D.I.Y. cardboard cat scratcher

If your kitties are anything like my two, they love to scratch. Cats do not scratch as a way to be bad (though sometimes I think mine do!), it is how they keep their claws groomed and sharpened. There are a million different scratching posts and pads that you can buy, but why not try this great D.I.Y. version from Maggie May's blog? I promise you that your kitty will love it just as much as the one from the pet store, and your wallet will be much happier. And as a bonus you will be repurposing cardboard boxes and keeping them from a landfill! Talk about a win win!

You will need:

• an assortment of corrugated cardboard boxes, any size
• hot glue gun 
• scissors
• cute paper or fabric for the edges

Instructions:

1. Cut the cardboard into strips at least 2-inches wide (wider if you would like), and at least 12-inches long. 
2. Line the pieces up side by side, with the edges of the cardboard facing up, until you get a stack at least as wide as your palm.
3. Use your hot glue gun to glue the pieces together.
4. Measure and cut a 2-inch wide (or wider, if your strips were wider) strip of paper or fabric long enough to wrap around the outside of the entire pad, creating a pretty frame.
5. Leave each side of the scratching pad uncovered - this way you can flip it over when your cat has worn down one side. 
6. Sprinkle some dry catnip onto the new scratching pad and introduce it to your sweet kitty!

                  (photo from Maggie May)