9 Best Scratching Pad for Cats (November 2026)
The best cat scratching pads for indoor cats include the Kitty City XL 3-Pack Cat Scratcher Pads for everyday furniture protection, the SMARTBEAN Cardboard Scratcher Pad Scratching Post for scratching and lounging, and the FUKUMARU 2 Packs Cat Scratching Mat for natural sisal.
On this page (5 sections)
The best scratching pad for cats is the Kitty City XL 3-Pack for most indoor homes. Its 10 x 18 inch double-sided cardboard pads work alone or as refills for select Kitty City furniture.
Cardboard suits many cats because the texture is familiar and easy to move. A flat pad can sit beside a sofa arm or near a bed, and you can flip it when one side thins.
Sisal mats suit cats that prefer a broad woven surface with less debris. They are usually fixed in place, so they are harder to swap once your cat settles on them.
A multi-pack adds placement flexibility for scratching pads near sofas, beds and doorways. Place a scratcher where your cat already goes rather than in a distant corner.
Size changes daily use, since a wider pad allows a full stretch while a slim pad fits tight gaps. Measure the space first and consider how much room your cat likes for scratching and turning.
If you need a larger surface, compare our guide to the best large cat scratching pad. For climbing plus scratching, see our cat tree scratching post guide.
Cardboard sheds small pieces as it wears, so vacuum every few days to keep floors tidy. Sisal needs less sweeping but still collects fur and dust.
Choose the texture, space and routine that fit your home. Place the pad within easy reach of the furniture you want to protect.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for everyday furniture protectionKitty City XL 3-Pack Cat Scratcher Pads
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for scratching and loungingSMARTBEAN Cardboard Scratcher Pad Scratching Post
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Best for multiple scratching spotsCheck it - 5
Check itKIDDING PETS 5 Packs in 1 Cat Scratch
Best for a larger scratcher box - 6
Check itengelalike 5 Packs cat Scratcher Toys Reversible
Best for spreading across rooms - 7
Check itPEEKAB Cat Scratcher Cardboard Reversible Cat Scratch
Best for smaller cats and kittens - 8
Best for low-mess sisal useCheck it - 9
Check itengelalike 8 Packs cat Scratch pad Toys
Best for the largest refill bundle
The best scratching pad for cats by use
The best scratching pad for cats depends on your preferred material, available floor space and whether the pad needs to double as a lounge. We compared the stated dimensions, materials, pack sizes and placement options against everyday indoor use.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Material | Pad size | Pack | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitty City XL 3-Pack Cat Scratcher Pads | everyday furniture protection | Recycled corrugated cardboard | 10 x 18 x 1.5 in | 3 pads | 9.7 |
| SMARTBEAN Cardboard Scratcher Pad Scratching Post | scratching and lounging | High-density corrugated cardboard | 16.73 x 8.07 x 1.26 in | 3 pads | 9.6 |
| FUKUMARU 2 Packs Cat Scratching Mat | natural sisal | Natural sisal | 2 mats | 9.5 | |
| AGYM Cat Scratcher | multiple scratching spots | Corrugated cardboard | 16 x 9.6 x 1 in | 5 pads and paper box | 9.4 |
| KIDDING PETS 5 Packs in 1 Cat Scratch | a larger scratcher box | Recyclable corrugated cardboard | 5 reversible pads | 9.1 | |
| engelalike 5 Packs cat Scratcher Toys Reversible | spreading across rooms | Recyclable corrugated paper | 16.73 x 7.87 x 0.91 in | 5 pads | 8.9 |
| PEEKAB Cat Scratcher Cardboard Reversible Cat Scratch | smaller cats and kittens | Recyclable corrugated cardboard | 8.6 | ||
| Conlun Cat Scratcher Mat | low-mess sisal use | Natural sisal | 8.4 | ||
| engelalike 8 Packs cat Scratch pad Toys | the largest refill bundle | Recyclable corrugated paper | 16.87 x 7.83 x 0.91 in | 8 pads | 8.1 |
Best cardboard scratching pad for cats: Kitty City XL 3-Pack
Kitty City XL 3-Pack Cat Scratcher Pads: Best for everyday furniture protection
- 3 pads
- 10 x 18 in each
- Double-sided corrugated cardboard
- Fits select Kitty City furniture
Three double-sided cardboard pads give indoor cats a replaceable scratching surface. Use them alone or inside select Kitty City furniture.
