This guide will give you a good insight into the business value of cardboard cat scratcher boxes and why you should consider them. We’ll also show you which types of products are worth experimenting with. Most importantly, you’ll get some useful tips on reaching out to a good manufacturer and putting your products on the market successfully. Stick with us to the end so you don’t miss any valuable information.
What Makes the Cardboard Cat Scratcher Box Attractive for Retail?
More people are welcoming pets into their homes, and that naturally increases spending on pet products such as toys, beds, and other accessories. In the past year, the global pet accessories market reached more than 6.7 billion USD and is expected to keep growing at about 6.9 percent a year.
Amid this steady growth, the simple cardboard cat scratcher box has quietly become one of the best-selling items for many pet shops and retailers. And here’s why:
- It sells again and again. Cardboard scratchers wear out over time. Most cats can go through one in just a few months, and households with multiple cats replace them even more often. That steady need for replacement keeps customers coming back and sales flowing.
- It’s great for scaling. The cardboard cat scratcher box is lightweight, compact, and easy to ship. That makes it convenient to sell, ship, and restock across channels. You can list it on major marketplaces like Amazon, sell it via your own Shopify store, or bundle it in retail pet store packages. There’s always a big pool of returning customers.
- It offers healthy profits. Made mostly from recyclable cardboard, these scratchers cost little to produce but look and feel valuable to pet owners. Retailers can also pair them with other pet products, such as cat beds or toys, which helps increase the value of each order.
Additionally, cat scratcher boxes made from cardboard also align perfectly with today’s eco-friendly mindset. Many shoppers are more aware of sustainability and prefer products that reflect that. Scratchers made with recycled paper, safe glue, and non-toxic ink appeal to this audience and help brands build a positive, responsible image.
Types of Cardboard Cat Scratcher Boxes Available for Bulk Purchase
When cat owners shop for a scratcher box, they usually care about the look and how it’s made. This should guide your sourcing decisions. The following are a few popular styles of cardboard cat scratcher boxes you might want to import:
1. Bed-Integrated Scratcher Box
This is one of the most common types you’ll see on the market, and also one of the cheapest and easiest to sell. The idea is simple: it combines a comfy spot for cats to nap with a sturdy scratching surface. Cats can play, stretch, or just curl up inside the same box. Pet owners love it because it saves space and keeps their cats happy and relaxed.
2. Multi-Layer Scratcher Box
This type is made with several thick layers of corrugated cardboard and scratch pad, often around three. The extra layers make the box stronger and help it last longer, even after the top surface starts to wear down. Since the design is heavier and uses more material, sourcing multi-layer cat scratcher boxes usually costs a bit more than standard ones.
3. Enclosed/House/Box-Shaped Scratcher Box
This design looks more like a little cat house. It gives cats a private space to hide, sleep, and scratch, with small openings for them to move in and out. Some larger versions even have more than one section, so two cats can play together.
One thing about this type is that it comes in various designs. You can find creative shapes like mini houses, tunnels, or even castles. Some include fun add-ons like hanging toys or perches. Because of such designs, these box-shaped scratcher boxes for cats also cost higher than the standard ones.
Purchasing Cardboard Cat Scratcher Box: MOQ, Price, and Lead Time
Different types of cardboard cat scratcher boxes come with their own designs and features, so things like the minimum order quantity, price, and production time can vary quite a bit. The table below gives a quick look at what’s common in the market.
| # | Type of Cardboard Scratcher Box | MOQ (Pieces) | Wholesale Price (USD) | Lead Time |
| 1 | Simple Bed-Integrated Box | 500 – 1000 | $2.20 – $2.60 each | 25 – 30 days |
| 2 | Multi-Layer Design | 100 – 300 | Around $7.50 each | 30 – 45 days |
| 3 | House-Shaped Box | About 100 | $4.50 – $5.00 each | 20 – 30 days |
Where To Find Cardboard Cat Scratcher Box Suppliers For Bulk Orders?
Cardboard cat scratcher boxes are a relatively small niche within the global pet supplies industry. As such, there isn’t really one country that leads the market. The main thing to decide is whether you want to source internationally or locally.
1. Chinese suppliers
All of these sources are abroad, with most of them being in China. This is not a surprise as the country has been the world’s biggest wholesale hub for years. and cat scratcher boxes are no exception.
Advantages of sourcing from China:
- Lower wholesale prices compared to United States, Canada, and Europe-based suppliers
- Flexible tiers for bulk buyers.
- Huge variety of designs, from simple pads to multi-layer and house-shaped types.
- Extensive customization options for logos, packaging, and dimensions.
- Strong production capacity, suitable for long-term and high-volume sourcing.
Alibaba and DHGate are some China-based B2B platforms for sourcing scratchers for cats. It’s best to choose manufacturers in Guangdong, Shandong, Fujian, or Zhejiang, as these regions specialize in pet product manufacturing.
2. Vietnamese suppliers
Vietnam is also becoming a sourcing hotspot to watch. As the United States imposes higher and more unpredictable tariffs on Chinese goods, more international buyers are turning to Vietnam as an alternative production base. The domestic pet supply market is expanding rapidly in the country, including segments like scratchers for cats.
