Best cat bed mats according to redditors
We found 96 Reddit comments discussing the best cat bed mats. We ranked the 28 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 96 Reddit comments discussing the best cat bed mats. We ranked the 28 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
It’s a pillow !
They also have heating pads made specifically for pets. Lower wattage / heat to prevent issues. I'd imagine something with the wiring, too. I personally don't have one as I'm too paranoid to leave anything like that on unsupervised.
I got a heated cat bed off Amazon that only heats up when they lay down on it. My cats love it! If you got one, he could turn the heat on without your help!
Idk if this is allowed buuuut: bed
Found a similar one on Amazon because I kind of need one now too 😂https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0722XVR4S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Qsb0BbDYB5JY4
I just got it on Amazon, pretty cheap too! https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JRCBFQU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you want something else that your cat will love, get a heated cat mat. There are now 4 of those in my house for my 3 cats and they're pretty much on them 80% of the day.
I found one on Amazon.
Didn't notice this before, but this seller is a real tool.
Check out his return policy on his rug:
"For sanitary reasons we cannot except a used return. Every buyer deserves a first time use, scent-free, brand new experience. If you wish to return your Ripple Rug for a refund it must be in new condition, untouched by pet and scent free. Used returns with hair, excrement or any matter will not be refunded; No Exceptions. We know you love your cat, as we love ours, you have our 100% guarantee that all shipped items are Brand New, never used, never touched by pet, and scent free. We hope you can appreciate our dedication to the safety of your pet. If you return a used product we will NOT grant a refund. Abuse the Amazon return policy will not be tolerated. If our 'Always New, Always Sanitary' policy offends you; do not buy our products."
Dude, you sell on Amazon. If you don't like their return policy, tough luck. Sell somewhere else.
You can't make up your own return policies. Good luck on the barrage of A-Z claims that will eventually get you suspended.
It's a Ripple Rug! My cat loves hers.
OP, how do you keep your cats from clawing/climbing the screens?
I recently bought my cat this heated cat bed and she has been SO HAPPY now that she has a warm place to visit anytime she wants. It's been getting a lot colder around here and the heater can't seem to match what the thermostat is telling it to do so this way she has an option anytime she wants or needs it. She's in it about 50% of the time now. She's also an older kitty (somewhere between 18 and 19) so heating up the achy joints can only help as well.
Anyway, something to consider for you or anyone else reading this that might want to offer a kitty more options for warmth in the cold weather or, really, anytime.
this also might be it
Yes. My cat did that with heating pads and heated blankets. She eventually started sleeping on the PS4. It was blocking the fan with hair so we had to figure something else out.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000S9M2U4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1462767579&sr=8-3&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=Heated+cat+bed&dpPl=1&dpID=31iOh7ZMTiL&ref=plSrch
BAM! She loves the hell out it. She hasn't been on the PS4 in months. It doesn't get too warm to hurt her and it's very very light on electricity use so it's purrfect. :3 I wish I got her this years ago. The customer reviews of this are very very accurate. It's a cat magnet!
You can buy weight activated heated cat beds or mats for $30-50 at Amazon. I got this one for my GF's cat. It warms up maybe 10-15 degrees but only when the cat lays on it.
Thank you! I got it from Amazon!
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat Heated Pet Bed Sage 12.5" x 25" 6W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000S9M2V8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_KnKRBbWRQDHZ4
On top of speakers (can barely see it):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073VRR92F/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Behind speakers:
https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Deterrent-Activated-Repellent-Environmentally/dp/B0721735K9/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1536369076&sr=1-1&keywords=scat
Draped over speaker so he doesn't stand on speaker and bat the blinds over and over and over:
https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-ScatMat-Training-Medium-inches/dp/B0009MZ1L2/ref=sr_1_9?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1536369124&sr=1-9&keywords=shock+mat
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000S9M2U4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1417373669&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40
This is the one I got, but there's a lot of different kinds.
Cats love heat- get him a pet safe heated pad to lie on. My cats hardly ever leave theirs.
