Make DIY Cat Scratchers with the Kitty Cutter
If you’re tired of buying expensive cat scratchers that your cat destroys in days, you’re not alone. Cardboard scratchers are one of the best types of enrichment you can give a cat, but the cost of store-bought pads adds up quickly, and making your own is usually a pain. Cutting cardboard strips by hand is slow, messy, and inconsistent.
That’s why I created the Kitty Cutter: a 3D printed cardboard cutter tool designed to cut cardboard into strips so you can build low-cost DIY cardboard cat scratchers at home.
✅ Save money
✅ Recycle cardboard
✅ Make scratchers in minutes
✅ Turn scrap into something your cat actually loves
👉 Download the STL files here:
What is the Kitty Cutter?
The Kitty Cutter is a compact cardboard cutter tool for making DIY cat scratchers. It holds a standard utility blade to slice through cardboard cleanly and consistently. Instead of fighting with cardboard using scissors or a knife, you just place the cardboard on a stable surface, push the Kitty Cutter along it, and create clean, repeatable strips for DIY scratchers.
It’s designed for the most common cardboard thicknesses and works great for replacing scratching pads, making wall scratchers, and even building DIY cat furniture.
Watch the Kitty Cutter in Action
Here’s a quick video showing exactly how the Kitty Cutter works and how to turn the strips into DIY scratchers.
Why I Designed This Cardboard Cutter Tool
When I started this project, I wanted a better way to make DIY scratchers from recycled cardboard. It’s a great way to save money compared to store-bought scratchers, and it also lets you repurpose empty cardboard boxes instead of throwing them out.
Most people make DIY scratchers using a knife and ruler, a box cutter with a lot of pressure (and a lot of risk), or scissors, which is slow and usually leaves rough, jagged cuts. It works, but it’s annoying, inconsistent, and easy to mess up.
The Kitty Cutter was designed to make the whole process faster, more consistent, and honestly way more enjoyable.
Since releasing it, it’s had a huge amount of interest, with over 4,000 downloads and a lot of great community feedback. It’s still an ongoing project, and I’ve continued improving it over time with updated designs, left-handed models, and versions that include extra hardware upgrades like brass inserts and hidden nut/bolt options to make it feel more like a finished product.
I’ve also created additional 3D printed parts you can purchase that work with the cardboard strips to make scratcher templates, so there’s no extra gluing or assembly required.
Instructions (Quick Start)
Here’s the simplest way to get started:
What you need
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Kitty Cutter (3D printed)
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Standard utility blade
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Cardboard (shipping boxes work great)
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A way to stick the strips together: glue (hot glue recommended), or tape the ends when bundled. You can also use the bottom of an empty box to hold the cardboard strips, or use my 3D printed cat scratcher templates.
Cutting tips
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Use cardboard that isn’t crushed
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Don’t force the cut, let the blade do the work
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If cardboard is heavily damaged, swap to a cleaner piece
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For best results, cut strips straight and consistently
Assembly tips
Glue, tape, or stack them together:
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Apply glue between layers, or bundle the strips tightly and tape the ends
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Press firmly when gluing and pack tightly when placing into a box/template
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Build up to your desired thickness
Safety Note
This tool uses a sharp blade.
Please:
Keep away from children
Always cut on a stable surface
Replace or flip blades when they become dull
Use it responsibly and with appropriate safety gear
Download Kitty Cutter STL Files (Official)
These pages are the official source for the Kitty Cutter design. You can also subscribe to my Patreon, Thangs, or Printables memberships to get access to future 3D model releases.
👉 Download the STL files here:
What’s included:
✅ Kitty Cutter STL files
✅ Future updates + improvements
✅ Supports future designs
Don’t Have a 3D Printer?
No problem. If you don’t own a printer yet, you still have a few options:
Buy a printed Kitty Cutter from one of my authorized sellers (Etsy)
Ask a friend or local maker group to print it for you
Use a local 3D printing service
If you’re thinking about getting your first printer, check out my 3D printer buyer’s guide, where I break down the best beginner machines and what to buy.
Want to Sell Printed Kitty Cutters? (Commercial License)
If you want to sell 3D printed Kitty Cutters online (Etsy, markets, local shops), you’ll need a commercial license.
I offer a simple commercial subscription that allows you to sell all of my designs, while helping support future 3D models and updates.
Commercial License Subscription: Patreon / Thangs / Printables
Frequently Asked Questions
What blade does it use?
It’s designed to fit a standard utility blade (commonly available worldwide).
Does it work on thick cardboard?
It works on most standard shipping box cardboard (up to around 6mm).
Can I use it for other purposes?
Yes. It can be used for other cardboard strip cutting tasks, such as cutting strips for composting or making DIY fire starters (for example, using tuna cans).
Official Kitty Cutter 3D model downloads: Patreon / Thangs / Printables
