ᐅ My pet has scratched holes in the back panel of the KALLAX unit – has anyone experienced this?

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my pet, more specifically my small tomcat, who somehow managed to scratch holes into the back panel of my IKEA KALLAX shelf. The shelf is made from thin particleboard with cardboard as the backing, so it’s not really sturdy. I understand it’s not a solid construction, but does anyone else have similar experiences? How did you deal with it, especially if your pet keeps scratching the same spot?

I’m particularly interested in practical solutions to reinforce or replace the back panel without having to get rid of the entire piece of furniture. Do you have any tips on suitable materials to prevent scratching? Or advice on how to discourage the animal from scratching?

Looking forward to your experiences and suggestions!

Hello Asadso,

Regarding your issue with the KALLAX and the damage to the back panel caused by cat claws, I have often seen helpful solutions. First of all: as you correctly mentioned, the back panel of the KALLAX is a thin particleboard that is hardly resistant to scratching.

My advice is to replace or at least reinforce the back panel with more durable materials. Here is a brief step-by-step suggestion:

1. Remove and dispose of the back panel carefully, as it is usually only slotted or nailed in.
2. Instead, have a thin plywood sheet (about 4-6 mm (0.16-0.24 inches)) cut to fit the shelf perfectly.
3. You can then glue this panel inside with wood glue and additionally fasten it with small screws to ensure a secure hold.
4. For extra protection, you could cover the panel with a thin layer of felt or a similar material – this makes scratching less appealing.

If you want to prevent it completely, a solution with plexiglass or acrylic sheets is possible, although these are more visible and change the appearance of the shelf.

Another tip: cats often scratch due to stress or to mark their territory. So, provide your cat with plenty of scratching options (scratching posts, mats) near the KALLAX.

I hope this helps you!

Jensson schrieb:
The back panel of the KALLAX is, as you correctly pointed out, a thin particleboard that can hardly withstand scratch damage.

That sums it up exactly. I tested this thoroughly myself because I faced a similar challenge. The thin back panel is not only prone to scratches, but moisture can also cause it to swell. Therefore, it makes sense to reinforce it mechanically and also replace it with a more durable material.

One approach I tried in detail: instead of simple plywood, you can use somewhat thicker MDF at 6-8 mm (1/4–5/16 inch), which holds its shape even better. Just make sure the MDF is not coated or impregnated, as it can become brittle quickly if your pet continues to scratch.

Additionally, I tried the following:
- After installing the new panel with screws, fix it at the corners with thin metal brackets to prevent tilting and movement.
- To protect against new scratches, a cover made of thin, transparent PET (similar to the material used in protective book covers) is an option; it can reliably withstand claws while allowing light to pass through.

I’m curious about your cat’s behavior: does he scratch more when bored, or only out of territorial instinct? Are you able to provide him with alternative scratching spots that are more attractive than the KALLAX?

If you like, I can share some sources for MDF panels and PET sheets. It requires some effort, but it’s worth it if you want to keep using the shelf.

Asadso schrieb:
My pet, more precisely my little tomcat, managed to scratch holes into the back panel of the IKEA KALLAX shelf.

That sounds really frustrating – I can completely understand how annoying that must be. Our cat also had serious scratching problems, especially on furniture with delicate surfaces. I realized how important it is not only to protect the furniture but also to understand and address the cat’s behavior.

In short: scratching is a natural behavior for cats, whether for marking, stretching muscles, or relieving stress. Often, they try to scratch objects that have a strong scent or that catch their attention visually, such as furniture in certain parts of the home.

I really like your approach of not simply discarding the back panel but looking for a solution to preserve the furniture piece. It might also be helpful to work with your cat on alternatives in addition to protecting the KALLAX—scratching posts, catnip, or training to limit access to the shelf if possible.

Sometimes it helps to cover the back panel, for example with fabric or foam rubber, to make scratching less appealing. However, cats might find that even more interesting, so try such methods cautiously.

If you like, feel free to share what you decide. 🙂

Simply cut a stable plywood or MDF board to size and replace the back panel.

Cover the board with carpet or a foil, so the surface feels less rough or scratchy.

Alternatively, provide more scratching opportunities for the animal.