Replace a cardboard cat scratcher when the surface is shredded flat or your cat stops using it. For most cats that's about every 2 months, depending on how much they scratch. With a refillable scratcher you only replace the cardboard insert, not the whole thing.
By George and Rosie, MyCatScratcher.
Quick answer
- How often: about every 2 months for most cats; some take longer.
- Replace it when: the cardboard is worn flat or has deep holes, or your cat goes back to the furniture.
- Don't replace it just because it looks scruffy. A roughed-up surface is one cats like to dig into.
- Refillable scratcher? Swap only the cardboard pad and wipe the frame while it's out.
Signs it's time to replace it
- The cardboard is worn flat or has deep holes.
- Your cat has gone back to scratching furniture.
- It sheds a lot of cardboard bits every day.
- It smells or has been soiled.
A scratcher that just looks shredded on top is usually still doing its job. The Cornell Feline Health Center points out that a ragged, worn scratching post means it's well used, so wait until the surface is flat or your cat loses interest.
What we see at home
We make the Sunny Day Scratcher, and our part-Maine Coon brothers, Leo and Milo, scratch and nap on one every day. In our experience most cats wear a pad down in about 2 months, and some take longer. Rosie is a cat sitter and volunteers at animal shelters, which is why we built the frame to be wiped clean between pads: most scratchers are all cardboard and get thrown out, but only the cardboard actually wears out.
How to swap a refill pad
- Lift the old pad out of the frame. No glue, no tools.
- With the pad out, wipe the frame with a sanitizing wipe or rubbing alcohol.
- Drop the new pad in. It takes about 10 seconds.
- Flatten the old pad and recycle it with your paper, if it's clean.
How to make the cardboard last longer
- Flip or rotate it if the insert is reversible, so wear spreads out.
- Give each cat its own scratcher in multi-cat homes.
- Vacuum shredded bits so the surface stays grippy.
Refillable vs. throwaway scratchers
A throwaway cardboard scratcher goes in the recycling once it's worn out. A refillable scratcher keeps its frame and you swap only the insert, which costs less over time and keeps a nicer-looking scratcher in your home.
Cleaning between refills
With a sanitizable frame, take the cardboard out and wipe the frame with a sanitizing wipe or rubbing alcohol before dropping in a fresh pad. This is especially useful for cat sitters, shelters and multi-cat homes.
For the Sunny Day Scratcher, replacement pads are $10 each, 2 for $18 or 3 for $24, and they ship free with a scratcher order (on their own, orders under $35 ship for $7).
Questions
How often should you replace a cardboard cat scratcher?
About every 2 months for most cats, depending on how much they scratch. Replace it when it's shredded flat or your cat stops using it.
Can you recycle a used cardboard scratcher?
Usually yes, if it's clean. Flatten it and recycle it with paper and cardboard. Soiled cardboard should go in the trash.
Why did my cat stop using its scratcher?
It may be worn flat, in the wrong spot, or smell unfamiliar after cleaning. Try a fresh insert, move it next to where your cat scratches, and add a little catnip.
Should I throw out a scratcher because it looks messy?
No. As the ASPCA notes, cats like shredded surfaces they can really dig their claws into, and a used scratcher smells familiar to them. Replace it when it's worn flat, not just when it looks rough.
Do I need to replace the whole scratcher?
Not with a refillable one. On the Sunny Day Scratcher only the cardboard pad wears out; the frame stays and gets a quick wipe between pads.
How do I clean a cat scratcher?
Take the cardboard insert out and wipe the frame with a sanitizing wipe, rubbing alcohol or a damp cloth. Don't soak it.