Best Cat Scratching Pad Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide
If you’re looking to get the best cat scratching pad and you have very little time on your hands, we have prepared a list of the top-rated models currently available. After a thorough analysis of the quality and value offered by each one, Dr. Fox has come to the conclusion that the Kitty City Premium Woven Sisal Carpet is the one you should consider. This product is large enough to allow your cat to scratch comfortably and can also serve as a place for it to play. It will provide your pet with a better and more fun alternative than your expensive and fragile couch cushion. The pad is made from 100% durable natural woven sisal which will provide a nice texture for your cat’s scratching needs. In the event that our first pick is not available, another great alternative you can consider is the 4CLAWS Curve Scratching Pad (White).
Comparison table
The large scratching pad is made of natural and durable sisal which will promote healthy scratching habits for all cats. Together with your purchase, you will also get 3g of catnip and one catnip toy which will convince your pet to spend more time playing with your new purchase. The sisal material has an odd smell to it and some cats can be repelled by it, though there are very few reports of this happening. All in all, this is a great purchase for active cats and the inclusion of a pack of catnip and a toy will give your pal even more ways to have fun. The most praised feature of this model is the curved surface which will allow a more comfortable posture for your cat to scratch and stretch at the same time. The design is reversible so that you get two different configurations and that will increase the longevity of the product. The product is quite expensive and buyers were unhappy that it comes without accessories such as a small sample of catnip. The versatility of this choice makes it very popular among pet parents since it allows them to keep their cat interested in the scratcher for longer. The long scratching mat is made from woven natural sisal and it has a stable backing that will not slide away on your floor while your kitty plays with it. The versatile design allows you to use it as a scratch pad, sleeping pad, cat litter mat or even as a mat door. It is also very durable. As is the case with most scratching pads made from sisal, there is a chemical smell to it and while it is not harmful to pets, it can get on their fur. Cats are very fond of this choice and the use of all-natural and durable materials will ensure that your new pad will last for a long time.
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Also To Consider
7 Best Cat Scratching Pads (Updated Reviews) in 2023
There are many good cat scratching pads available for you to purchase and that can make settling for the right product that more difficult. To make the whole process easier for you, we have showcased only the most popular products that have garnered positive feedback and that stand out thanks to their quality, affordability, and durability.
- 1. Kitty City Crazy Premium Heavy Duty Catnip Sisal Scratch Pad
- 2. 4Claws Curve Scratching Pad
- 3. M&M Natural Sisal Cat Scratching Mat Scratching Post for Cat
- 4. Morezi Cat Scratching Mat Sisal Sofa Shield Pet Furniture Cover
- 5. iPrimio Cat Scratch Ramps Foldable for Travel and Easy Storage
- 6. Cuckoo X Durable Cat Scratcher Thick Sisal Scratching Pad
- 7. Weebo Pets Natural Sisal Cat Scratching Post with Feather Toy
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
1. Kitty City Crazy Premium Heavy Duty Catnip Sisal Scratch Pad
The Kitty City scratching pad will help your cat sharpen and remove the dead outer layer of its claws as well as stretch and flex its body and work off some of its energy. It will provide your furry companion with hours of fun and play while protecting your furniture from claw damage.
It is made from 100% durable natural woven sisal that has a very pleasant texture and it can handle heavy use by even the most aggressive cats. There is a small pack of catnip included with your purchase so that you can sprinkle it inside the back pocket to train your pets to come and scratch at this sisal carpet.
Furthermore, this product also includes a fortune cookie toy that will entertain your cat’s playful needs. As far as size is concerned, this is a very large mat that measures 20” D x 20” W x 1.75” H to let cats of all sizes enjoy playing on it.
This product is a must-have for cat owners since it provides their active pets with an alternative to scratching the furniture and it keeps their stress levels down.
Included with your purchase are two additional accessories, 3g of catnip to make the pad more enticing to your pet, and a cookie toy for it to play and burn off some of its energy.
