13 Easy DIY Cardboard Cat Houses You Can Make Today
I love finding ways to spoil my cat without spending a lot of money. And honestly, nothing beats the look on her face when she discovers a new cardboard castle I made just for her. Cardboard is free, easy to work with, and cats absolutely adore it. You probably already have everything you need in your recycling bin.
These projects are all beginner-friendly. You don’t need fancy tools. Just a box cutter, some tape, and a little bit of patience. I’ve rounded up 13 of my favorite designs that are simple enough to start right now. Grab a box and let’s make something fun for your furry friend.
1. The Classic Single-Box Hideout
This is the simplest place to start. Grab a medium-sized cardboard box and cut a round or arched door on one side. Make sure the edges are smooth so your cat doesn’t get scratched. You can even cut a few small windows for extra peek-a-boo action.
I like to leave the top flaps on for a bit of a roof. My cat loves to sit on top of the box and then drop inside through the opening. It’s her little apartment. You can decorate it with some non-toxic markers or leave it plain. Either way, it’s an instant hit.
2. The Two-Story Cat Condo
Take two sturdy boxes and stack them. Cut a hole in the top of the bottom box and the bottom of the top box so they connect. This creates a little staircase or a direct drop-through for your cat. Use strong packing tape to secure the boxes together.
I added a small sleeping pad in the top box and a toy mouse in the bottom one. My cat loves racing from one level to the other. It’s like having a tiny cat apartment building right in my living room. Just make sure the boxes are stable so nothing tips over.
3. The Cardboard Cat Teepee
This one looks so cute. You need three large pieces of corrugated cardboard. Cut them into large triangles, then tape them together at the top to form a teepee shape. Leave one side open for an entrance. You can also cut a small flap door.
I decorated mine with some simple geometric patterns using a black marker. Inside, I placed a soft fleece blanket. My cat loves the dark, cozy feel of the teepee. It’s also surprisingly sturdy and easy to fold flat for storage when you’re not using it.
4. The Window Perch Box
Does your cat love watching birds? Take a long, shallow box, like a shipping box for a laptop. Cut one long side off completely. Place it on a windowsill with the open side facing out. Line the bottom with a soft towel or a piece of carpet.
My cat spends hours in hers. It gives her a perfect little shelf to lounge on while she watches the world go by. Just make sure the box is secure and won’t slide off the sill. You can tape it lightly to the window frame for extra safety.
5. The Multi-Entrance Maze Box
This one is great for active cats. Take a large, long box. Cut three or four different sized holes on different sides. Some high, some low. This creates a fun maze for your cat to explore and pounce through.
I also added a few crumpled paper balls inside. My cat loves darting from one hole to the other, chasing them. It keeps her entertained for hours. It’s a simple way to turn a boring box into a fun puzzle. Just watch your fingers when you cut the holes.
6. The Cardboard Castle with Turrets
For a slightly more advanced project, create a castle. Use one large box for the main base. Then, tape four smaller tubes (like from paper towel rolls) to the corners as turrets. Cover the whole thing in brown craft paper to make it look like stone.
I painted a simple drawbridge on the front flap. My cat loves to hide in the main chamber and then peek out from behind a turret. It looks adorable and feels like a real fortress. It’s a fun weekend project that makes your cat feel like royalty.
7. The Rolling Cat Tunnel
Take a large, round oatmeal container or a long shipping tube. Cut a few holes along the side. This creates a little tunnel your cat can roll around and bat at. It’s best for small to medium-sized cats.
I put a jingle bell inside one of the holes. My cat loves to chase it as the tube rolls. It’s a simple toy that combines a hiding spot with a moving target. Just make sure the tube is lightweight so it doesn’t hurt if it bumps into furniture.
8. The Hanging Box Hammock
This one is a little different. Take a small box and cut off the top flaps. Then, using strong string or yarn, tie the box to a sturdy hook in the ceiling or a high shelf. Make sure the box is secure and won’t swing too wildly.
