As a third-generation straw woven cat bed supplier, I’ve spent years watching the same question pop up again and again from new customers who just unboxed their first set of our handwoven beds: “My cat keeps scratching it—how do I stop this before they destroy it?” What strikes me every time is how much most cat owners don’t realize that scratching isn’t a bad behavior—it’s just a cat’s way of saying hello, stretching, and marking their territory. And as someone who’s woven hundreds of these beds by hand in my small workshop, I also know how easy it is to accidentally encourage scratching on the wrong spot, especially when the bed is designed to feel like a safe, familiar space for your cat. Straw Woven Cat Bed
I didn’t always approach this problem with a supplier’s eye for both cat behavior and the durability of our handwoven pieces. Early on, I’d get messages from customers upset that their kitten had turned a brand new bed into something that looked like it had been dragged through a bush. At first, I’d just send a generic tip about trimming nails, but that didn’t fix the root of the issue. Then I started asking my long-time customers who had zero scratching problems what they were doing differently, and I started working with a local feline behaviorist to understand exactly why cats pick surfaces to scratch. What I learned changed how I talk about our beds, and how I help every single customer keep their straw woven cat bed looking great while still letting their cat do what comes naturally.
First, let’s get one thing straight: your cat isn’t scratching your bed to be mean. Scratching serves three core purposes for every cat, young and old. It’s how they shed the dead outer layer of their claws, which is way more satisfying than using a nail file. It’s a full-body stretch that works their shoulders, back, and paws, especially important for indoor cats who don’t get to climb or run as much as feral or outdoor cats. And most importantly, it’s a scent marker—cats have glands in their paw pads that leave a unique scent when they scratch, which is their way of telling other cats “this is my space.” That’s why they often pick a surface that feels rough, sturdy, and easy to dig their claws into—like straw, which is exactly what we use to make our beds. The good news is that you can redirect that natural scratching instinct to the right spot, and protect your straw woven bed in the process.
The first step, and the one I see most people skip, is making sure the bed itself is in the right place. I can’t tell you how many times a customer texts me a photo of their beautiful straw bed tucked in a dark corner of the basement, next to a laundry basket and a half-opened bag of cat food. No wonder their cat prefers the couch or the wall over the bed—cats want to scratch where they feel safe and visible. Our straw woven beds are designed to be a primary scratching spot and a resting spot, so they belong in the areas where your cat spends the most time: the living room where you watch TV, the home office where you work, or the bedroom where you sleep. If your cat likes to curl up on your bed at night, put our straw woven bed on the floor next to yours. If they chase the laser pointer in the living room, place the bed a few feet from their favorite play area. When the bed is in their “hangout” space, it feels like a territory marker they can claim without having to scratch your sofa. That’s a small change, but it’s responsible for 70% of the no-scratch issues my customers tell me about.
Next, let’s talk about cat behavior basics: never yell at your cat for scratching the bed. I know it’s frustrating when you spend time (and money) on a handwoven bed, and it’s tempting to shout or swat their paw when you catch them digging in. But cats don’t connect punishment to a specific action the way dogs do. If you yell at them while they’re scratching, they’ll just learn that you’re upset, not that scratching that bed is bad. Over time, they’ll get scared of being near you when you’re in that room, and they’ll just move the scratching to another spot. Instead, try positive reinforcement. When you catch them scratching their scratching post or their toy, give them a treat, a gentle head scratch, or a toy to play with. When they curl up on their straw woven bed instead of the couch, praise them softly. Cats thrive on positive attention, and they’ll quickly learn that using their own space gets them good things. That’s a lesson I wish more people learned—scolding doesn’t work, but rewarding the right behavior does.
Now, let’s get to the part that’s specific to our straw woven cat beds: maintaining the bed in a way that makes it less appealing to scratch, but still safe for your cat. First, regular gentle cleaning. I know straw is a natural fiber, and it looks delicate, but it’s actually pretty durable if you take care of it. Every week, take a soft bristle brush (like a pet brush with soft pins, or even an old toothbrush) and gently brush the surface of the bed in the direction of the straw’s weave. This removes any loose bits of straw or dirt, and it makes the surface feel smoother, less likely to catch your cat’s claws. If you do see a loose strand, don’t pull it—just snip it with small scissors very close to the bed’s surface. Pulling a loose strand will create a small gap that a cat can dig their claws into, which is a perfect invitation to scratch more. Trimming those loose bits prevents that from happening, and it keeps the bed looking neat.
You might also be tempted to cover the bed to keep it from being scratched, but that’s a mistake. Covering it with a blanket or a sheet removes the texture that cats like to scratch, so they’ll just go to another spot. Instead, if you’re worried about small scratches that might happen as your cat gets used to the bed, try placing a small piece of clear, non-adhesive shelf liner under the bed. It doesn’t cover the surface, but it adds a tiny bit of friction under the bed, which can make scratching the bed feel less satisfying for them. I have to emphasize that this is a temporary fix—once your cat is used to using their own scratching posts, you can remove the liner.
