Could a cardboard scratcher look artistically pleasing in your home, be amusing for your cat and also last a little longer?
We think our horizontal cardboard cat scratchers can. We will take you through the characteristics of cardboard, explain more about our products and give you some ideas about cat’s natural behaviour in connection to their love affair with paper.
It is no secret that cats have a serious love for paper. Paper and cardboard provide stimulation as it meets the insatiable need to crunch, shred and tear with their claws or teeth. It is also said to help regulate their body heat, yet another reason for them to love paper.
Certainly, ripping up paper or rubbing on boxes is more than just fun. Cats rub on objects (your leg, furniture, boxes or their cat trees) in order to release a chemical substance called pheromones. This is for the purpose of claiming it as their territory. It can be said that when you see your cat rubbing on the book you’re reading or on the box he/she is currently inhabiting, he/she is making sure that any other pets or people know this is his/her box or you are his/her human. Understanding cat behaviour makes us believe that every single, especially indoor, cat needs a cardboard scratcher.
If you look for corrugated cardboard scratchers for your cat, most likely you will find them described as high-density, but what does it mean?
Are they more durable than a regular shipping box your cat will shred in no time?
Corrugated cardboard is a sturdy packaging material mostly made from three layers of Kraft paper. Thanks to the three-layer structure, corrugated cardboard is much stronger than regular cardboard.
Next in line is how thick these papers are, as it’s evident that the paper thickness has a significant impact on the strength of the cardboard.
There are a number of different thicknesses of corrugated cardboard made depending on the purpose of the use. Standardised sizes for fluting range from E (very fine) right through to A or B flute, which is thicker and usually suited to heavy-duty packaging (Note: Flute sizing isn’t sequential. C flute is thicker than B flute, but E flute is thinner than C. A flute is thicker than C, etc.).
Flutes are the ‘wavy’ part of the cardboard. It’s the fluting that is also a significant contributor to the weight and, consequently, the cost of the cardboard.
By changing the corrugation’s height and, therefore, the flutes’ size, the cardboard takes on entirely new properties. Shortly explained, the main difference is that they vary in crush and puncture resistance. With everything you’ve just learned, you can now see that the cardboard in our products are selected based on the better durability to offer a little longer lasting experience for your cat and hopefully for your wallet, too.
We have a few different options for you to consider. All options can be used as a scratching pad, a lounge, or both.
Orbit Cardboard Cat Scratcher Lounge
We’re introducing our largest cardboard scratcher which is most likely the largest corrugated cardboard cat scratcher available in Australia. We named it ‘Orbit Cardboard Scratcher Lounge’. It is slightly larger than our Orbit Cat Lounge made of plywood and carpet. We hold only limited stock and this product might not be restocked once sold out so if you fancy something a little different, huge in size and extra durable for your cat to hide, scratch and play with, this might be an option to consider. It offers your cat an enjoyment of two levels and it’s also double sided for a longer time to enjoy. It’s made of double wall board (6mm) BC flute. This type of corrugated cardboard is used for heavy products and products that require an extra level of protection so it’s a tough one and it will take longer for your cat to destroy it.
Plywood & Cardboard Cat Scratcher Couch
Built on a plywood base which is made to last. It’s generous in size and is suitable even for large cats. It will look fun in your home, the shape and texture will be appealing to your cat. After all, it’s a cat size couch with curved rests for their heads and paws for all cheeky fur balls. It is made of heavy duty double board C flute (4mm) which is generally used for packaging furniture and glass products. You will need to replace the cardboard insert once it’s ready for a new one. The only downside to this design is that the insert isn’t double sided, however you could still use the worn insert in a catio/covered balcony or a place where you don’t mind it upside down. Your cat will enjoy it until there is no life left in it.
Lollipop Cardboard Scratcher
Round shaped minimalist and modern cardboard scratcher lounge bed tightly nested in a waterproof ‘base’. The base protects the cardboard from falling out which is the main benefit of the base. It’s 10cm elevated above the ground and the middle is curved creating a shallow bowl like shape for your cat’s comfort. It also has an anti-skid bottom protecting the scratcher from moving on tiles or other smooth surfaces. Replacements come as a set of 3 and are double sided which make it last longer. Lollipop cardboard is made of C flute single board that is rolled around in a spiral inside the base that holds it firmly and tightly in its shape.
Our cardboard scratchers are suitable for cats of all sizes and arrive fully assembled or in one piece so your cat can enjoy it immediately. For adult cats adding a dash of freshly cut or freshly dried catnip will make it extra blissful.
The key for successful introduction is placing a new scratcher near one of your cat’s favourite spots in the house. When cats wake up from their beauty naps, they usually reach out for a good stretch and scratch. Their couch or scratcher will be right there only a paw away!
Do you feel that your cat is aggressive with paper and destroys all cardboard scratchers fast?
The next time you find your companion ripping up paper, keep in mind he/she may simply be bored or restless at that moment. Some cats show their frustration in tangible ways such as shredding or chewing the paper off a wall. When their need for a play or attention goes unnoticed, your cat may choose a more tenacious approach to receiving what he/she desires. Keeping this behaviour under control is best done when you understand the reasons behind their actions.
The next time you find your companion ripping up paper, keep in mind he/she may simply be bored or restless at that moment. Some cats show their frustration in tangible ways such as shredding or chewing the paper off a wall. When their need for a play or attention goes unnoticed, your cat may choose a more tenacious approach to receiving what he/she desires. Keeping this behaviour under control is best done when you understand the reasons behind their actions.
If you find that your little feline is becoming destructive, it is always helpful to invest in toys and set a regular play time for your feline friend. Cats need attention, both mental and physical stimulation just like we do. A set amount of time each day for play and affection can go a long way in reducing this unwanted behaviour.
This behaviour also could be a possible sign for medical issues. There are times when an obsession with paper can go beyond being comical. If you notice your cat excessively shredding or chewing on paper, this may be a red flag that something else is amiss. Talk to your vet as your cat could ingest enough paper to cause internal blockage. Excessive shedding or chewing can also indicate dental problems or nutritional deficiencies that are worth mentioning to your vet as well.
So now we have come to the question:
“How often will I need to replace a cardboard scratcher?”
Unfortunately, there is no universal answer. It will depend on how and how often your cat interacts with the scratcher provided. There are many factors that influence how fast your cat will destroy the cardboard and they vary greatly from home to home, situation to situation, cat to cat.
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- It might be helpful to ask yourself:
- Do you run a single or multiple cat household home?
- Would this cardboard scratcher be the main scratching surface for your cat?
- Does your cat prefer cardboard for scratching to other materials?
- Does your cat prefer to scratch horizontally or vertically?
Remember also, as we explained above, that not all corrugated cardboard scratchers are made from the same paper. When your cat abandons her shabby looking scratcher and no longer uses it for scratching it might be the time to replace it.
