Which scratching mat is best for an American Shorthair that uses carpets?

Go for a flat cardboard or sisal mat with a non-slip backing, like the SmartCat Pioneer Pad-it mimics carpet texture so your cat will use it over the rug. Keep it near the carpet they already scratch, and they’ll switch fast.

Think of it like redirecting a bad network packet - you need to reroute the scratching traffic without creating packet loss. A dense sisal mat like the Catit Sense Scratch Mat works well because its vertical fibers simulate carpet texture but are less satisfying to claw long-term, so they learn to prefer the mat over the rug. Place it right next to the high-traffic carpet spots, and the familiar feel makes the switch almost automatic.