Customers have praised the simple design and efficiency of this product, and they mentioned it works just as well as a scratching post without taking too much space in your room.
The pad is also very portable since you can simply roll it neatly and take it with you wherever you go, or simply store it in a corner when not in use if you have a small room.
Some customers reported that at first, their cats wanted nothing to do with the scratching pad but sprinkling some catnip inside the back pocket solved this issue.
2. 4Claws Curve Scratching Pad
The unique curved shape of this cat scratching pad will allow your pet to have a more comfortable pose when scratching or just stretching its body after a long nap. It has a 10” surface that is wide enough to accommodate even the larger cats and the modern minimal design will help it blend perfectly in any home.
The pad is reversible which will not only double the longevity of the product seeing as cats will have two sides to scratch but it can also double down as a comfortable napping pad for your furry companion. If you want to get more value out of your purchase there is also the option of buying a set of two scratching pads for cats for a more affordable price.
The pad itself is made with premium pressed cardboard, which is a dense and durable material. You also get the benefit of a product that is made of 100% recyclable materials.
The two-in-one design provides extra stimulation for your cats and will increase the longevity of the product when compared to standard scratching pads.
It is made of eco-friendly, recycled and recyclable cardboard that is all bound together with non-toxic glue so that you can feel confident knowing that the unit is 100% safe for your kitty.
The product will naturally attract cats and the curved shape makes it easier for them to scratch with their claws.
Because the product is made from cardboard there is no unpleasant smell that is usually associated with products that use fabrics or synthetic materials.
The contemporary design will add style to your home and you will be able to place it in any room without distracting away from your décor.
As with all accessories for cats, real-life results can vary considerably from pet to pet and we found a few customers who said that their cats did not want to use this scratcher.
3. M&M Natural Sisal Cat Scratching Mat Scratching Post for Cat
This product is one of the largest on our list and it comes in a square shape that measures 23.6” in length by 23.6” in width. It is made of durable sisal which is a material well known for its durability and the texture that will naturally attract cats and make them more willing to test the sharpness of their claws on it.
The backing of the pad is designed from non-woven fabrics and non-slip epoxy latex so that you can safely place it on slippery surfaces such as a wooden floor without having to worry that your cat will drag it all over the house.
It is made to work wonderfully with catnip since you can sprinkle a bit on its surface to train your cats to sharpen their claws on this new scratching pad. It is also very easy to keep clean and the manufacturer has included in-depth instructions on how to clean it the right way.
This versatile product can be used not only as a cat scratching pad but also as a sleeping area or as a cat litter mat.
Customers are very impressed with the quality and durability of this option which is far superior to most of the other products on the market.
The mat is very stable even when placed on slippery surfaces and will not deform if it is stepped on like cardboard options do, allowing it to keep its shape for longer.
Cleaning the pad is as simple as it gets – you can either vacuum it or take it outside and shake the dust and debris off with your hands.
The scratcher pad will also keep the fun going since it can provide your furry pal with countless hours of play.
There is a faint chemical odor that customers have reported and while it does go away with time, it can be distracting during the first few days of use.
4. Morezi Cat Scratching Mat Sisal Sofa Shield Pet Furniture Cover
If you’re looking for cat scratch pads for couch that can keep your furniture protected, then this model is exactly what you need since it will attract your pet’s attention away from your sofa to protect it against scratches. The sisal fabric is very durable and the dark gray fabric half will allow this scratching shield to fit perfectly into the design of your furniture.
It only takes a few steps to install this model and it is a perfect gift for your cat since the texture it offers is far more pleasant and attractive to it than the furniture in your home. Furthermore, it can resist pressure and the sharp claws of your cat won’t cut through it.
The sisal material is also 100% natural and unlike synthetic fabrics it does not contain chemicals that could be harmful to your pet. The total size of the product is 51.2” by 17.7” and the sisal scratching area measures 17.7” by 19.7”.