Pros
- Double-sided design
- 3-pack refill format
- Standalone or furniture use
Cons
- Furniture fit is limited to select Kitty City pieces
- Cardboard creates loose scraps as it wears
Kitty City is the best all-around choice when you want replaceable cardboard pads for everyday indoor scratching. Each pad measures 10 x 18 x 1.5 inches, giving cats a broad surface for horizontal scratching.
That size suits most adult cats, because they can stretch their front legs and lean into the pad without feeling cramped.
The pack includes 3 double-sided recycled corrugated cardboard pads. Flip a pad when one side wears down, then recycle it when both sides are no longer useful.
Reversing the pad roughly doubles the time before you need a replacement, which is handy in a busy home.
The pads work alone or fit inside select Kitty City furniture. That makes this set useful when you already have compatible furniture and want matching refills, but measure your existing piece before ordering.
If you do not have that furniture, the pads still work fine as flat scratchers on the floor.
The lightweight pads are easy to move between rooms. Put one near a sofa, chair or sleeping area so your cat has a clear alternative to household furniture.
Moving a pad closer to a worn sofa corner often helps more than moving your cat to a new spot.
Cardboard does create loose scraps as it wears, so expect to vacuum around the pad now and then. Keep the pads dry, because damp cardboard softens faster and loses its scratching texture.
Turn each pad over before the surface is fully worn, and you will get more use from every pack.
Best cardboard pad for scratching and lounging: SMARTBEAN
SMARTBEAN Cardboard Scratcher Pad Scratching Post: Best for scratching and lounging
- 3 pads
- 16.73 x 8.07 in
- Reversible cardboard
- Lounge-shaped design
SMARTBEAN combines a reversible cardboard scratching surface with a lounge-shaped form. It suits indoor cats that scratch and rest in the same spot.
Pros
- Reversible design
- Lounge use
- 3-pad pack
Cons
- Narrower than the largest pads here
- Cardboard scraps need regular cleanup
SMARTBEAN suits cats that want to scratch and rest on the same surface. Its lounge-shaped cardboard pads measure 16.73 x 8.07 x 1.26 inches, giving them a slimmer footprint than the largest mats here.
The shape gives a cat a defined spot in the room, rather than a plain pad that blends into the floor.
The pack includes 3 high-density corrugated cardboard pads with a reversible design. Use the fresh side after the first side wears down, which can extend the useful life of each pad.
High density cardboard usually holds up better under daily scratching, though it will still shed small pieces over time.
The shape works well beside a sofa or under a small table. It can also give a cat a defined resting spot, although cats that prefer wide surfaces may do better with a larger mat.
Small and medium cats often settle happily on this footprint, while big stretchers may want more length.
SMARTBEAN is a practical pick for homes where furniture protection and a place to lounge need to come from the same item. Place it where your cat already rests, and the scratching surface becomes part of an existing habit.
Vacuum around the edges regularly to keep cardboard pieces from spreading across nearby carpet.
Best natural mat for cat scratching: FUKUMARU
FUKUMARU 2 Packs Cat Scratching Mat: Best for natural sisal
- 2 mats
- 23.6 x 15.7 in
- Natural sisal
- Floor, wall, furniture or door installation
Two large sisal mats offer a cardboard-free option for indoor scratching. The mats can serve as scratch pads, play mats, sleeping areas or litter mats.
Pros
- Large surface
- Natural sisal
- Multiple placement options
Cons
- Installation requires choosing tape or screws
- Some cats may prefer cardboard
FUKUMARU is the strongest choice when you want natural sisal and a large surface. Each mat measures 23.6 x 15.7 x 1.97 inches, and the 2-pack gives you two areas to place around the home.
The wide surface suits cats that like to stretch out fully while they scratch.
