9 Cat House Cardboard Box DIY

Our furry friends love cardboard boxes. Just give your cat an empty box and watch them crawl inside with paws out.

Cardboard boxes are soft and warm, and our feline friends feel safe when nestling inside for some time.

Instead of tossing that empty box, or giving it plain to your cat, you can repurpose it into a cat house cardboard box DIY to make it better and fancy.

Making a cardboard kitty house is affordable, easy to make, and much fun when you think about it. It’s also environmentally friendly thanks to the recycling bit.

The best thing about such projects is that you are the architect of everything. You can decide if your cat needs small huts, big towers, or something there between.

You can even personalize the end product to make it match your home’s interior, so it doesn’t stick out as an eyesore.

Continue reading this guide to discover how you can build a cardboard cat house plus a collection of 10 DIY cardboard cat houses to get you inspired.

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Materials You’ll Need for Most Projects

The number one item you need to make a cardboard cat house is the cardboard materials themselves.

Other than that, you don’t need many other materials. In fact, the others are tools and decorative accessories which can vary depending on the project.

Thicker boxes made with multiple layers of corrugated cardboard work best for these projects, especially when building a cat tower cardboard.

When it comes to tools, you will most likely need a sharp box cutter, an X-ACTO knife, or a pair of scissors to cut clean shapes.

Make sure you have a metallic ruler to get the correct measurements and draw precise lines. A carpenter’s pencil is sufficient to do the markings.

You can use school glue or glue sticks to hold everything together, but scotch tape can also work just fine for smaller projects.

When it comes to the decoration, make sure to use non-toxic paint or paper to bring your design to life.

Feel free to color the house according to your interior décor or use several patterns to make the DIY project unique.

For the soft bedding, you can use a comfy fabric, an old t-shirt, or a soft cat bed to make the house inviting and cozy.

Most of these materials and tools are easy to find, and you may even have a few of them lying in your room unutilized.

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9 Cat House Cardboard Box DIY

1. The Easy Home Base Cat Box

What’s Needed:

• 1 cardboard box (big enough for your cat)
• Scissors
• Tape
• Pen or pencil (optional)
• Safe paint or decorations (optional)
• Cloth (for cleaning the box)

Procedure:

1. Start by removing all small items your cat can accidentally swallow such as staples, tape, or loose bits. Wipe the box down with a soft cloth to get rid of dirt.
2. Next, flip the box upside down and tape the flaps shut to make a flat roof. Make sure you press the tape down to make it stick well.
3. Once done, go ahead to cut off two flaps on opposite sides. For the remaining flaps, cut triangle shapes to make arch-like edges. Feel free to draw lines first to make the cutting easier.
4. Choose one side to be the front and also cut out the door. Make sure to door space is wide enough to let your cat in and out without squeezing them. Cut windows also.
5. Create the roof using the flaps that you removed earlier on. Feel free to tape them flat or bend them for a curve, depending on what you like.
6. Paint the house for the final part, but be cautious to only use non-toxic paints and other decorative materials that are safe for pets.
7. Let the decoration set in then place the house in a quiet spot, or any other preferred spot then let your cat check it out.

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2. The Modern Chill Spot Cat House

What’s Needed:

• 2 medium cardboard boxes
• 1 thick cardboard sheet
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Utility knife
• Metal ruler
• Pencil or marker
• LED string lights
• Pet cushion or blanket

Procedure:

1. Flip the boxes inside out and hide any labels and logos for that clean look. Glue the boxes while closed and cut the inner flaps to fold them before gluing them down.
2. Once done, cut down the heavy cardboard sheet into three pieces to form the walls of the new house. Glue the thick pieces around the strong base.
3. Open the second cardboard box and cut it in half. Joint two halves together to create a strong roof. Glue them and add an extra cardboard for support.
4. The roof is now ready, next is to glue it on top of the walls. Feel free to add braces if you need to keep it from sagging. Make sure the roof is tightly seated on the walls.
5. Moving on to the fun part, which is about lights. Stick the LED string lights around the edge of the roof for a warm look.
6. Next, cut a front panel to cover the last open side, then add a fun-shaped window hole for ventilation.
7. Finish the project by adding a soft cushion or blanket for the comfort much desired by your feline friend. Feel free to add a few more decorative extras.

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3. The Stackable Box for Cats

What’s Needed:

• 9 medium cardboard boxes
• Box cutter
• Scissors
• Packing tape or duct tape

Procedure:

1. Get enough similar-sized cardboard boxes for this project. This will make it easier to stack and line them up.
2. Use a box cutter to remove the top flaps from each box to give you that flat-open top that is needed for stacking.
3. Once done, start making the doors and tunnels between the boxes. You’ll want to line up the openings if you desire to create a path inside the cat house.
4. Tape the cardboard boxes together after finishing with the openings. It’s a good idea to use lots of tape to reinforce the structure especially if your cat is jumpy.
5. Now for the fun part. Build the structure up by adding more boxes on top and repeating the same steps. Cut holes, stack, and tape. Avoid building it too tall because the cat house needs to stay stable for your furry friend’s safety.
6. Once the cat tower is complete, allow your feline friend to explore it and give them some toys to play with from the inside.