Regular heating pads don't work that well for a variety of reasons. But Google heated cat beds and you'll get lots of results.
My cats love these:
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Pet Bed, Mocha, 4W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00403MXBM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hM6lDb99GJ82N
You can buy pet blankets that are heat reflective. They utilize "space blanket" material, but shredded thinly or in tact, but in an internal layer. Some can crinkle annoyingly. I have THIS one for my dog and it does not crinkle. You might think about making a full cubby space (like a mini dog house) which would heat up pretty well just from body heat.
It’s this one! My sister got one for her dog as well, no complaints.
What I would do is get a plain old heating pad (something like this) and stick it under the tank (not in it!) so that the heat radiates up through the bottom. HOWEVER, don't have it extend the full length of the bottom of the tank -- maybe only half or a third. If the pad heats up more than it should, you don't want to overheat your hamster.
The ones made for pets tend to be gentler, so you could also try something like this.
For warmer bedding, you can try Kapok shell fluff (like this, but can also be bought at PetCo). It has shorter fibers than the cotton fluff that causes controversy, so is safer for your ham.
Also get a space heater and put your ham near it (but not too close, because you don't want to go overboard and overheat them).
Nope, it's a cushion.
Have you heard of a Ripple Rug?
I got one for my four cats about 2yrs ago and it’s still their absolute favorite thing. Many epic battles and sneaky ambushes and hours of entertainment (for both my cats & my family) have been made possible thanks to that thing. 10/10 would buy again!
Adorable, she also like the heat. You should get her one of this, on Amazon 'K&H Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash Heated Cat Mat'
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00403MXBM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
There are thermal beds that only heat fully when the cat is on it. Or, if you have a heating pad just wrap a towel around it and that should do the trick. I'd have to say that as cats get older, they like to be warmer much like elderly people. I don't know if it's a circulation thing in cats or not, but all my cats are like heat seeking missiles as they get older.
http://www.amazon.com/Thermo-Kitty-Mat-12-5-25-Mocha/dp/B000S9M2U4
A bored kitty is a destructive kitty! Figuring out her preferred type of toys (tracks, balls, crinkle, wands, etc) can take a little time, but giving her lots of toys and scratching targets can make a big difference keeping her from destroying your things instead.
Teach her what "no" means, just a stern voice and then redirecting to something good (such as, when she scratches the couch, say no, then put her on the scratching post and praise her there) makes life a lot easier later. "Get down" can be helpful, too, but some cats ignore that one even when they know what it means (looking at you, my fluffy girl!)
Hands are not toys. If she tries to bite or claw your hands, say no, remove them from reach, and replace with a toy. If she, like one of mine, thinks this means hands are an EXTENSION of toys, then you have to say no, remove hands, and walk away or otherwise remove attention. Then give kitty a toy from a distance.
Here are some of my favorite toy options, none are too expensive and they cover some variety so you can learn what kind she likes:
Also a slightly more expensive one, but the Ripple Rug is hugely popular with all my kitties, they like to burrow in and attack stuff, I can hide toys in there, they pop out the holes and attack each other or wand toys.
Yeah I haven't met a cat that didn't love heating pads. It's a fun way to make them happy. We have a heated blanket on the couch, two heating pads in cat beds by the window, and one at the foot of our bed. :P My husband doesn't like them left on when we aren't home so I may get some microwaveable ones too. Our cats do love the thermal pads too! They do work because I sat on one on the couch once and my butt got toasty!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000S9M2U4/ref=psdcmw_3024128011_t1_B0009YWJRE
My cat has 2 of these and is on them daily. OP's kitty needs one!
You can make an outdoor cat hour out of big storage bins, old coolers, or tons of other old stuff that you could find cheaply and easily at a Goodwill. Check out Youtube for some tutorials.
