Recycled Cardboard Kitty Pad Craft
Turn empty Girl Scout cookie cartons into a scratching pad cats will love! This budget-friendly recycled craft is a great choice for older girls and combines creativity, upcycling, and hands-on construction. Girls can make a kitty pad for their own pet or turn the project into a service activity by donating finished scratchers to a local animal shelter or rescue organization.
⭐ Advanced | ⏱ 2 hours | 💲 Under $1 | 👧 Ages 13+
Check out DIYtoDonate.com for more ideas for items the girls can make for animal shelters.
Supplies:
☐ 5 Empty Corrugated Girl Scout Cookie Cartons
☐ Masking Tape
☐ Box Cutter and Ruler
☐ Paint and Brush
☐ Catnip
⚠️ Leader Note: Box cutters and craft knives should only be used by a responsible adult.
Instructions:
- Break open cartons and lay flat.
- Measure and cut the cardboard in 4″ strips with the ridges in the cardboard going horizontally across the strips.
- Tightly wind one strip into a circle and tape it closed. This will be the core of your round.
- Add a new piece and secure it with two pieces of masking tape.
- Add another strip, taping it right next to the end of the last piece, and keep the coiling tight.
- Keep adding until the desired size is reached.
- Paint and decorate the outside.
- Sprinkle with catnip
Don’t forget the fun patch!
Why We Love This Craft
- Budget-Friendly: Uses repurposed Girl Scout Cookie cartons and basic supplies, keeping cost per girl under $1.
- Great for Service Projects: Girls can donate the completed kitty pads to local animal shelters or rescue organizations.
- Teaches Sustainability & Upcycling: Hands-on way to discuss the importance of reducing waste and giving materials a second life.
- Builds Fine Motor & Measurement Skills: Reinforces precision measuring, cutting, and tight rolling techniques.
- Complements Patch Programs: Pairs seamlessly with the Recycled Crafts Patch Program to award girls for their eco-friendly effort.
- Customizable & Creative: Gives girls complete freedom to paint, decorate, and personalize their scratcher design.