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4. The Mid-Century Cardboard Cat House

What’s Needed:

• 2 cardboard boxes
• 1 extra box
• Box cutter or X-Acto knife
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Tape
• Ruler
• Pencil or marker
• Acrylic paint
• Spray paint
• Cardboard scraps
• Cat blanket or scratcher

Procedure:

1. Planning the house design should be your first step for this project. Sketch out the windows, doors, roof, and any other extra you desire to include.
2. Flatten your two main cardboard boxes and remove any tape or stickers to make them easier to work with. Mark with a ruler and pencil where you want the openings to be.
3. Use a sharp knife to cut carefully and cut only one side at first for the roof part. Flip the first roof piece and trace it on the other side to create a matching fit.
4. Next, cut out the other pieces like the fireplace and steps from the box scraps that remain. Score the cardboard with a knife to bend it properly.
5. Glue the unflattened boxes together and align the cat door and window holes if you have more than one level. Hold it with clips and tapes as it dries.
6. Let the top flap remain to support the roofing structure. You can use long cardboard pieces for the roofing structure. Glue them once everything fits in place.
7. For the undercoat, spray paint the whole cardboard box with white paint and use your final colors that match your interior décor.
8. Once the decoration is dried, place a cat scratcher, and a soft blanket inside to make the house fun for your feline friend.

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5. The Gingerbread Cat Cottage

What’s Needed:

• 1 medium cardboard box
• Extra cardboard (for roof and decorations)
• Tape
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• X-ACTO knife or box cutter
• Construction paper (various colors)
• Cotton balls
• Scissors
• Pencil or marker

Procedure:

1. If your box is not already assembled, start by taping it together. Cut off the bottom flaps. Then, pick a corner, cut it open, and flip the box inside out. Tape it back together. This hides any writing on the outside and gives you a clean surface.
2. Use the top flaps to form the front and back roof peaks. Cut each flap into a triangle shape. Take another piece of cardboard, bend it in the middle, and use it as the main roof. Tape the roof securely in place and glue it down once it fits right.
3. Draw and cut out the windows and door. You can put them anywhere, but make sure the door is big enough for your cat.
4. Now it’s time to decorate. Cut out gumdrop shapes from colorful paper and glue them on the roof. Fill in spaces with cotton balls to make it look soft and snowy. 
5. Use red and white paper to make candy canes. Add a little sign with your cat’s name. You can even decorate the sides with paper gumdrops or swirls.

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6. The Scratcher Box Cat House

What’s Needed:

• 7 corrugated cardboard sheets
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Box cutter or sharp knife
• Ruler

Procedure:

1. Start by planning the shape of your cat house. This one uses solid panels, so it’s strong and works well for scratchers too.
2. Take the first cardboard sheet and cut out the base. It should be large enough for your cat to lie down comfortably. Cut two more pieces the same size for the top and bottom layers.
3. Next, cut out two rectangles for the side walls and another two for the front and back. Use the ruler to keep the edges straight. Cut a door into the front piece and a window into the side if you want.
4. Glue the sides to the base piece. Hold them in place until the glue sets. Add the front and back walls next. Then glue the top panel in place to close it off.
5. Now make the scratcher. Cut the remaining sheets into strips. Stack and glue the strips together, edge facing up, until you form a thick scratch pad. Let it dry completely.
6. Place the scratcher inside the house. It will act as the floor and a scratching area. Make sure it fits snugly so it stays in place.

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7. The Cozy T-Shirt Tent

What’s Needed:

• 1 cardboard box
• 1 old T-shirt
• Scissors
• Pencil or pen
• A circular object
• Your cat’s blanket or cushion

Procedure:

1. Start by setting up your box. Use a bowl or round object to draw two circles—one on the front, and one on the back. These will be the entry and exit holes. Cut them out using scissors.
2. Now take the t-shirt and pull it over the box. Line the neck hole with the front opening so your cat can get through it. Make sure the back hole isn’t blocked by fabric.
3. Tuck the sleeves in tight against the box to make it look neat. The shirt should be stretched and smooth.
4. Place a blanket or soft cushion inside. If your cat has used it before, it’s even better because it’ll smell familiar and help them settle in.
5. Put the tent in a quiet spot where your cat feels safe. A corner or high shelf works great. Your cat will love it as a private hideout.