Also, Amazon sells these which I can attest will keep your kitty very warm, not cost anything in terms of your energy bill, and are washable (we too have a cat who likes to pee). Other than that, make sure your kitty gets plenty to eat, and as long as you don't live somewhere where the inside of your garage is going to drop below 40 degrees or so, you should be good.
I bought this last year for my own poor kitty, she loves it! Packed it away for the summer but it's out now and still going strong. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000S9M2V8
Biggest downside is that she's less needy for cuddles, but at least she's comfortable when I'm not home.
i have a heating pad and a blanket on the corner of my table for my three little helpers to gather on while i'm at the table! if you don't have one of these heating pads, i highly recommend it.
It was $12 on Amazon!!
Found here: Pet Sofa Bread Cushion Pillow,Cat Cushion Mat (15.8 in X 15.8 in) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0722XVR4S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_F7KODbPCY8JW5
Thanks for the suggestion moonspyke. I think this might work.
Pet Heating Pad
No, this is an ingenious cat toy.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016H3T8EC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2.InxbV39EJCW
Could work as a digging substitute for sure! Depends highly on your rabbit’s tastes. My bunny prefers a very specific pillow for digging, for instance.
For foraging I use this rug . It’s expensive but I enjoy it and so does my bun when I hide his veggies in there
Want to reclaim your blankie? Get her her own heated pad:
https://www.amazon.com/Manufacturing-Thermo-Kitty-Mocha-12-5-Inch-25-Inch/dp/B000S9M2U4
Another option besides heating pads is heat-reflecting pads. I got one for a senior cat a few years ago and she loved it. No cords, no fire danger!
Like this one
This is the one I have! My cats LOVE it. The bed itself is not that great, but my spoiled lil furballs love to be warm.
https://smile.amazon.com/Thermo-Kitty-Fashion-Splash-Heated/dp/B00403MXBM/ref=sr_1_5?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1481005846&sr=1-5&keywords=heated+cat+bed
PS: I use amazon smile to donate to a charity, and so the link looks weird...but I couldn't figure out how to give you the regular link. I think it should go away when you open it. Either way, not an affiliate link. I promise! I am just failing at being tech savvy right now.
It's not a hammock, it's a cat bed on top of the shelf above my desk.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZP6HS6S
Ahh, warmth. These are great. Have not tried this one yet.
https://www.amazon.com/NAMOTEK-Heating-Electric-Constant-Temperature/dp/B07WQ2VNLY/ref=mp_s_a_1_32_sspa?keywords=chew+resistant+heating+pad&qid=1574547140&sprefix=chew+resistant+hea&sr=8-32-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEySloxRUhRR09NSENIJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODk3MTQ0MVdRWFRBQVhQQ1E1TCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzIxNjg1M1ZBODUwTFNHR05SNiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9idGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
This is the one we bought.
Gefry Creative Toast Bread Slice Style Pet Mats Cushion Soft Warm Mattress Bed For Cats & Dogs (Sponge Core) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F62X55/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mhD0DbCGG63EW
It was a gift from my sister, but you can find it on Amazon.
Tunnels and cat beds that are covered are nice because they can snuggle up in them. Also, instead of a heated blanket, maybe look into heated cat beds? The ones I have are cool because the heating pad only turns on when it senses pressure from the cat. My cats each have one and they love them :). This is the one I bought and it’s really soft, too :)
Not super pricy, but not cheap. Pet warmer.
let me blow your mind : https://www.amazon.com/RIOGOO-Heating-Electric-Indoor-Warming/dp/B07HNX1WVF/
:)
It's very tempting!
My partner bought it on sale from the Warehouse (NZ equivalent of Walmart) so I'm not sure, sorry. Try Googling 'cat tunnel bed' and see what comes up. :)
EDIT: I managed to find it on Amazon! It's called the Kitty Shack.
I thought that was going to be this.
