How to Make a cat scratch pad

This crafty cat scratch pad is a great way to recycle used boxes.

You Will Need

* Several medium to large cardboard boxes

* Non-toxic craft glue

* A straightedge

* A craft knife

* Catnip

* Felt

* Old magazines

Step 1: Cut strips

Gather large, corrugated cardboard boxes. Using a straightedge, cut the boxes into 18- inch strips, three to five inches wide, with the corrugation running horizontally across the strip.

The size of the scratch pad will depend on your cat. Bigger cats need bigger pads than kittens or small cats.

Step 2: Glue strips together

Glue strips on top of each other until the pile is six inches deep.

Step 3: Let dry

Weight the pile with a heavy object and set aside for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Finish ends

Trim uneven ends with a craft knife. Cut additional cardboard strips to glue to the outside edges of your pad.

Step 5: Decorate

Use felt to provide a decorative finish for the edges, or cut pictures of fish, birds, or mice from magazines and glue them to the outside.

Step 6: Sprinkle with catnip

Sprinkle pad liberally with catnip to entice your cat to use it.

Fact: Cats have a ridged nose pad that is as unique as the human fingerprint.