You also benefit from:
- High-quality, recyclable corrugated cardboard that meets export standards.
- Lower labor and material costs, giving you good value for small or mid-volume orders.
- A politically stable environment and improving trade relations with major markets.
The only catch is that Vietnam still lacks large-scale, specialized manufacturers for cardboard cat scratcher boxes, as this category is still emerging. To source effectively, you need to explore local eCommerce platforms like Shopee Vietnam or Lazada Vietnam. Most of the sellers here are DTC shops, but some do accept bulk orders. You can message them directly to negotiate.
3. US Suppliers
Another option is to buy domestically. You can work with local wholesale distributors, B2B marketplaces, or pet product manufacturers. Some well-known platforms include Faire, WholesalePet, and Tundra, which connect retailers directly with verified U.S. suppliers.
The advantages are faster shipping times, simpler logistics, and more reliable customer support. Yet, wholesale prices for cardboard cat scratcher boxes tend to be higher than those from China or Vietnam.
What to Keep in Mind When Importing Cardboard Cat Scratcher Boxes in Bulk?
That’s about everything on where to source them. Following are a few important tips to make your sourcing and importing process more effective:
1. Check out the quality of the material
Cat scratchers are made from corrugated cardboard, which can be easy to break and bend. No one will buy them back if they’re weak or flimsy in the first use. So, check the GSM (grams per square meter) before ordering. Opt for B flute cardboard, and go for heavier grades or multi-layer designs if you want the box to last longer under regular scratching.
2. Ask for certifications and import related documents
Look for suppliers who can provide ISO 9001 for quality management or FSC for responsibly sourced materials. In case you plan to import into regulated markets, ask for additional safety requirements like REACH (for the EU) or CPSIA (for the U.S.).
For customs clearance, ask your suppliers to provide:
- Commercial Invoice: Required for every shipment. It lists product name, HS code, quantity, unit price, and total value so customs can calculate import duties.
- Packing List: Shows the number of cartons, dimensions, and total weight, helping customs verify the shipment matches the invoice.
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): Official proof of shipment used for cargo release.
- Certificate of Origin (CO): Confirms where the goods are made, which affects applicable tariffs and trade agreements.
If the product uses adhesives or printed coatings, you might also be asked for a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or FSC certification to confirm the materials are safe and eco-friendly, but these are not mandatory for most shipments.
3. Order a sample first before ordering in bulk
That’s the best way to know how the product actually feels and how it handles. From there, you can know where to make adjustments before confirming mass production. Check if the box is tight, if the glue is securely applied, and if the print is clean and sharp. Try pressing or twisting it a little; it should stay firm and hold its shape.
4. Think about packaging and branding
If you plan to sell under your own brand, ask the supplier if they can print your company logo, offer custom packaging, or create a special design for your store. Some manufacturers can also provide stock images for your marketing materials.
5. Choose the right shipping method
Cat scratching boxes can be a bit fragile, especially for larger or house-shaped designs. It’s a good idea to ask the supplier to put the cartons on pallets and wrap them with plastic film to keep them steady during transport.
6. Confirm the correct HS or HTS code if you import internationally
Hidden costs like import duties or taxes depend on it, and any missing or incorrect code can cause shipment detention or extra inspection at customs. Cardboard cat scratcher boxes usually fall under HS 4819.10 or 4823.90, though the exact number may vary by product. You can check it at wcotradetools.org/en/harmonized-system.
Sourcing Cardboard Cat Scratcher Box From Vietnam with VinaSources
Looking to source cardboard cat scratcher boxes from Vietnam? VinaSources can help. As a leading B2B platform in the country, we connect you directly with certified suppliers. Working with us is easy:
- You send us your request by searching items on VinaSources or just telling us what you need, i.e., the type of scratcher, quantity, or your target price.
- We collect quotations from trusted suppliers and recommend the best choices to you.
- You place your order and confirm the deal, while we handle supplier coordination, quality inspection, and shipping arrangements.
We also offer flexible packaging solutions such as Amazon FBA standard, Walmart WFS standard, and customized packaging to meet your business needs. In addition to that is end-to-end support.
Below is one of the available ready-to-export cardboard cat scratcher boxes for sale on VinaSources:
| Dimensions | 16 in (Length) x 13 in (Width) x 7.55 in (Height) |
| Material | 100% heavy-duty corrugated cardboard with plant-based glue and ink |
| Design: | Both play area and bed, with rounded edges and a double-sided replaceable scratch pad |
| Color | Dark gray with diamond pattern |
| MOQ | 1000 pieces |
| Lead time | Based on your order quantity |
| Custom packaging | Yes (FBA, Wholesale, Retail, etc.) |
| OEM / ODM | Yes |
We also provide other types of cardboard cat scratchers beyond the standard box designs, along with a wide range of pet accessories such as beds, toys, and feeders. Send your sourcing request on VinaSources today to receive multiple quotes from verified Vietnamese suppliers.