This DIY Cat Scratcher Uses Cardboard Boxes and Tape to 'Turn Trash Into Enrichment'
Do you have a shoebox and a bunch of old packages lying around? Then you've got everything you need to make a DIY cat scratcher!
OK, you also need a roll of tape-but that's it!
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Bengal Paws and Claws is a YouTube channel that follows the life and antics of two adorable cats named Grizzly and Marlo, but in this clip, the cats' human is showing an easy-to-follow guide to building a cat scratcher from things you likely have in your own home, effectively helping you to "turn trash into enrichment."
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5AK-CdF3EyQ
As we said, all you need is a shoebox, a cardboard box and some tape. There is no glue in this DIY project, so you don't have to worry about your cats accidentally exposing themselves to harsh chemicals.
Simply take the top of the shoebox to create your base. Next, cut the cardboard box into strips and roll each strip into a ball, as shown. Tape down the sides of the rolled-up strips to keep them in place, then place each roll at the top of the shoe box.
If you've packed the shoebox top tight with rolled strips, you won't need to worry about taping them all down to the inside of the box. The pressure from all those strips sitting together will keep the project intact, even as your cats scratch away. Even if some do fall out of the box, you can just pop them back in.
"Box in a box. The best present ever for a cat," one commenter laughs. "Expensive things at the store. You have everything at home."
"I don't have a cat but have decided to make one for a cat I know as a gift," another says. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to give a zero budget gift to a friend."
"You can also sprinkle some catnip into the little holes in the cardboard to make your cats like it even more," offers one more helpful viewer.
Related: This DIY Cat Toy Uses a Cardboard Box and Some String to Keep Pets Playing for Hours
Why Do Cats Need Scratching Toys?
It's not just about a bit of entertainment. Cat scratchers are helpful tools for your pet's health.
Anyone with a cat knows that claws can grow quickly. They also grow in layers, and scratching on hard surfaces helps your cat shed the outer layers that have worn down over time. A nice, sharp claw is healthy!
Just like when we go to the gym to lift weights, scratching on rough surfaces provides a bit of resistance training for your cat. All that moving, pulling and reaching keeps muscles strong and enriches the mind by tapping into natural hunting instincts.
It's also a way for your cat to mark its territory, as cat paws include important scent glands that express whenever they're pressed into these scratchable surfaces. Marking territory is one way your cat feels right at home.
Scratchers are stress relievers, exercise machines and nesting objects all in one, so grab your old packages and make something that will last for hours and days of fun.
Related: This DIY Recipe Is a Sweet Treat for Your Dog
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 6:05 PM.