If your sofa is being turned into a scratching post, a scratching mat is the quickest fix. Mats are cheap, easy to position and popular with cats, and they suit cats that prefer to scratch horizontally, on a floor or a doorstep. They come in sisal and cardboard, in flat mats and curved lounges.
We have compared five scratching mats and boards currently available on Amazon UK. We explain who each is best for, what we like and what to watch out for, so you can save your furniture.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Aibuddy Curve Scratching Lounge | Scratcher and bed | £11-£13 | 4.5/5 |
Catit Senses 2.0 Oval Scratching Board | Trusted cat brand | £9-£11 | 4.5/5 |
SOL Sisal Scratching Mat (2 Pack) | Two mats for less | £8-£10 | 4.2/5 |
FUKUMARU Sisal Scratcher Mat | Compact and popular | £9-£11 | 4.2/5 |
TRIXIE Wild Cat Scratching Board | Robust cardboard | £8-£10 | 4.4/5 |
The Best Cat Scratching Mats Reviewed
Aibuddy Curve Scratching Lounge (Cardboard)
Best for: a scratcher and a lounge bed in one
A curved cardboard lounge is a scratching mat that doubles as a bed, and the Aibuddy design is one of the best-reviewed. Cats can scratch the corrugated surface, then curl up on it for a nap.
The curved shape encourages stretching, and the reversible design means you can flip it when one side is worn. It comes with catnip to attract your cat.
It costs around £12 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across more than 2,600 ratings.
What we like:
- Scratcher and bed in one
- Reversible
- Catnip included
Worth knowing:
- Cardboard makes a mess of shavings
- Needs replacing when worn
Specifications:
- Type: cardboard scratching lounge
- Feature: reversible, curved
- Includes: catnip
- Brand: Aibuddy
![Aibuddy Cat Scratcher, Curve Scratching Pad Reversible Cardboard Lounge Bed with Organic Catnip [ 44x 25x 7cm, Superior Cardboard & Construction]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31aoFcxTdAL.jpg)
Catit Senses 2.0 Oval Scratching Board
Best for: a well-known board from a trusted cat brand
Catit is a trusted name in cat products, and its Senses 2.0 Oval Scratching Board is a corrugated cardboard scratcher in a curved oval shape. It suits cats that like a horizontal scratch.
It is simple, well made and affordable. It can be used on its own or as part of a Catit Senses play circuit.
It costs around £10 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across more than 1,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Trusted cat brand
- Curved shape
- Good reviews
Worth knowing:
- Cardboard wears out
- Smaller than a lounge
Specifications:
- Type: cardboard scratching board
- Shape: oval
- Brand: Catit
- Best for: horizontal scratchers
SOL Sisal Cat Scratching Mat (2 Pack, 60 x 40cm)
Best for: two big sisal mats for a low price
Sisal mats are made of tough, natural fibre, and cats love the texture. The SOL two-pack gives you two 60 x 40cm mats with an anti-slip base, so you can put one by the sofa and one by the bed.
The mats lie flat on the floor or can be attached to a wall or a door. They are cheap enough to replace when worn.
They cost around £9 for the pair and average 4.2 out of 5 across almost 400 ratings.
What we like:
- Two mats
- Natural sisal
- Anti-slip base
Worth knowing:
- Sisal can shed a little at first
- Lower average rating
Specifications:
- Type: sisal scratching mat
- Pack: 2
- Size: 60 x 40cm
- Feature: anti-slip
FUKUMARU Natural Sisal Cat Scratcher Mat (30 x 50cm)
Best for: a popular, compact mat with a huge review count
The FUKUMARU mat is a natural sisal scratcher at 30 x 50cm, a good size for a doorway or a corner. It has a non-slip backing and is designed to lie flat or be wall-mounted.
It has been bought by tens of thousands of owners, and the size is ideal for smaller spaces. It is cheap, which makes it easy to replace.
It costs around £10 and averages 4.2 out of 5 across more than 21,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Very popular
- Compact
- Natural sisal
Worth knowing:
- Small for large cats
- Sisal can fray
Specifications:
- Type: sisal scratching mat
- Size: 30 x 50cm
- Feature: non-slip backing
- Brand: FUKUMARU
TRIXIE Wild Cat Scratching Board (Cardboard)
Best for: a robust cardboard board from a well-known pet brand
Trixie’s Wild board is a robust corrugated cardboard scratcher with a cat-friendly design. It is a good, simple choice that costs very little.
The board lies flat on the floor, and it can be used with catnip to encourage scratching. When it wears out, you can simply replace it.
It costs around £9 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 15,000 ratings.
What we like:
- Robust cardboard
- Trusted brand
- Thousands of ratings
Worth knowing:
- Cardboard sheds
- Needs regular replacement
Specifications:
- Type: cardboard scratching board
- Brand: Trixie
- Feature: corrugated cardboard
- Best for: everyday scratching
Cat Scratching Mat Buying Guide
What to look for when buying a cat scratching mat
Choose a mat that is big enough for your cat to stretch across, with a stable, non-slip base. Sisal is the most durable material, and cardboard is cheaper and cats love it. Check that it does not slide on your floor.
A mat that can also be attached to a wall or door gives you more choice about where to put it.
Cat scratching mat types explained
Sisal mats are tough, natural and long-lasting. Cardboard scratchers are cheap and popular, and can be curved or shaped like a lounge. Carpet mats are less recommended, because they can teach cats to scratch carpet.
Many cats like both, so try one of each.
Size guide
A 50 x 30cm mat suits a small cat or a doorway. A 60 x 40cm mat suits most cats. Bigger cats need bigger mats, or a lounge design.
Put a mat where your cat already scratches.
How much should you spend?
A good mat costs £8 to £15. A large or designer mat costs more, but there is little need. Since mats wear out, cheap is often sensible.
Frequently asked questions
Do cats prefer horizontal or vertical scratching?
Cats vary. Some like to stretch upright on a post, others prefer to scratch a flat surface. A mat suits horizontal scratchers, and it is worth offering both.
How do you get a cat to use a scratching mat?
Place it where your cat already scratches, rub a little catnip on it and reward them for using it. Give it a few days.
How often should a scratching mat be replaced?
When it is worn, flat or falling apart. Cardboard may need replacing every few months, and sisal will last longer.
Are scratching mats a substitute for a cat tree?
Not entirely. A mat is great for scratching, but a tree also provides climbing and perching. Many households use both.
Do scratching mats stop cats scratching furniture?
They help a lot, provided they are in the right place and your cat likes the texture. Cover the furniture temporarily and reward your cat for using the mat.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Aibuddy lounge is the best choice, since it is a bed and a scratcher in one, with a strong review record. The Catit and Trixie boards are trusted cardboard options, and the SOL two-pack and FUKUMARU mat are good sisal picks.
Try one of each material, and put them where your cat already scratches. A few pounds now can save your sofa.
This roundup is part of our Cat Furniture Buying Guide.
