A lot of cardboard scratchers go the same way. They work for a few weeks, then there's a shredded heap on the floor and a cat eyeing up the sofa again.
CAT JOY was set up to change that. It's a small UK company in Peterborough that makes cardboard scratchers by hand, and we're pleased to be one of its stockists. Here's what the scratchers are made of, which cats they suit, and what's coming next from the brand.
Our verdict in brief
CAT JOY is a welcome change from throwaway cardboard pads. The five-layer cardboard core, real wood sides and flip-over design make each scratcher last longer and look better than most, and the range is growing. If your cat likes to scratch low or flat surfaces, or loves a warm spot to nap, it's well worth a look.
Who makes CAT JOY?
CAT JOY LTD is a small company based in Peterborough, England, that specialises in cardboard cat scratchers. Every scratcher is made by hand in its own workshop.
The brand started with a cat called Alice. Her owner, Alex, kept buying scratchers that she wore through within weeks, so Alex set about making one properly. That focus on doing one thing well runs through the whole range.
What are CAT JOY scratchers made of?
Three things: corrugated cardboard, wood and water-based glue. There's no plastic, sisal rope or carpet anywhere in them.
The scratching surface is a dense core of five layers of corrugated cardboard, held inside real wood sides. The wood comes in brown, white or black, and it's the detail most people notice first. It looks like a piece of furniture rather than a box, and it keeps the cardboard in shape so the scratcher stays tidy for months.
The cardboard gives a little under the claw, which is the same feel cats go looking for on the arm of a sofa. Each scratcher also has two scratchable faces. When the top one wears down, you turn it over and your cat has a fresh surface.
Snug, Lounge or Pavilion: the three designs compared
|
Model |
Size (L x W x H) |
Cats up to |
Shape |
Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
59 x 29 x 13cm |
4kg |
Compact and low |
Kittens and small cats |
|
|
70 x 29 x 14cm |
6kg |
Curved, rises at both ends |
Adult cats that sprawl and nap |
|
|
68 x 29 x 20cm |
5kg |
Low tunnel, deck on top, den underneath |
Cats that like to hide |
The Lounge is the one most adult cats will get on with. The ends rise so your cat can stretch out fully, then curl into the dip in the middle for a nap. Cardboard holds body heat, so it doubles as a warm bed, and at 2.4kg it stays put on hard floors.
The Pavilion is lighter at 1.5kg and easy to move from room to room. Its 20cm deck is a small step up, which suits small or older cats, and the den underneath gives shy cats somewhere to watch the room from cover. The Lounge and Pavilion both arrive ready to use, with nothing to build.
What we like about CAT JOY
- Made by hand in the UK. Every scratcher comes out of the Peterborough workshop.
- Two faces in one. Flipping it over gives your cat a second scratching surface.
- Looks like furniture. Real wood sides in brown, white or black.
- Less mess. The five dense layers keep most of the cardboard crumbs inside the scratcher rather than on your floor.
- Simple materials. Cardboard, wood and water-based glue, and nothing else.
Good to know before you buy
Made for low-level scratching. All three designs sit between 13cm and 20cm high, which is just right for cats that scratch flat surfaces like rugs and stairs. Cats Protection notes that cats have their own preferences, and many also like to scratch upwards. If yours does both, a CAT JOY by the sofa and one of our scratching posts in the hallway covers every habit.
Pick the model by your cat's weight. Each design has a clear guide: the Snug for cats up to 4kg, the Pavilion up to 5kg and the Lounge up to 6kg. That makes choosing the right one simple.
Designed to be scratched. Cardboard is meant to wear in, and that's what cats love about it. When one side is well used, flip it over for a second fresh face.
More designs on the way. CAT JOY is bringing more products to market, and we'll add them to our range as they launch. The Snug, Lounge and Pavilion are the starting point.
How do I get my cat to use a CAT JOY scratcher?
Put it right beside the spot your cat already scratches, such as the arm of the sofa or a quiet corner of the hallway. CAT JOY suggests rubbing a pinch of catnip on the cardboard on the first day to get your cat's attention.
If your cat has already claimed the sofa, our guide on why cats scratch the sofa explains how to move them on to something else.
Is CAT JOY worth it?
Yes. CAT JOY is a hands-on UK maker with a clear idea of what a cardboard scratcher should be, and the wood sides mean it can sit in the living room without looking like a cat toy. Start with the model that matches your cat's weight and habits, and keep an eye on the CAT JOY range as new designs arrive.