Here you go! It’s cheaper now!
https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Products-Thermo-Kitty-Heated-Mocha/dp/B000S9M2U4?crid=XKM20VZW3HZB&keywords=cat+heating+pad&qid=1538102069&sprefix=cat+heat&sr=8-3&ref=mp_s_a_1_3
I got it off amazon:)
It’s overpriced for what it is but he really likes it ¯_(ツ)_/¯
SnugglyCat The Ripple Rug - Made in USA - Cat Activity Play Mat - Thermal Base -Fun Interactive Play - Training - Scratching - Bed Mat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016H3T8EC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_us4HDbF97SSC7
I have this one
My cat lives on this thing during winter. And in summer I just unplug it and it becomes a normal pet bed.
So cute! Is that the same bed as this one?
I got this for my cat and she loves it. It isnt electrical in any way, just reflects back heat. If you set your hand on it for a few minutes you can feel it get really warm. Her cat tree is right next to the glass patio door and this made her use it a lot more
I don't have anything on hand that will help, but I do have an elderly arthritic cat myself. Might I suggest you make an amazon wish list? I highly recommend adding this to it, our cat practically lives in it. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00403MXBM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_AOVHDbD7HRMVC
I second that brand. I got this H&K Thermo-Kitty Mat a few months ago and my cats love it. One is always on it when napping, sometimes they share it. I've washed and dried the cover about 10 times and it hasn't ripped yet. The heat is actually on a low setting until it senses pressure on top, so it saves electricity when they're not using it.
Bread pillows courtesy of Amazon. Loaf-makers
Double sided tape is a great deterrent for scratching, they sell large strips at pet stores for this purpose. Tinfoil or orange scented cat safe deterrent may also work. My cat loves scratching her ripple rug https://www.amazon.com/SnugglyCat-Ripple-Rug-Interactive-Scratching/dp/B016H3T8EC which would be the closest in to a normal rug (its a bit pricey but it will last forever).
Hi - I live in a (thankfully pretty big) New York City apartment. While it's on the larger side, I don't have space to dedicate full-time for a rack or even barbell setup - nor the desire to carry them to a 4th floor walkup - but I do have a mini bench, a vipr or two, yoga gear, a TRX rig, etc. My wife does most of her workouts in the apartment instead of going to the local gym.
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I want to get some kettlebells and/or a set of adjustable dumbbells, but I need some flooring so I don't destroy the hardwoods. The biggest catch is that I have two asshole cats. I've been searching on the googles with little luck - most results were for things meant to be scratched up by cats. Any recommendations for good gym mat/flooring with the following criteria?
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Thanks!
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edit: I have looked at getting 2 of the 4x6 horse stall mats from a tractor supply store, but it's a 2 hour roundtrip to the nearest store, and I was worried that they would be the kind of soft and foamy material that the cats love to shred (also how heavy are they?)
I have a pad like this for my cat, and she loves it. The pad itself isn't actually heated, it just reflects the animal's body heat back to them.
If you can't afford a massage therapist, I strongly recommend looking up "prehab"/stretching videos from physical therapists on Instagram or YouTube to see what you're doing in your day-to-day life that might be aggravating or even creating the problems in your shoulder and back. The very best a massage chair is going to ever do is provide temporary relief, and possibly only while you're in the chair. If you don't want to spend your life with consistent or worsening discomfort, you need to invest either the time or the money or both into addressing it before it progresses or before bad habits become deeply ingrained.
I see so many clients who think they can "fix" a long-standing issue with a visit to a chiropractor or a fancy gadget, but I have yet to see one who had that work. Chiropractors can yank a bone into a different position, but it's the muscles that are pulling the bone into a painful place, and since those aren't getting addressed, it goes right back to where it was. Most massage/PT gadgets are designed for efficiency of treatment in addition to massage/PT, not stand-alone quick-fixes, so while they can provide a general sense of relief, it's rarely going to address a specific issue without educated use.