Pet parents who have trouble training their cats to stop scratching their expensive furniture will find this cat scratch pad for sofa very useful.
The design features a high-quality sisal zone and linen which allows it to go well with all the furniture in your home so that the product does not distract from the overall design of your décor.
It is very easy to keep clean since all that you need to do is flush it with water and then leave it to dry in the shade since the fabrics don’t need a lot of sun exposure.
Durability is another big focus for this product and the seller offers a 12 months warranty and a 60 days money-back guarantee period if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
The mat may have a faint smell coming from the sisal fabrics but it is not toxic and it will go away as soon as you wash it.
5. iPrimio Cat Scratch Ramps Foldable for Travel and Easy Storage
The design of this choice transforms it into a versatile toy for cats since they will be able to use it to climb, rub, scratch, or play hide and seek. It is made of high-quality corrugated cardboard capable of handling even the most active pets and the manufacturer claims that it can last two to three times longer than the thinner and cheaper versions.
When placed upright near a wall, the product can also serve as an alternative to cat scratch pads for walls. In fact, you are free to explore all kinds of configurations with this option and make the best out of the space you have available in any room.
You can save your furniture and all your other prized household items by directing the energy of your cats to this scratcher especially since you can make it even more enticing when combined with the included catnip that will attract all felines to the ramp.
The scratching ramp features a foldable design so that you can take it with you when you are traveling and it makes it compact enough to store in a drawer, under the bed or other small places.
It comes with one package of catnip to make it easier for new customers to train their cats and make them more willing to begin scratching at the pad.
The sleek design allows it to be used for a variety of activities and the main material is recycled and recyclable corrugated cardboard that is eco-friendly and extremely durable.
The shape of the ramp will allow your cat to stretch vertically which is very important for territorial marking and for toning muscles.
The pack includes two cat claws scratching pads that you can combine to create a bigger scratching area.
Customers were unsatisfied with the size of this product because it is too small for large breeds such as Maine Coon cats.
6. Cuckoo X Durable Cat Scratcher Thick Sisal Scratching Pad
Durability is very important when purchasing a cat scratcher and this model is made of high-quality and natural sisal and it has a thick layer which allows it to last for a longer period. The manufacturer mentions that during the testing phases the product was capable of handling 180 days of intense usage.
Unlike cardboard, this option will not leave any paper scraps after your cat is done grinding its claws. It can also be used as a sleeping mat because the thick sisal layer is also very comfortable for your pet since its rough yet comfortable texture is perfect for them to sleep on.
You may smell a faint natural sisal odor when opening the package for the first time but there is no need to get alarmed since this is completely normal. The odor is harmless and it will go away if you place the unit in a ventilated area for a few days.
The product features three layers of anti-skid material and a little bump bottom design so that it will stay fixed in its position even when placed on a slippery surface.
It has multiple functions and it can be used to replace the surface on a scratching post or cover a sofa or any other piece of furniture in your home that you wish to protect against scratches.
This alternative is heavier and more durable than the other cat scratch pads on the market and it can handle months of constant abuse from your pet.
The sisal surface is flame retardant which means that you can also leave it outside during the summer as long as you keep it away from the elements.
The main complaint is that the package does not include catnip which means you will need to purchase it separately if your cat does not care for the scratching pad at first.
7. Weebo Pets Natural Sisal Cat Scratching Post with Feather Toy
This is a dense and claw resistant scratching mat that is made of 100% natural sisal that is woven tightly to provide scratching satisfaction to your pet and to reduce wear and tear. Furthermore, the sisal fabric will prevent static electricity and can provide excellent pressure resistance.
On the edges, the mat features a tough cotton weave that will prevent fraying so that even if the sisal material begins to get some damaged patches, the overall product will remain presentable. The mat comes in a square shape and has a size of 20” by 20”.
