10 DIY Cardboard Cat House Ideas Your Feline Will Love
I have a confession: my cat, Whiskers, ignores every fancy bed I buy. But give him an empty Amazon box, and he’s in heaven. That’s when I realized—why spend a fortune when I can build him a palace from cardboard?
These DIY projects are cheap, fun, and surprisingly easy. Plus, your cat won’t care if the lines aren’t perfectly straight. They just want a cozy spot to nap and hide. Grab a box cutter and some tape—let’s make something your cat will actually use.
1. The Classic Two-Story Castle
This is the first project I ever tried. You need two sturdy cardboard boxes—one slightly bigger than the other. Stack them, tape them together, and cut a door on each level.
For extra fun, poke a few small windows so your cat can peek out. I added a little ramp made from a folded piece of cardboard. My cat loves sitting on the top like a king.
Pro tip: Use a hot glue gun instead of tape if you want it to last longer. Cats love to scratch the tape loose.
2. The Teepee Tent
This one looks adorable and takes about fifteen minutes. Cut three large triangles from a big cardboard sheet. Tape them together at the top corners so they stand like a teepee.
Leave one side open for the entrance. You can add a soft cushion or an old towel inside. My cat hides in there whenever the vacuum comes out.
To make it sturdy, glue a circular base on the bottom. Your cat will feel like a little explorer.
3. The Cardboard Igloo
Igloos are perfect for cats who love dark, enclosed spaces. Take a large box and cut a round opening big enough for your cat to walk through. Then, curve the top flaps inward to create a dome shape.
Tape everything securely. You can paint the outside white or leave it plain. I drew little snowflakes on mine with a marker. My cat sleeps inside for hours.
Just make sure the box is tall enough so your cat can sit up inside.
4. The Window Perch Box
Does your cat love staring outside? Cut a large rectangle out of one side of a sturdy box. Place it next to a window so the open side faces the glass. Add a small cushion or blanket inside.
Now your cat has a private lookout spot. I put mine on a low table by the window. My cat watches birds for hours without falling asleep on the cold sill.
You can also cut a small hole on the side for an extra entrance. Cats love having two ways in and out.
5. The Cat Condo with Scratching Posts
This one is a bit more work but totally worth it. Stack three boxes of different sizes in a pyramid shape. Tape them together securely. Then, wrap sisal rope around the edges of the bottom box so your cat can scratch.
Cut holes between the boxes so your cat can climb from one level to the next. I added a dangling toy from the top box ceiling. My cat goes crazy for it.
Use a heavy base so it doesn’t tip over. A cardboard sheet glued to the bottom works well.
6. The Simple Hideaway Cube
Sometimes simple is best. Take one medium-sized box and cut a circular hole in one side. That’s it. No decorations, no extra levels.
Your cat will love the dark, cozy interior. I put a soft fleece blanket inside and placed it in a quiet corner. My cat uses it every single day.
You can leave the top open or close it. Closed tops feel safer for shy cats.
7. The Maze Playhouse
Got several small boxes? Tape them together in a long line, cutting holes between each one so your cat can crawl through. It’s like a cardboard tunnel system.
Add a few small windows along the sides for light. I made mine zigzag shape, and my cat loves racing through it. You can even hide treats inside for a fun game.
This is great for active cats who need mental stimulation. Change the layout every few weeks to keep it interesting.
8. The Cardboard Castle with Turrets
For the overachievers (like me), this one is a showstopper. Use four tall boxes arranged in a square. Tape them together. Cut arched doorways on the front of each box.
On top, add smaller boxes as turrets. Cut holes so your cat can pop their head out. I painted mine gray with a red roof. It looks like a mini medieval castle.
Your cat will feel like royalty. Just make sure the base is wide so it doesn’t wobble.
9. The Carboard Hammock
This is surprisingly easy. Cut a large rectangle from a sturdy cardboard sheet. Fold up the two shorter edges to create a shallow tray. Tape the corners.
Hang it from a table edge or between two chairs using sturdy string. Your cat will love the gentle swaying. I put a soft towel inside for extra comfort.
Test the weight before letting your cat jump in. Use thick cardboard so it doesn’t sag.
10. The Cardboard Cat Tree
If you have a lot of boxes, this is the ultimate project. Stack four or five boxes of different sizes vertically. Cut holes on the sides so your cat can climb up and down.
Secure each box with hot glue and tape. Add a small platform on top made from a flat piece of cardboard. My cat loves lounging on the highest level.
You can decorate with fabric or leave it plain. It’s basically a free cat tree that you can customize.
Conclusion
Cardboard cat houses are a win-win: your cat gets a fun new hideout, and you save money. Plus, you can recycle them when they get worn out and build something new. My cat has had at least five different cardboard homes, and each one brings him so much joy.
Don’t worry if your cuts aren’t perfect. Your cat doesn’t care. Just have fun with it. Start with the simple cube and see where your creativity takes you.
FAQ
Is cardboard safe for my cat to chew on?
Yes, plain cardboard is generally safe. Avoid boxes with tape or staples. Remove any plastic or metal before giving it to your cat.
How long do cardboard cat houses last?
It depends on how rough your cat is. A simple box might last a few weeks. A reinforced house with hot glue can last months.
Can I paint the cardboard?
Yes! Use non-toxic, water-based paint. Acrylic or tempera work great. Let it dry completely before letting your cat inside.
My cat ignores the cardboard house. What should I do?
Try placing a treat or some catnip inside. You can also leave a piece of your clothing with your scent on it. Sometimes cats just need time to explore.
Is it okay to use tape?
Sturdy packing tape is fine, but avoid using too much where your cat might chew it. Hot glue is a safer option for long-term projects.
