DIY toy guide
Angled Cardboard Scratch Wedge
Stack recycled cardboard into a sloped scratcher cats love
Layered strips of corrugated cardboard glued into a wedge give the satisfying horizontal-to-angled scratch surface that saves your sofa arms.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Under £3
🧺 You will need
- Several large corrugated cardboard boxes
- Non-toxic PVA / white craft glue
- A craft knife and metal ruler
- A shallow tray or picture frame as a base (optional)
- Dried catnip to season the finished surface
🔧 How to make it
- Cut the cardboard into strips of equal width (around 8–10 cm), keeping the corrugation running across the short edge so the ridges face up.
- Glue the strips face-to-face in a stack, building up a solid block — work in sections and let each dry.
- Trim one long edge at a shallow angle so the finished block forms a gentle wedge.
- Glue the stack into a tray or frame base for stability, or wrap the bottom edge with tape.
- Rub a little dried catnip into the exposed corrugated edge to attract your cat to it.
- Place it where your cat currently scratches furniture to redirect the habit.
💡 Tips
Position the wedge next to the item you are trying to protect, then gradually move it to a preferred spot once your cat has adopted it. Flip or rotate it as one side wears down to extend its life.
Safety: Use only non-toxic glue and let it cure fully before offering the scratcher. Keep the craft knife well away from your cat during construction.
📝 Notes
Fully recyclable at the end of its life. Expect a few months of use before the top layer needs replacing.