SmartyKat builds the catnip into the cardboard, so there is no loose catnip.
FAQ
Do cats prefer cardboard or sisal?
It varies. The American Association of Feline Practitioners says many cats prefer sisal rope and others prefer corrugated cardboard, carpet or wood, so it can take a try or two.
Where should I put a cardboard scratcher?
Near where your cat sleeps, and next to the spot it scratches now. The AAFP notes that cats often stretch or scratch when they wake up.
How long does a cardboard scratcher last?
None of these listings give a lifespan. Kitty City's pads are double-sided and the Scratch Lounge has reversible inserts, so each has a second side to use.
Can a flat scratcher replace a scratching post?
Not always. The AAFP suggests horizontal scratchers for cats that scratch carpet; for a cat that scratches upright surfaces such as a sofa arm, it says a vertical option must be sturdy and taller than the cat's stretch.
Do the Kitty City pads fit other scratchers?
The listing says each pad fits select Kitty City furniture or works on its own, without naming which pieces. It does not mention other brands' bases.
Editor's note: Ratings, specs and sellers are from each Amazon listing as captured on October 14, 2026. Listings change, and when this page and a listing disagree, the listing is right.