Almost every client I see that didn't have a direct cause of injury (car crash, bad landing in a sport, etc) has pain as a result of repeated bad body positioning during the day, whether that be extended sitting in a chair, holding a "light" iPad in the air to read, or driving for long periods of time. The fact of the matter is, your body is really good at adapting to whatever you do the most, so if you don't break up your day into a variety of activities, it shapes itself around the main activity until it isn't able to do anything else without discomfort. I would look at your behavior throughout the day and try to notice when you feel the discomfort the most, and then look at what you're doing when that happens. You can do that for free, and making changes there will help a lot more than any gadgets you can buy.
As for the cats, I've trained mine not to scratch the furniture, in part by offering them more satisfying scratching surfaces nearby (this gets a lot of use in my home), and I try to keep their claws trimmed, but with cats, eventually every fabric in the home is going to develop a hole or snag somewhere. I don't know of any covers that are specifically made for massage chairs, but I'm sure you could have one custom-made. The issue I would see is that if it's thick enough to protect what's below from cat claws, it's probably thick enough to muffle whatever benefit you get from the chair.
I couldn't tell you about heating lamps, but I have this pet heating pad for my elderly (18.5 yr old) kitty and she loves it. Spends about 95% of her day on it; she loved it immediately.
It's designed to only warm up when there's a kitty sitting on top of it. We love it.
I have an Amazon wish list for Gifts that I add to anytime I run across something cool that I want to remember.
[Pot Rack](http://www.DecoBros.com/ Wall Mount Square Grid Pot Pan Rack includes 8 hooks, 25 by 12-inch,Bronze https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U86XNM8). We have one and love it.
An [atomic clock](http://www.La.com/ Crosse Technology WT-3122A 12 1/2-Inch Wood Atomic Analog Clock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001PG238/) that's not ugly.
A [laser maze](http://www.Laser.com/ Maze (Class 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071X6YSJZ/) for a STEM loving kid.
[Smart plugs](http://www.Wifi.com/ Smart Plug Mini, GMYLE Smart Home Power Control Socket, Remote Control Your Household Equipment from Everywhere, No Hub Required, Works with Amazon Alexa & Google Home (2 Packs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072J1D8L1/) that can be controlled by Alexa.
Beautiful [Tea Forte](Tea Forté Petite Presentation Box Sampler with 10 Handcrafted Pyramid Tea Infusers - Black Tea, White Tea, Green Tea, Herbal Tea https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0153PUZSS/) box set and a pair of [tea bag trays](Tea Forte Ceramic TEA TRAY for Presenting and Resting Signature Pyramid Tea Infusers, Two Per Box, Orchid White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016CDOV4Y/).
Good looking [Swiss Gear backpack](http://www.SwissGear.com/ 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006HFJA12/)
[Exploding Kittens game.](http://www.Exploding.com/ Kittens: A Card Game About Kittens and Explosions and Sometimes Goats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010TQY7A8/)
And everyone needs [avocado socks.](http://www.Socksmith.com/ Avocado Socks in Parrot Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IPQZTWK/)
Edited to add something for the pets. [Self heating mat.](Thermal Warming Pad for Dogs and Cats - XL Couch Protecting Pet Bed- Machine Washable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4OG9AO/)
Please do not yell at your cat or spray your cat with water it will not teach it a thing and it will only confuse it and teach it to be afraid of you.
Increase one on one play time with your cat to get some energy out. Use a variety of toys and rotate them. Some tried-and-true favorites...
This is such a simple toy and a very cheap so order several as they are an add-on item and they’re great to have around in every room because kitties seem to always enjoy them whether it’s dangled from the air or drug along the ground for chasing.
Cat Dancer 101 Cat Dancer Interactive Cat Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006N9I68/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1evSCbGX4WXZ4
Order natural peacock feathers off of Amazon for a super fun game with your kitty. The first time my girl are saw one she literally stood up on her hind legs walking across the floor trying to get out it. When you want to get the feather away pull it straight back toward you and it will slip through their claws and teeth. Eventually the quill will break from play so it's good to get a pack of them, they are not very expensive.