I lined the bottom with a soft sock. My cat loves to jump into the hanging box and sway gently. It’s like a little swinging bed. Just make sure it’s not too high off the ground in case your cat falls out. It’s a unique and fun addition to any cat room.
9. The Car Wash Cat Tunnel
This is so fun. Take a long box and cut off the top. Then, cut strips of cardboard or fabric and hang them from the top edges like a car wash. Make the strips long enough to brush against your cat as they walk through.
My cat loves to run through it and get tickled by the strips. It’s a great way to simulate that feeling of walking through tall grass. You can even attach a few small bells to the strips for extra sound effects. It’s a simple sensory toy.
10. The Puzzle Box Feeder
Turn snack time into a game. Take a small box and cut a few holes in the top. Make the holes just big enough for your cat to fit their paw through. Place a few treats or kibble inside. Your cat has to reach in and fish them out.
This is great for mental stimulation. My cat loves the challenge. It slows down her eating and keeps her brain active. You can make the holes bigger or smaller to adjust the difficulty. It’s a simple and effective enrichment toy.
11. The Cardboard Cat Couch
This one is adorable. Take a medium box and cut off the front and top to create a low-backed couch shape. Then, use scrap cardboard to create armrests on each side. Tape everything together. Cover it with a soft blanket or a piece of fabric.
My cat likes to lounge on her couch like a little person. It’s a fun way to use cardboard to create a piece of cat furniture. You can even add a small pillow. It’s a cute photo prop and a cozy spot for naps.
12. The Fortress of Solitude
Some cats need a quiet place. Take a large box and completely seal it shut. Then, cut a small, low entrance on one side. Make the inside completely dark and cozy. This is perfect for shy cats or cats who need a break from a busy household.
I placed mine in a quiet corner. My cat uses it as her safe space when the kids are loud. It’s a simple, enclosed box that offers total privacy. Just make sure there’s some ventilation by cutting a small hole near the top. It’s a sanctuary for your cat.
13. The Cat Scratcher Box
Combine a hiding spot with a scratcher. Take a medium box and cut a door. Then, wrap the outside of the box with sisal rope or corrugated cardboard strips. Use a hot glue gun to secure the rope. This turns the entire box into a scratching surface.
My cat loves to scratch the sides and then dive inside. It saves my furniture and gives her a dedicated place to scratch. You can also add a dangling toy from the top. It’s a two-in-one toy that’s practical and fun. Plus, it’s easy to replace when it gets worn out.
A Few Final Thoughts
Cardboard cat houses are one of the easiest and most rewarding projects you can do. They’re cheap, customizable, and your cat will love them. I always keep a few extra boxes in the garage so I can whip up a new house whenever inspiration strikes. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touches.
Remember, safety first. Always remove any staples or tape that could be a choking hazard. Supervise your cat the first time they use a new house. And most importantly, have fun with it. Your cat will appreciate the effort, even if the house is a little crooked. Happy building!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is cardboard safe for my cat to chew?
Yes, in small amounts. Plain cardboard is non-toxic. However, if your cat eats large pieces, it could cause a blockage. Supervise playtime and discard any heavily chewed pieces.
2. How do I make the boxes more stable?
Use strong packing tape to reinforce seams. For multi-level houses, make sure the bottom box is large and heavy enough to support the top. You can also add a small weight to the bottom.
3. Can I decorate the boxes with paint?
Yes, but use non-toxic, water-based paints or markers. Avoid spray paints or anything with strong fumes. Let the paint dry completely before letting your cat play with the house.
4. How long will a cardboard cat house last?
It depends on your cat. Some cats destroy them in a week. Others use them for months. You can extend the life by reinforcing corners with tape. When it gets too worn, just recycle it and build a new one.
5. My cat ignores the box. What should I do?
Try placing a favorite toy or a treat inside. You can also sprinkle some catnip on the floor. Sometimes, just leaving the box in a high-traffic area is enough. Cats are curious and will eventually investigate it on their own terms.
