Cat Scratch Mat with Paw Print and Plush Border

A flat scratcher gives cats a place to dig in with their claws instead of the sofa arm or rug. This one has a woven center for scratching, a black paw print in one corner and a soft plush border that comes in khaki, gray, pink, yellow stripes or black and white stripes.

The mat measures 17.7 x 11.8 in (45 x 30 cm), a size that suits a corner of a room, the foot of a chair or a spot beside the cat's bed. Put it where your cat already likes to scratch and it is more likely to be used; a cat that prefers to stretch out against a surface may want it propped against furniture.

A flat mat is light and easy to move, though it may slide on smooth floors, so set it on a rug or a non-slip pad if that happens. The woven surface will fray and shed small fibers over time as claws work through it.

Shake or vacuum off loose fibers, and spot clean the border with a damp cloth.