The mats can go on the floor, wall, furniture or door using the included tapes or screws. Use floor placement for horizontal scratching, or choose a vertical position if your cat stretches upward while scratching.
Floor use is simplest, but wall use can save space in a small room.
FUKUMARU also describes the mats as play mats, sleeping areas and litter mats. That wider use can help in a small home, but the primary buying decision should be whether your cat likes sisal.
Some cats take to woven sisal at once, while others still prefer cardboard texture.
To introduce the mat, the brand suggests a toy or catnip. Vacuum or shake out loose fur, and wipe the surface with a damp cloth for simple care.
Check the fixing method before you attach anything to painted walls or furniture, because tape and screws suit different surfaces. With two mats, you can test floor and wall placement without committing the whole room to one spot.
Best multi-room cardboard set: AGYM
AGYM Cat Scratcher: Best for multiple scratching spots
- 5 pads and a paper box
- 16 x 9.6 in pads
- Double-sided cardboard
- Multiple placement options
The five-pad set lets you place scratching surfaces in more than one corner. The included paper box adds another arrangement for scratching and play.
Pros
- 5 pads
- Included paper box
- Two-sided use
Cons
- Larger package footprint
- Wall placement needs double-sided tape
AGYM is useful when one scratching pad is not enough to cover the furniture areas your cat targets. The set has 5 corrugated cardboard pads and a paper box, with each pad measuring 16 x 9.6 x 1 inch.
Five pads give you options, so you can place one near each favorite scratching spot.
Both sides of each pad can be scratched. Place pads in different corners, or use the paper box as another scratching and play arrangement.
The box adds a change of shape, which can interest cats that tire of flat pads.
The pads can also be fixed to a wall with double-sided tape. Choose a stable location and check the surface before attaching anything, especially if you rent or have delicate paint.
Wall placement works best where your cat already scratches upright, rather than in a random empty spot.
This set suits homes that want several cardboard scratching points without choosing a full cat tree. It takes more storage space than a 3-pack, but the extra pads make replacements easier.
Keep spare pads dry and flat, and flip each one before the surface is done. A quick vacuum around each pad keeps cardboard scraps from collecting in corners.
Best larger scratcher box: KIDDING PETS
KIDDING PETS 5 Packs in 1 Cat Scratch: Best for a larger scratcher box
- 5 reversible pads
- 17.3 x 10 x 5.9 in
- 10 bags of catnip
- Box for rest and play
This larger box combines five reversible pads with space for scratching, resting and hiding. Ten bags of catnip are included for introducing the scratcher.
Pros
- Larger box format
- 5 reversible pads
- Catnip included
Cons
- Takes more space than a flat pad
- The box is less flexible for narrow areas
KIDDING PETS combines a larger box with 5 reversible corrugated cardboard pads. The overall size is 17.3 x 10 x 5.9 inches, so it needs more room than a flat replacement pad.
The raised box gives scratching, resting and hiding in one footprint.
The box gives cats a place to scratch, rest and hide. Ten bags of catnip are included to help introduce the scratcher, although some cats may respond better to a toy or a familiar sleeping blanket nearby.
A blanket can make the box feel safe from the start.
The recyclable cardboard is suitable for indoor homes that want a contained scratcher format. Reversibility lets you turn the pads over as the first side wears down.
That design keeps the box in use longer before you need to replace the inner pads.
Choose it when your cat likes enclosed or raised arrangements. Pick a flat pad instead if you need to slide the scratcher under furniture or place it beside a narrow walkway.
Measure the floor area first, because a box scratcher is less flexible in tight halls or small bedrooms.
Best slim 5-pack: engelalike
engelalike 5 Packs cat Scratcher Toys Reversible: Best for spreading across rooms
- 5 pads
- 16.73 x 7.87 in
- Recyclable corrugated paper
- Double-sided use
Five slim reversible pads work well when you want a scratching surface near several furniture areas. Their narrow shape is easier to place beside sofas, beds or tables.
