The Great Cat Bed Debate
When it comes to cat beds, pet owners are often torn between two popular options: cardboard and foam. Both have their merits, but they offer very different experiences for your cat. Here's a breakdown to help you decide — or discover why some cats want both!
Cardboard Cat Beds: The Natural Choice
Cardboard might seem like a humble material, but cats are absolutely obsessed with it — and for good reason.
Why Cats Love Cardboard
- Satisfying to scratch – The corrugated texture is irresistible to cats. It mimics the feel of tree bark, which is what cats scratch in the wild.
- Temperature regulation – Cardboard is a natural insulator. It stays cool in summer and traps warmth in winter, making it comfortable year-round.
- Lightweight and moveable – Easy to reposition around your home to wherever your cat is currently claiming as their territory.
- Eco-friendly – Cardboard is biodegradable and often made from recycled materials.
- Affordable – Cardboard scratcher beds are typically very budget-friendly, and many have reversible or replaceable pads.
The Downside of Cardboard
Cardboard does wear down over time, especially with enthusiastic scratchers. You'll notice shredded bits around the bed — which is completely normal and a sign your cat is enjoying it! The high density of the Pauwz Deluxe Lounger means it lasts alot longer than a traditional cardboard bed, we suggest vaccuming it once a week to keep it looking tidy.
Foam Cat Beds: The Plush Option
Foam beds are the classic, cushioned option — think of them as the memory foam mattress of the cat world.
Why Cats (and Owners) Like Foam
- Soft and supportive – Memory foam in particular is great for older cats or those with joint issues, as it contours to their body.
- Durable – A quality foam bed can last for years without needing replacement.
- Easy to clean – Many foam beds come with removable, washable covers.
- Variety of shapes – From donut beds to cave-style, foam allows for more structural variety.
The Downside of Foam
Foam beds don't satisfy a cat's scratching instinct at all. If your cat is a scratcher (and most are), a foam-only bed means they'll still need a separate scratching post — or they'll find your couch instead.
The Verdict: Why Not Both?
The best solution for many cat owners is a cardboard scratcher bed — a product that combines the comfort of a resting spot with the satisfaction of a scratch surface. Your cat gets a cosy place to nap and a built-in outlet for their scratching instincts.
If your cat has joint issues or is a senior, you might also keep a foam bed in a quiet corner for extra comfort. But for most cats, a well-designed cardboard scratcher bed covers all the bases.
Shop Pauwz Scratcher Beds
Our scratcher beds are crafted from high-quality corrugated cardboard that cats love to scratch and lounge on. Durable, eco-friendly, and designed to keep your cat entertained — browse our range today.