Cardboard cat scratcher market seen reaching $1.99 billion by 2030

The global cardboard cat scratcher market is projected to grow from $1.32 billion in 2025 to $1.99 billion by 2030, driven by urban pet ownership, feline wellness trends and demand for space-saving pet products. North America led in 2025, while Asia-Pacific is expected to post the fastest growth.

Why it matters: - Cardboard cat scratchers are moving from basic pet accessories to part of a broader indoor pet-care and enrichment market. - The category’s growth reflects more cat owners seeking low-cost products that protect furniture, support scratching behavior and fit smaller living spaces. - The market’s forecast climb to $1.99 billion by 2030 suggests stronger demand for premium, multi-use pet furniture.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released its Cardboard Cat Scratcher Global Market Report 2026 – Market Size, Trends, And Forecast 2026-2035. - The report pegs the market at $1.32 billion in 2025 and $1.44 billion in 2026. - The report forecasts the market will reach $1.99 billion by 2030, implying an 8.5% CAGR from 2026 to 2030. - The release says growth has been driven by higher pet ownership in cities, greater focus on feline behavioral health and concern about furniture damage. - The report also cites early consumer acceptance of basic cardboard scratchers and growth in specialty pet retail.

The details: - Cardboard cat scratchers are typically made from corrugated cardboard or similar paper-based materials. - The products are designed to satisfy cats’ clawing instincts while limiting wear on household furniture. - Many scratchers use layered or textured surfaces, and some include replaceable parts to extend product life. - The report says the products help cats scratch, stretch and maintain their claws while reducing stress- or boredom-related behavior issues. - The report flags rising demand for premium enrichment products, modular pet furniture, wider online availability and indoor pet lifestyle products as future growth drivers. - The report says consumers want pet furniture that combines aesthetics and function. - Multi-purpose designs that support resting, playing and scratching are gaining traction. - Space-efficient accessories are especially popular with urban apartment residents. - Customizable and modular designs are emerging to fit different living environments. - The humanization of pets is pushing owners toward higher-end enrichment products. - Shelter Animals Count reported more than 4.19 million dogs and cats were adopted across the U.S. in 2024, a slight increase from 2023. - The report includes enhanced strategic insights in the 2026 edition, including market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspot infographics, and updated graphics and tables. - The report also highlights key technologies and future trend analysis. - A free sample is available here. - The full report is available here.

Between the lines: - The forecast suggests the fastest growth may come from products that are both functional and visually compatible with modern homes. - The emphasis on modular and compact formats points to a market shaped by apartment living and limited space. - North America’s current lead and Asia-Pacific’s expected acceleration indicate a shift from a mature pet market to one with more room for expansion in urbanizing regions.

What's next: - The report expects continued demand from pet adoption growth, urbanization and e-commerce expansion. - Asia-Pacific is projected to deliver the fastest growth over the forecast period. - Manufacturers are likely to keep pushing designs that combine scratching, lounging and play in one product. - Retail expansion online and in specialty pet channels should continue to broaden access to the category.

The bottom line: - Cardboard cat scratchers are becoming a steady growth niche inside the wider pet enrichment market, with urban living and pet humanization doing much of the heavy lifting.