Pros
- 5 pads
- Slim format
- Double-sided use
Cons
- Narrower surface
- No box or frame included
The engelalike 5-pack works well when you want to spread scratching surfaces across several rooms. Each pad measures 16.73 x 7.87 x 0.91 inches, making it one of the slimmer options here.
The low profile makes it easy to tuck beside a sofa, bed or table.
The pads use recyclable corrugated paper and are reversible. Five pads give you more flexibility than a single scratcher, especially if your cat scratches near both sleeping areas and furniture.
You can keep a spare in a cupboard and swap it in when the current surface wears.
The narrow shape may be less comfortable for cats that stretch across a broad surface. Measure the spot you have in mind, then choose this set when the slim footprint is useful.
It is a good fit for gaps that a wider pad cannot fill.
The brand mentions catnip as an aid for introducing the scratcher. Place the pad where your cat already scratches instead of expecting a distant new location to work immediately.
Keep the pads dry and turn them over when one side thins. Regular vacuuming around the pads will keep loose cardboard pieces under control.
Best scratching pad for kittens and smaller cats: PEEKAB
PEEKAB Cat Scratcher Cardboard Reversible Cat Scratch: Best for smaller cats and kittens
- Reversible cardboard
- Raised outer frame
- Lounge and bed use
- Organic catnip included
PEEKAB adds a raised outer frame around a reversible cardboard pad. Its stated size and design make it a better match for kittens or smaller cats.
Pros
- Reversible surface
- Raised frame helps contain scraps
- Catnip included
Cons
- Designed for smaller cats
- Takes more vertical space than a flat pad
PEEKAB is designed for kittens or smaller cats and adds a raised outer frame around a reversible cardboard pad. The overall dimensions are 17.7 x 7.2 x 5.5 inches.
The frame gives the pad a finished shape, so it reads as a small bed as well as a scratcher.
The frame helps keep some cardboard scraps and catnip contained, while the reversible surface gives both sides a chance to wear. It also serves as a lounging or resting spot.
That raised edge can make the pad feel like a safe nest for a shy kitten.
Organic catnip is included for introduction. Use it sparingly and watch how your cat responds, since individual preferences vary.
A small pinch at first is often enough to draw attention to the surface.
This is a better match for a smaller cat than a large, heavy scratcher mat. For a full-size cat, check the usable surface and consider the wider Kitty City, FUKUMARU or Conlun options first.
Kittens may outgrow the frame quickly, so think about how long you want the scratcher to last. Vacuum inside the frame now and then to remove collected scraps.
Best low-mess sisal mat: Conlun
Conlun Cat Scratcher Mat: Best for low-mess sisal use
- 15.7 x 23.6 in
- Natural sisal
- Anti-slip latex bottom
- Hook-and-loop fasteners
The Conlun mat gives indoor cats a broad horizontal sisal surface without cardboard confetti. Its anti-slip bottom and fasteners help keep it in place.
Pros
- No cardboard scraps
- Large surface
- Vacuum or damp-cloth care
Cons
- Adhesive is not recommended for delicate carpets or leather sofas
- Single mat
Conlun is the best fit when you want sisal without the loose paper pieces common with cardboard. The mat measures 15.7 x 23.6 inches and uses natural sisal with an anti-slip latex bottom.
The broad surface gives cats room to stretch, play and scratch in one place.
Hook-and-loop fasteners on the back allow attachment to smooth floors or furniture sides. The mat can also be used as a wall scratcher, play mat or couch protector.
That flexibility helps in homes where floor space is limited, as long as the surface suits the fasteners.
Care is simple: vacuum pet hair and dust, or wipe the mat with a damp cloth. The anti-slip bottom helps during scratching, but check the intended surface before attaching it.
A quick shake outdoors can also remove loose fur between vacuums.
Conlun specifically advises against adhesive attachment on delicate carpets, loop-pile rugs or leather sofas. That limitation matters if your main goal is protecting a fragile surface.
Test the fasteners on a hidden area first, and choose floor placement when you are unsure. Sisal will still wear with heavy daily use, but it avoids the cardboard confetti that some owners dislike.
