Scratch · Rest · Play — in one basket
Give her something better to scratch than your sofa.
The Instinct Basket is a handwoven rope basket your cat can scratch, curl up in and play with — one spot she can call her own.
- A woven rope surface for claws
- Cosy, den-style walls for naps
- A built-in rope toy for play
From $79.95 $159.95 · Free US shipping · 45-day guarantee
Sound familiar?
You bought the scratching post. She still chose the sofa.
You're not doing anything wrong. Scratching is normal, healthy cat behavior — it's how cats stretch, keep their claws in shape and leave their scent. The problem isn't that she scratches. It's where she's chosen to do it.
- The scratching post sits untouched — two feet from the couch.
- Tape, sprays and covers work for a week. Then she's back.
- Cardboard scratchers shed everywhere and get flattened fast.
- The new cat bed? Ignored for a cardboard box.
Most of the time the product isn't the problem — the match is. Cats are picky about how a surface feels and where it is.
Meet the Instinct Basket
Scratch. Rest. Play. All in one spot.
Most cat products do one job. The Instinct Basket covers three things your cat does every day — so she doesn't have to choose between her scratcher, her bed and your sofa.
Scratch
A rope surface made for claws
Tightly woven rope around the rim and sides gives her claws something satisfying to grip and pull.
Rest
A cosy, den-like nest
Raised walls wrap around her while she naps — snug and secure, without feeling boxed in.
Play
A built-in toy
An attached rope toy to bat, hook and chase — right where she already hangs out.
See it in action
Scratch the rim. Curl up inside. Bat the toy.
See how one basket covers the three things your cat does every day.
- ScratchClaws grip the tightly woven rope rim — a satisfying pull, right where she rests.
- RestRaised walls wrap around her while she naps, without feeling boxed in.
- PlayThe attached rope toy is there to bat and hook between naps.
How it works
How your cat makes it hers
- 1
Put it where she already scratches
Next to the arm of the sofa she targets, or by her favorite nap spot. Location matters as much as the product.
- 2
Let her investigate
Most cats sniff, circle and test the rim with their claws before they climb in. Let her take her time.
- 3
It becomes her spot
Once she's claimed it, it's where she scratches, stretches, naps and plays — one place that's all hers.
Why cats ignore scratchers
Cats don't reject scratching. They reject the wrong scratcher.
Every cat has preferences. When a scratcher doesn't feel right or sits in a quiet corner, the sofa wins by default.
- The right feel. In a survey of more than 4,000 cat owners, rope was the scratching surface cats preferred — something they can really dig into.
- The right spot. Cats scratch where they spend their time: near where they nap and in the rooms you share.
- A place that's hers. Cats like a resting spot that feels secure and smells familiar.
The Instinct Basket brings those together: a woven rope surface to scratch, built into a basket she rests and plays in — wherever you put it.
Source: Wilson C. et al., “Owner observations regarding cat scratching behavior: an internet-based survey,” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2016.
The details
Simple design. Serious cat appeal.
Handwoven rope
Natural cotton and linen rope, woven by hand.
Breathable weave
An open rope weave lets air through. Add a blanket in winter if she likes it warm.
Built-in toy
An attached rope toy for batting practice between naps.
Two sizes
Standard for cats up to 15 lb, Large for cats up to 31 lb.
Made for your living room
Natural brown, grey or green that sits nicely with your furniture.
Multi-cat friendly
Give each cat a spot of her own. Bundles save up to 20%.
Styled at home
At home in any room
The honest answer
“What if my cat ignores this too?”
We get it — you've bought things before that she walked right past. Every cat is different, so here's what to expect:
The curious ones hop straight in and claim it on day one.
Many cats sniff, circle and scratch the rim first — then move in.
Cautious cats need time with anything new. That's normal. Keep it where she hangs out.
How to help her claim it
- Place it where she already scratches or naps, not in a quiet corner.
- Rub it with a blanket or towel she sleeps on, so it smells familiar.
- Drop a treat, a little catnip or her favorite toy inside.
- Never force her in. Let her discover it on her own terms.
Still not for her? You have 45 days from delivery to decide. If she hasn't claimed it, return it for a full refund of the purchase price. See how returns work.
Compare
One basket vs. the usual cat gear
| Feature | Instinct Basket | Scratching post | Cardboard scratcher | Plush cat bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scratch surface | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cosy place to curl up | Yes | No | Varies | Yes |
| Built-in toy | Yes | Varies | No | No |
| No cardboard shreds | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Scratch, rest & play in one spot | Yes | No | No | No |
General comparison of typical product types. Individual products vary.
Bundle & save
More than one cat? Give each one a spot.
Save 15% on 2 baskets and 20% on 3. Mix colors and sizes as you like.
Free US shipping · 45-Day Cat Approval Guarantee
Prices shown for the standard size. Bundle discounts apply automatically in your cart.
Risk-free
The 45-Day Cat Approval Guarantee
You don't have to know whether your cat will love it before you order. You just need time to let her decide.
Give her up to 45 days from delivery. If she hasn't made it hers, contact us and return it for a full refund of the purchase price. Return shipping is paid by the customer.
Will my cat actually use it?
Every cat is different. Some climb in right away; others take a few days — or a week — to investigate. Place it where your cat already likes to scratch or nap, and give her time. If she hasn't taken to it within 45 days of delivery, you can return it for a refund.
Will it stop my cat scratching the sofa?
We can't promise that — every cat's habits are different. What the Instinct Basket gives her is an appealing place to scratch, right in the spot where she rests and plays. For the best chance, place it next to the furniture she targets and praise or treat her when she uses it.
Which size should I choose?
Standard (16.5" / 42 cm wide) is for cats up to 15 lb. Large (19" / 48 cm wide) is for cats 15–31 lb. Between sizes, or a cat who loves to sprawl? Choose Large.
How does the 45-Day Cat Approval Guarantee work?
If your cat hasn't taken to her basket within 45 days of delivery, email us at hey@mewloom.com with your order number. We'll send return instructions, and once the basket is back with us we'll refund the full purchase price. Return shipping is paid by the customer. Full details are in our refund policy.
How much is shipping, and how long does it take?
Standard shipping within the US is free on every basket order and takes 5–7 business days. Need it sooner? Express shipping (3–4 business days) is available at checkout for $15. See our shipping policy.
Scratch · Rest · Play
Give her a spot that's actually hers.
One handwoven basket to scratch, nap and play in. Free US shipping and 45 days to let her decide.