Where Does Natural Cork Come From? A Guide for Pet Brands

Tabby cat stretching on a cork wave scratcher in a modern living room

Have you ever wondered where natural cork comes from? It starts as the outer bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber). That bark can be carefully harvested while the tree remains standing. The tree then grows new bark, which can be harvested again after a recovery period.

At Percudi, that origin is one reason we work with cork. The next question is what the material can do in a product a cat will use every day.

Illustration of a cat beside harvested cork oak bark, introducing how cork becomes cat furniture

How cork bark is harvested

The bark is removed without cutting down the tree. Regrowth makes it possible to harvest bark from the same tree again. When specifying cork for a range, ask your supplier about its origin and which form of cork is being used.

Illustration of a cork oak showing where outer bark is harvested while the tree remains standing
A cork oak can remain standing while its outer bark is harvested.

From bark to cork granules

For some applications, cork bark is crushed, screened and graded by particle size. The granules can then be pressed into sheets or formed components. Other products may use a thin cork veneer. The choice depends on the intended texture and function, and on how the cork will be joined to the backing or base.

Illustrated sequence of cork bark being crushed, screened and graded into granules
One processing route turns bark into graded granules that can be formed into different shapes.

Where cork fits in cat furniture

Start with what the cat will do. A curved scratcher and lounger gives cats room to scratch and stretch. An adjustable standing scratcher serves a different scratching position. A cork bark finish hideaway provides an enclosed space for resting, with cork used as an exterior finish. The material, structure and intended use each tell you something different about the product.

Illustrated cork pet product concepts including a curved cat scratcher, scratching post and hideaway
Illustrated design possibilities. Materials and specifications vary by model.

What happens when the surface wears?

On selected designs, the scratching surface can be replaced while the original base stays in use. Bark regrowth describes where the material comes from. A replaceable pad addresses how the finished product is maintained. See the whale-shaped scratcher photo guide for an example of how the two parts fit together.

For a wholesale range, confirm which part contains cork, the backing and attachment materials, and which refill fits each model. These details help you describe the product accurately and plan spare parts before placing an order.

Explore the Natural Cork Cat Living collection or discuss a material or sampling brief with Percudi.