14 Genius Cat House Decorations You Can Make From Cardboard
Let’s be honest—our cats ignore the fancy beds we buy, but they’ll happily sit in an empty Amazon box for hours. So why not lean into it? Cardboard is free, endlessly customizable, and honestly, your cat will think you’re a wizard when you turn a boring box into a tiny castle or a cozy cave.
I’ve gathered my favorite DIY ideas that are actually doable on a lazy weekend. No power tools required, just a box cutter, some tape, and maybe a little paint if you’re feeling fancy. These projects are perfect for keeping your feline friend entertained and your home looking (mostly) stylish.
1. The Classic Castle Tower
This is the project that started it all for me. Grab a tall, sturdy box (like one from a large appliance) and cut out crenellations along the top edge to mimic castle battlements. Cut a round “door” hole near the bottom and a smaller window on the side.
Use a hot glue gun to attach a cardboard tube (from paper towels) to the inside as a lookout perch. Your cat will love peeking out the top like a tiny monarch surveying their kingdom.
Pro tip: Keep the bottom flaps folded for extra stability. You can even tape a small piece of carpet or a soft towel inside for a royal bed.
2. The Modern Minimalist Cube
If your home decor is more “clean lines” and less “medieval fair,” this one is for you. Take a medium-sized shipping box and cut off all the flaps. Then, cut a large circle on one side using a compass or a bowl as a guide.
Paint the entire box a matte color like sage green or charcoal grey. No need for fancy patterns—just a clean, solid color looks surprisingly chic. Place it on a shelf or next to your couch so it blends in with your furniture.
I added a small felt mouse toy inside for a pop of color. It’s simple, but it looks intentional. My cat uses it more than her actual cat tree now.
3. The Tunnel Hideaway
This one is a riot. Connect three or four long boxes together with tape to create a winding tunnel. Cut connecting holes between them so your cat can crawl from one end to the other.
Cut a few “peekaboo” holes in the top or sides so you can see your cat moving through. They love the privacy, and you love the entertainment.
You can add a little crinkle ball inside one of the sections to make it extra exciting. It’s basically a cardboard playground that costs you nothing but a little tape.
4. The Cat Wall Art Shelf
Who says cat furniture has to sit on the floor? Take a sturdy, shallow box (like a shoebox lid) and cover it with pretty contact paper or wrapping paper. Mount it to the wall using heavy-duty command strips or a picture frame hanger.
Make sure it’s secure enough to hold your cat’s weight—test it with your hands first. This creates a floating shelf where your cat can lounge and watch the world go by.
It doubles as a piece of art, especially if you choose a fun pattern. Just make sure the box is deep enough that your cat feels safe and not like they’re going to roll off.
5. The Two-Story Condo
This is a weekend project, but it’s worth it. Stack two strong boxes of different sizes on top of each other. Tape them together securely and cut a hole in the top of the bottom box and the bottom of the top box so they connect.
Cut a large archway in the bottom box for the main entrance. Add a smaller window on the top box. You can wrap the whole thing in brown kraft paper to make it look unified and neat.
I put a soft cushion on the top floor and a scratch mat on the bottom. It’s a full cat mansion, and my cats love having their own separate floors.
6. The Woven Cardboard Basket
This one is a bit more crafty. Cut cardboard into long strips (about 2 inches wide). Weave them together in an over-under pattern to create a flat base, then fold the edges up to form a basket shape.
It’s a bit fiddly, but the result is a beautiful, textured basket that looks like wicker. You can add a little cushion inside for comfort.
If weaving seems too complex, just cut a circle base and glue the strips vertically around the edge. It gives a similar effect with much less effort.
7. The Cat Cave Igloo
This one is all about coziness. Take a large box and cut a dome shape out of the cardboard. You’ll need to use a few layers of cardboard glued together to make it sturdy enough to hold the shape.
Cut a small, round entrance hole. The smaller the door, the safer and more den-like it feels for your cat. Place a fleece blanket inside, and they’ll be in heaven.
The key here is making sure the dome is stable. Use lots of tape on the inside seams. My cat immediately claimed this as her napping spot.
8. The Laptop Cat Bed (For Workaholics)
We all know the struggle—you’re trying to work, and your cat sits on your keyboard. This box solves that. Take a laptop-sized box and cut a comfortable oval hole in the side, big enough for your cat to crawl into.