The backing sees the use of epoxy latex which is designed to prevent the product from slipping if placed on non-carpeted surfaces. Thus, it is safer for the owner as well since you won’t have to worry that you will slip if you step on it accidentally. Furthermore, since it will stay fixed, cats will get a more satisfying scratching experience.
The scratching pad is made of natural sisal fiber and it does not contain any chemical additives or other substances that could be harmful to pets or humans.
The underside is made of non-slip latex which will keep the position of the product unchanged while in use and it can even handle the weight of the pet parent.
You can use it however you see fit since apart from its primary purpose the unit can also serve the role of a nest mat or a doormat.
Cleaning the product is very easy and the manufacturer has a list of instructions in the product description with all the steps you will need to follow.
The scratching surface is large enough to accommodate even the larger cat breeds while giving them enough room to stretch comfortably.
Not all cats like to use the pad but customers can solve this issue quickly by sprinkling some catnip on it.
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Finding the ideal cat scratching pad can be a costly and confusing task that requires a lot of research and time. We want to make the entire process easier for you, which is why we have compiled an in-depth buyer’s guide to help you find the right product for you and your furry companion. Take a quick look below if you have the time.
Durability and material
The first thing to consider when purchasing a scratching pad for your cat is its durability since this product will have to handle the sharp claws of your feline on a daily basis. The difference between a quality product and one that is cheap and poorly built lies mostly in the durability that it can offer.
While it is true that due to the constant scratching that these products can receive their lifespan is reduced considerably, this does not mean that a cat scratching pad should only last a month. The best options on the market are designed to be used for half a year and some even for more depending on how often and how aggressively your cat scratches and stretches.
The primary aspect that will dictate the durability of this type of product is the material that is used for the scratching surface. There are two main types that most manufacturers use and these are sisal and corrugated cardboard.
If you are in the market for a cheap option, corrugated cardboard is a good material to choose. It is fairly durable and it is made from materials that are 100% recycled and recyclable. You will need to be ready to vacuum the room more often because products covered in corrugated cardboard will shed a lot of tiny paper particles that if left uncleaned can get out of control.
While inspecting the numerous cat scratching pad reviews available on the internet, we have found that the vast majority of customers tend to go for a sisal product since it has a texture that is more satisfying for cats to scratch and it won’t cause as big of a mess in your house as cardboard.
The main disadvantage of sisal is its price tag and the fact that many products arrive with a chemical smell that will fade away with time but that can be annoying for the first few days.
Keep your furniture safe
Cats can be stubborn animals and once they’ve gotten used to using your couch as their favorite scratching area it can be difficult to make them switch to your newly purchased scratching pad. This is why many manufacturers include a package of catnip with their product to help new buyers get their cat familiar with this new toy and make them more willing to try it.
If your product does not come with catnip included, you can still purchase it from your favorite pet shop. Furthermore, some products come with special pouches on the back to hide the catnip away from the pet so as not to create a mess.
Additionally, you can consider getting a scratchpad for your sofa. This type of scratcher will wrap around the arm of your sofa to protect it from the sharp claws of your cat. If you do get this type of product you will need to ensure it is thick and wide enough to properly protect the sensitive surfaces of your furniture.
Variety is important
Cats can get bored very easily and when purchasing a scratching pad for your cat you will need to try and choose the product from your pet’s point of view. It may sound difficult, but in truth, it is very simple. You just need to keep in mind that your furry pal is not interested only in having its claws sharpened but also in having fun.
Furthermore, you can’t purchase one scratching pad and call it a day, you will also need to get a pod and angled scratchers so that the cat can stretch more of its muscles. Being able to scratch and stretch in more positions is not only entertaining for the kitty but it also comes with many health benefits.
Once you have found a product or a brand that your pet agrees with, it is not a bad idea to purchase additional scratchers and dot them around the house. Getting an angle scratcher, some pads and a cat scratch pad for door will keep your pet entertained since it will have a place to stretch and scratch in every room. This will also help satisfy its curiosity and keep it away from your furniture.
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