Best 8-pack refill bundle: engelalike
engelalike 8 Packs cat Scratch pad Toys: Best for the largest refill bundle
- 8 pads
- 16.73 x 7.87 in
- Recyclable corrugated paper
- Double-sided use
Eight reversible cardboard pads make this the largest refill bundle here. It suits homes that want to replace worn pads while keeping several scratching areas active.
Pros
- 8 pads
- Double-sided design
- Slim refill format
Cons
- Narrow pad shape
- No frame or box included
The 8-pack engelalike set is for homes that want the most replacement pads in one bundle. Each reversible corrugated-paper pad measures 16.87 x 7.83 x 0.91 inches.
The slim shape fits beside sofas, tables and beds without taking much floor space.
Use the pads front and back to extend each one before replacing it. Their slim format works beside sofas, tables and beds, especially when you want several scratching areas without adding a box or frame.
Eight pads let you rotate surfaces as they wear, rather than waiting for one pad to fail.
The pack does not include a separate structure, so place each pad on a stable, suitable surface. If your cat pushes flat pads around, a framed or boxed option may be easier to manage.
A rug or mat under the pad can help stop sliding on hard floors.
Choose this set for multiple rooms, a multicat home or frequent replacement needs. Choose FUKUMARU or Conlun if you want a sisal surface instead.
Store spare pads flat and dry, and vacuum around each scratching spot to keep cardboard scraps tidy.
How should you choose cat scratching pads for indoor cats?
Choose cat scratching pads for indoor cats by surface preference, size, stability and cleanup. Cardboard is light and replaceable, while sisal is broader and creates less paper debris.
Your cat will show a preference, often within the first day.
A horizontal pad is a simple starting point for cats that scratch floors, rugs or furniture fronts. It gives a natural place to stretch forward and dig in with front paws.
Our guide to the best horizontal cat scratcher covers that format in more detail.
For cats that prefer a rough woven surface, see our best horizontal cat scratcher sisal guide. Sisal suits cats that like a firm, fibrous feel and avoids small cardboard pieces.
Measure first, especially for a 23.6 inch mat or a box-style scratcher.
Stability matters, since a pad that slides under pressure quickly loses interest. Check the floor type and choose a backing or fixing method that suits it.
Hard floors often need an anti-slip layer, while carpet may hold a pad on its own.
Place the scratcher near a sleeping spot or a worn sofa corner, not in a quiet hallway. Placement near an existing habit makes the new surface part of the daily routine.
Cleanup should fit your week. Cardboard needs regular vacuuming as it wears, while sisal usually needs less frequent shaking or wiping.
A pad that holds up between cleanings may suit frequent travellers better.
Pack size is a practical choice, since a 3-pack suits one cat in one room and a 5 or 8 pack helps spread scratching spots out. Extra pads also give spares for flipping or replacing a worn surface without a gap.
Box and frame designs add resting space that can help shy cats feel safe. Flat pads are more flexible for narrow gaps and saving floor space.
Choose the shape that matches how your cat uses the room.
Give a new scratcher time to work. Use a toy to invite play nearby and keep the pad in the same spot for a week or more.
Should a scratching pad be cardboard or sisal?
Cardboard is better when you want a light pad that can be flipped, moved or replaced. Kitty City, SMARTBEAN, AGYM, KIDDING PETS, engelalike and PEEKAB use cardboard or corrugated paper formats.
The texture is familiar to many cats, and flat pads are easy to carry between rooms.
Cardboard also offers a low cost way to test placement. You can move a pad closer to a sofa corner, flip it when one side wears, and recycle it when both sides are done.
The downside is loose scraps, so plan on regular vacuuming.
Sisal is better for a large surface with simple vacuum or damp-cloth care. FUKUMARU and Conlun are the two sisal options here.
Woven sisal feels firmer underfoot and does not shed paper pieces.
Sisal mats can go on floors, walls or furniture sides, depending on the fixing method. That helps in small homes where a flat pad would use valuable floor space.
The trade off is that sisal is usually heavier and harder to reposition once attached.