ALL in ONE 20pcs Natural Peacock Tail Feather https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HSNADGM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_NHlSCbJAG6FXW
SnugglyCat The Ripple Rug - Made in USA - Cat Activity Play Mat - Thermal Base -Fun Interactive Play - Training - Scratching - Bed Mat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016H3T8EC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dg9vCbVZN8R0Y. My girl goes crazy for this one every time. Dangle a peacock feather or anything else outside some of the holes when your kitty hides in the rug and you’ll see little arms reaching out of holes all over the place it is hilarious and loads of fun.
Your kitty is a lifelong companion so please take a little time to make the most of that relationship and read this book by Jackson Galaxy- The cat daddy himself.
Total Cat Mojo: The Ultimate Guide to Life with Your Cat https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143131613/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WRCHCbTMQSY5F
Found it!
LPT: buy em a heated cat bed & put it near your pillow. It's the only way to have your own pillow in the long run.
https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Products-Thermo-Kitty-Heated-Mocha/dp/B00403MXBM
I have several pressure sensitive heated cat beds, such as this - it keeps all three of my cats off of the PVC snake enclosures AND my computer towers. Sprinkle some cat nip in the bed the first few days, and soon it will be your cats favorite warm spot.
https://www.amazon.com/RIOGOO-Heating-Electric-Indoor-Warming/dp/B07HNX1WVF/ref=sr_1_6?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr4izqK3J5AIVh56zCh0J9Q7qEAAYASAAEgKiXvD_BwE&hvadid=174208407585&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9031331&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=8518129364233870542&hvtargid=kwd-11652575110&hydadcr=24659_9648993&keywords=baby+heating+pad&qid=1568224988&s=gateway&sr=8-6
Even has a 12 hour timer for the cold nights.
This was quite possibly the best thing I ever bought my cat. It heats up when the cat lies on it, shuts off otherwise.
How about a heating pad in a box with hole in it. Low heat and if possible something over it to leave an air space like another box. Here is article on safety of pad with cats. Also can buy pet ones.
But cats can survive outside so a bit of time inside without heat won’t kill them. I agree a cardboard box with hole in it for entry and lots of cushy blankets they can barrel into is enough.
> I haven't read the Entrepreneur Magazine article
You probably should have.
> hopefully you won't waste a bunch of money an idea someone else with better resources can make for cheaper.
No, the deal is this - the entrepreneur was selling his rugs for $40 a piece on Amazon while others were buying his rug and immediately re-selling it on ebay for $60.
> real entrepreneurship is not susceptible to arbitrage
No true Scotsman?
> some idiots cut some holes in old door rugs and had delusions of becoming the fulfilled prophecy of cat toys.
Yeah you should have read the article.
It is actually selling like hot cakes on Amazon. The price went up to $44 now.
https://www.amazon.com/Ripple-Rug-Activity-Interactive-Scratching/dp/B016H3T8EC
"#1 Best Seller in Cat Bed Mats"
My cat also likes scratching the carpet. We also have many scratching pads/posts but he likes the rug. We gave him a small rug of his own that he plays under and likes to scratch.
I want to get him this: http://www.amazon.com/The-Ripple-Rug-Interactive-Scratching/dp/B016H3T8EC/ref=pd_sbs_199_7?ie=UTF8&dpID=418U3bELU-L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=09QSQ3ZSZJ4K3HHQYJ96
Most of these are also good scratchers:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dpets&field-keywords=cat+scratcher
Oh and thanks for not considering declawing the cat!! Sorry if this doesn't really answer your question.
Out Bengal has also taken a while to warm up. He was like you described for a good few months. He’s getting better and let’s me pick him up for a little while now and likes to snuggle us when we are sleeping and he knows it safe. I also reached out to this community in the beginning and got a lot of good advice. This breed just takes longer to warm up than most. They’re hyper vigilant. Lots of treats has helped ours to trust us more.
And a random thought on something we bought him that he LOVES. The ripple rug. He can play in it but it also has all these holes so he can hide in it and feel safe. Or when he’s tired he sleeps on it. He’s obsessed with it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016H3T8EC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share