Put the box right next to your laptop. It’s close enough that your cat feels involved, but the keyboard is safe. It’s basically a “fake laptop” made of cardboard.
Line it with a soft t-shirt or a small blanket. Your cat will love being right next to you without being on top of your mouse.
9. The Cardboard Cactus
This is a fun decorative piece. Roll a large piece of cardboard into a tall cylinder and tape it shut. Then, cut out two or three smaller “arms” and attach them to the sides with tape or glue.
Paint the whole thing green and add white “spikes” with a paint pen. It looks like a cute, quirky cactus that your cat can scratch and rub against.
It’s a great conversation starter and a fun way to add a bit of nature to your home without worrying about watering it. Just make sure it’s weighted at the bottom so it doesn’t tip over.
10. The Simple Scratcher Ramp
Got a cat that likes to scratch the couch? Build them a ramp instead. Cut a long, wide strip of corrugated cardboard. Score it lightly in a few places so you can bend it into a gentle slope or a zigzag shape.
Place it against a wall or the side of your couch. The corrugated texture is exactly what cats love to scratch.
You can tape a few pieces of sisal rope to it for extra texture. It’s a simple solution that saves your furniture and gives your cat the satisfying scratch they need.
11. The Peek-a-Boo Playhouse
This one is all about the holes. Take a large box and cut as many different sized holes as you can—circles, squares, stars, whatever. Make sure they’re big enough for your cat to poke their head through but not necessarily their whole body.
Place a toy inside and watch your cat try to get it through the holes. It’s a puzzle and a playhouse all in one.
You can also cut a large hole on the top and a few smaller ones on the sides. It becomes a multi-sensory playground that keeps them busy for hours.
12. The Window Perch Box
Turn a long, flat box into a window seat. Place it on a sturdy windowsill or a side table next to a window. Cut a lip on the front of the box so your cat can rest their chin and look outside.
Reinforce the bottom with extra cardboard so it can support your cat’s weight. Add a soft blanket to make it super comfy.
This is the perfect spot for bird watching. My cat sits here every morning, patrolling the neighborhood through the glass.
13. The Maze Box
This one is a bit more complex but so rewarding. Get a large, flat box (like a pizza box) and cut internal “walls” from cardboard to create a maze. Glue the walls to the bottom of the box.
Drop a treat or a toy in one corner and let your cat navigate the maze to find it. You can cut a few holes in the lid so you can watch them work it out.
It’s a great way to stimulate their brain and keep them busy. Just make sure the walls are tall enough that they can’t just jump over them!
14. The Cardboard Castle Garage
This is for the cats that live with a dog (or just like their own space). Create a two-car garage for them. Take two similar-sized boxes and tape them together side by side. Cut a large archway in the front of each box.
Paint them to look like a little garage or just leave them as is. Place a bed in one “garage” and a litter box in the other (or just use it as storage).
It gives your cat a choice of spaces and feels very secure. Plus, it’s easy to clean and replace when it gets worn out.
Final Thoughts
Cardboard is honestly the best toy for cats. It’s cheap, it’s scratchable, and it smells like home. Plus, you get the satisfaction of building something with your hands. These projects are all easy to customize—just match the colors and shapes to your cat’s personality and your home’s style.
Don’t stress about making it perfect. Your cat won’t care if the cuts are a little crooked. They’ll just be thrilled that you made something just for them. Happy crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cardboard safe for cats to chew on?
Generally, yes. Cardboard is non-toxic and most cats just chew on it without swallowing. If your cat eats large amounts, it could cause a blockage, so keep an eye on them. If they’re shredding and eating a lot, it might be a sign they need more fiber or are stressed.
How long will a cardboard cat house last?
It depends on how rough your cat is. A simple box might last a few weeks, while a reinforced castle could last months. Keep a roll of tape handy to patch up any tears and extend its life.
Can I paint the cardboard?
Yes! Acrylic paint or spray paint works well. Just make sure it’s completely dry before letting your cat use it. You can also use non-toxic, water-based paints for extra safety.
What if my cat ignores the cardboard house?
Try placing a t-shirt you’ve worn inside. Your scent will make it feel familiar and safe. You can also sprinkle a little catnip inside to entice them. Sometimes they just need a day to investigate it on their own terms.
How do I make the cardboard house sturdier?
Use multiple layers of cardboard glued together for the base and walls. You can also insert wooden dowels or rulers into the seams for extra support. And always use strong packing tape on the inside corners.
