Recycled Cardboard Kitty Pad Craft

Recycled Girl Scout Cookie Carton 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:

  1. Break open cartons and lay flat.
  2. Measure and cut the cardboard in 4″ strips with the ridges in the cardboard going horizontally across the strips.
  3. Tightly wind one strip into a circle and tape it closed. This will be the core of your round.
  4. Add a new piece and secure it with two pieces of masking tape. 
  5. Add another strip, taping it right next to the end of the last piece, and keep the coiling tight.
  6. Keep adding until the desired size is reached.
  7. Paint and decorate the outside.
  8. Sprinkle with catnip

Recycled Cookie Carton Craft

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.