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8. The Geodome Cat Pod

What’s Needed:

• Cardboard sheets
• Pencil or pen
• Ruler
• Box cutter or craft knife
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Calculator or dome pattern (optional but helpful)

Procedure:

1. Start by deciding how big you want your dome. A good size for a cat is around 2 feet across. Use an online dome calculator if you want exact measurements.
2. Draw your triangle pieces on the cardboard. You’ll need two triangle types. One slightly taller than the other. Cut out about 35 pieces in total.
3. Lay out the base of the dome first using the larger triangles. Then glue them edge to edge to form a circle.
4. Build up the second layer with alternating triangle types. The shape will start to curve. Keep going, gluing each triangle in place, until the dome forms.
5. Leave a space open for a door. You can cut a proper round hole once the dome is built or leave out one triangle.
6. Once done, flip the dome and add a base. You can glue it to another cardboard circle or place it on a cushion.
7. Let it dry fully before letting your cat inside. This pod is sturdy, and cool-looking, and works as both a nap spot and a hideaway.

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9. The Cardboard Cat Mansion

What’s Needed:

• Several cardboard boxes
• Utility knife
• Strong glue
• Weights 
• Paint or markers 
• Extra cardboard 

Procedure:

1. Start by removing tape and stickers from your boxes. Decide how many rooms or levels you want. This project used two stacked boxes, but you can add more if you want a larger mansion.
2. Glue the top flaps of each box shut. Use strong glue and add weights on top until the glue dries.
3. Flip the boxes over. Cut out doors and windows with a sharp utility knife. Be careful and go slow.
4. Glue the bottom flaps closed. Add weights again to keep the glue tight while it dries.
5. Now stack the boxes. Run a line of strong glue along the top of the lower box. Place the second box on top and press firmly. Let it dry fully.
6. Cut extra cardboard to cover open seams or rough spots. Glue those on to clean up the edges.
7. To make a pitched roof, cut two triangles the same width as your top box. Cut another long piece to stretch across the top for the roof. Score the center of the roof piece so it bends easily. Glue it to the triangles. Then glue the full roof to the top box.
8. Paint the house however you like and add extra touches like scalloped shingles or a drawn-on window to fill empty spots.

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Safety Tips for DIY Cat Houses

Your cat’s safety should always be a priority when building a cardboard cat house. Make sure all edges and smoothed because sharp corners can hurt their paws or noses.

You can cover rough cardboard edges with tape or a fabric material. Always choose safe glue for these projects.

Some glues are made with chemicals that can be dangerous for cats. We recommend sticking to school glue or any other non-toxic brand.

If you’re using hot glue for any project, be sure to let it cool down completely before letting your furry friend go near it.

Make sure the DIY structure is strong enough to hold your cat. We recommend stacking boxes the right way for a cat tower made from DIY cardboard.

You may need to add enough support from the inside and press on it to check the strength levels. Make sure to fix any point of weakness before allowing your cat to use it.

Ventilation should also be sufficient in the DIY cat house. You can achieve this by adding windows or holes on all sides of the cardboard house.

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Decorating & Personalizing Tips

Once you are done making the cat house out of cardboard, you can go a step further to decorate it and add a few bells and whistles.

Cat house decoration makes it fun to look at and it also blends well with your interior home décor.

We recommend using safe water-based paints and always pick the colors you like. You wouldn’t love a shouting color in the middle of your house.

If you are not good at painting, you can also wrap the newly built cat house with paper and fabric of your color choice.

Covering with paper is a good choice if you use cardboard boxes with writing because it helps hide everything.

Besides paintwork, you can also add some shapes to make the house look fun. Cut stars, paws, hearts, and windows for this effect.

If you’re making a cat playhouse cardboard, we recommend you go for a specific theme. This could be a shop, a rocket, or a cottage. Just anything you like.

Many pet owners love the idea of adding their cat’s name on the front. For this, use a marker, paints, or stickers to mark out that cute name.

The temptation to overdo cardboard box ideas for cats is always there, but we recommend keeping the styling minimal with no sharp edges.

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Where to Place Your Cat House at Home

Once the cat house is made and the decoration is in place, your next worry is where to place the new cardboard structure.

Well, just pick a spot your furry friend already likes. This will help them feel much safer in their new structure as they get used to it.

If your cat is the shy type, you may want to place their new structure in a quiet corner with minimal foot traffic.

For cats who love watching the sunrise and sunset, a placement near the window will do them just well.

This idea works great for a cardboard kitty house or cardboard box cat house DIY built with a flat roof design.

Some cats always want to watch everything going on at home. For them, you can place a cat tower cardboard near a place where people hand out often.

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Conclusion

Cats love playing with cardboard boxes. With a little effort, you can transform these boxes into a comfy fortress they will love.

A simple DIY cat house indoor cardboard structure can give your feline friend a cozy place to nap, rest, play, and hide.

It is affordable to make, it’s easy to decorate, and it gives the old boxes a second use instead of tossing them away.

We hope the above 9 cat house cardboard box DIY have given you inspiration and ideas on how to handle this project. 

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