Your cat's response matters most. If your cat ignores one texture, place a different texture beside the target furniture rather than removing every scratcher at once.
Cats often need a few days to explore a new surface.
Size and shape should follow the texture choice. A large sisal mat suits a cat that stretches fully, while a slim cardboard pad fits a gap beside a bed.
Measure the space first.
Cleanup habits should guide the final decision. Choose cardboard if you do not mind sweeping small pieces, and sisal if you prefer less debris.
How do you place and care for a cat scratching pad?
Place the pad near a sleeping area, sofa corner or doorway your cat already uses. Cats tend to scratch where they wake up, play and already leave marks, so an easy to reach scratcher is more likely to join the daily routine.
Watch your cat for a day or two and note the furniture corners, rug edges and door frames that get attention. A pad placed beside one of those spots offers a clear alternative.
Keep cardboard pads dry and flip reversible pads when one side wears. Recycle them when the surface no longer gives a useful scratching texture, and keep pads away from water bowls and humid corners.
Vacuum or shake sisal mats to remove fur and dust. For adhesive-backed options, check the surface guidance before attaching to painted walls, delicate rugs or leather, and test on a hidden area first.
Introduce the pad with a toy or a small amount of catnip, then let your cat explore at their own pace. Avoid forcing paws onto the surface, since calm play nearby usually works better.
Check every few days for sliding, peeling or heavy wear. Move the pad a little closer to the target furniture if your cat still prefers the old spot.
If your cat also climbs, compare these pads with the best small cat trees for indoor cats. For a wood-focused setup, see our best natural wood cat tree guide.
Flip reversible pads before they are fully worn and keep spares flat and dry. That routine extends each pad's life while keeping the surface inviting.
Which scratching pad should you buy?
Pick Kitty City for the best balance of size, replaceability and double-sided cardboard use. Choose FUKUMARU for a large natural sisal mat, SMARTBEAN for scratching plus lounging, or KIDDING PETS for a larger box with reversible pads.
Choose Conlun when low-mess sisal care matters most. Its broad mat avoids cardboard scraps, and the anti-slip backing helps during daily scratching.
Check the surface guidance before attaching it to furniture or walls.
For multiple rooms, AGYM and the engelalike packs give several pads to spread around the home. That approach works when your cat scratches near more than one sofa, bed or chair.
For a kitten or smaller cat, PEEKAB adds a raised frame and a compact resting shape. The frame helps contain scraps and catnip, while larger cats may need a wider surface.
For a lounge-style scratcher, see our best cat scratcher lounger guide, or compare the best cat scratcher lounger for large cats for more room. A lounger suits cats that scratch and nap in the same spot.
Before you buy, measure the floor space and think about cleanup. Cardboard needs more frequent vacuuming, while sisal usually needs less sweeping and simple wiping.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for everyday furniture protection
Kitty City XL 3-Pack Cat Scratcher Pads
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for scratching and lounging
SMARTBEAN Cardboard Scratcher Pad Scratching Post
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What is the best scratching pad for cats?
The best scratching pad for cats depends on the surface and placement your cat prefers. Kitty City is the strongest general choice because it has three 10 x 18 inch double-sided cardboard pads.
Choose FUKUMARU or Conlun when you want natural sisal instead of cardboard.
Are cardboard scratching pads good for indoor cats?
Yes, cardboard scratching pads give indoor cats a dedicated place to scratch, stretch and maintain their claws. Reversible pads can last longer because you can use both sides.
Place one near furniture your cat already targets, and replace it when the surface is worn.
Is sisal or cardboard better for a cat scratching pad?
Cardboard is often easier to move and replace, while sisal creates less loose debris and can be wiped or vacuumed. FUKUMARU and Conlun use natural sisal.
The best choice is the surface your cat uses consistently and the cleanup level you can manage.
How do you get a cat to use a scratching pad?
Place the pad near a favorite sleeping area or furniture target, then guide your cat toward it with a toy or catnip. FUKUMARU, AGYM and PEEKAB mention catnip as an introduction aid.
Avoid forcing your cat's paws onto the surface.