Speaking of scratching posts, not all scratching surfaces are created equal. If your cat is scratching the straw bed, chances are they don’t have a scratching post that feels right to them. Cats prefer scratching surfaces that are rough, sturdy, and vertical or horizontal, depending on their preference. Some cats like tall, vertical posts made of sisal rope, which mimics the rough texture of straw. Others like horizontal scratchers, which are lower to the ground and feel more like a resting spot too. I always recommend buying at least two scratching posts, one vertical and one horizontal, and placing them in the same areas as your straw woven bed. If your cat has their own dedicated scratching spot that feels just as good (or better) than your bed, they won’t feel the need to use the bed. The key is to make those scratching posts more appealing than the bed—and you do that by keeping them near where your cat spends time, and making sure they’re not worn out. A worn scratching post is just as bad as no scratching post, so replace them when they start to fray or get smooth.
Another tip I learned from a customer who has 5 cats: use catnip or silvervine to attract your cat to the right spots. Both of these are natural herbs that most cats go crazy for, and they’re safe. Sprinkle a small amount of dried catnip on your scratching post and a tiny bit on your straw woven bed when you first set it up. This introduces your cat to the bed as a fun, special spot, not just a place to scratch. Just don’t overdo it—too much catnip can make some cats overexcited and more likely to scratch. A light sprinkle once a week is enough. For cats that don’t react to catnip (about 30% of cats, by the way), silvervine is a great alternative—it works for almost every cat, even ones that ignore catnip.
Now, what if your cat already has a habit of scratching the straw woven bed? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to break that habit. Start by making the bed temporarily less appealing. You can use a pet-safe deterrent spray, but make sure it’s specifically made for cats—avoid anything with chemicals that could be harmful if your cat licks the bed. Most pet stores sell natural deterrent sprays that smell like citrus or lavender, which cats hate. Spray a light mist on the parts of the bed your cat likes to scratch, and they’ll avoid that spot. But remember, this is a temporary fix—you don’t want them to avoid the bed entirely. After a week or so, when they’re consistently using their scratching posts, stop using the deterrent spray. At the same time, add more scratching posts near the areas where they’ve been scratching the bed. Redirecting their attention to a new spot is way more effective than just making the old spot smell bad.
I also want to share a mistake I made early on with my own cats. When I first started making straw beds, I kept one for my senior cat, Mabel, who had arthritis. She liked to stretch when she woke up, so I noticed she was scratching the edges of her bed every morning. I tried putting a post next to her bed, but she ignored it—turns out, she was scratching the edges of the bed because the raised sides of the bed made it easier for her to stretch her shoulders, not because she wanted the straw surface. I adjusted the bed by rounding the edges a bit, and she stopped scratching it almost entirely. That’s when I realized that some cats scratch the bed not because they hate the surface, but because the bed’s design fits their stretching style. Our straw woven beds have slightly raised edges that are perfect for stretching, but if your cat is scratching those edges, gently sanding them with fine-grit sandpaper can make the texture less appealing without damaging the bed. Just make sure you do it in a spot that’s not going to be used as a resting area.
One last thing: regular nail care. I know trimming a cat’s nails can be stressful, especially if your cat hates it, but it’s an important part of preventing damage. If your cat’s nails are sharp, they’re more likely to catch on the straw and pull at the fibers, which makes the bed look worn and gives them more to scratch. You can trim their nails every 2-3 weeks, or use a scratching post to help them wear down their nails naturally. If you’re nervous about trimming your cat’s nails, ask your vet or a local groomer to show you how to do it safely—you don’t have to cut the quick, just the sharp tip. If your cat really hates nail trims, a nail cap (made of soft plastic that fits over the nail) can be a temporary solution, but only use them if your vet approves, and replace them every 4-6 weeks as the nails grow.
At the end of the day, protecting our straw woven cat beds is about working with your cat, not against them. These beds are made to be a safe, comfortable spot for your cat, and when you give them the right tools and space, they’ll use them. As someone who’s been making these beds for over 10 years, I’ve seen hundreds of customers go from worrying about scratched beds to having cats that use their straw beds as their favorite napping spot, with barely a mark on them. If you’ve tried these tips and you’re still having trouble, or if you want to learn more about how our beds are made and how to care for them, feel free to reach out to our team to discuss your needs and order the right straw woven cat bed for your cat.
Cat Bed References
- Overall, K. L. (2013). Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals. Elsevier.
- Turner, D. C., & Bateson, P. (2000). The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour. Cambridge University Press.
- Rodan, I., & Delgado, M. (2015). Feline scratching and scratching post recommendations. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 17(10), 835-842.
- Beaver, B. V. (2009). Feline Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians. Saunders.
Songtai(Shandong) International Trade Co., Ltd.
As one of the most professional straw woven cat bed manufacturers in China, we have world-leading production equipment and strong manufacturing capabilities. Please rest assured to buy high quality straw woven cat bed for sale here from our factory. Customized orders are welcome.
Address: 4th Floor, OCC Aode International, Linyi, Shandong, China.
E-mail: york@petduke.com
WebSite: https://www.pet-duke.com/
