DIY Cardboard Cat House: The Simple Guide That Cats Truly Love
There's a reason why expensive cat furniture is sometimes ignored – and simple cardboard boxes instantly become a favorite spot.
Cats prefer warm, natural, protected spaces. A cardboard box fulfills exactly that.
The good news:
You can build a high-quality DIY cat house for your cat in just a few steps.
Cost: almost €0.
Time: 10–20 minutes.
Here you'll find the best, practical DIY guide, including variations for playing, sleeping, romping, and hiding.
What you need for the DIY cat house
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1 sturdy cardboard box (approx. 30–45 cm width)
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Cutter or sharp scissors
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Tape
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Ruler
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soft pad (blanket / T-shirt / small cushion)
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optional: additional cardboard sheets for stability
Step 1 – Choose the right cardboard box
Important:
The cat decides whether it accepts the box based on its size.
Ideal:
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not too big
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not too high
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sturdy bottom
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at least one opening possible
Cats love the "cave feeling". An oversized box loses exactly that.
Step 2 – Cut out the entrance (cat logic!)
The entrance is the most important part.
It must be:
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one opening
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round or oval shape
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approx. 15–20 cm diameter
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sideways, not centered
Why sideways?
Cats want protection in front and privacy in the back – an instinctive behavior from their predator logic.
Step 3 – Optional: Second opening for paw-play
This makes the house immediately more exciting.
Cut a side hole (6–8 cm) → perfect for "paw attacks", play balls, hunting instinct.
Step 4 – Stabilize (so the cat stays)
With tape:
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reinforce edges
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double secure the bottom
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tape the roof
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optional: insert internal reinforcement
The more stable the house, the more likely the cat will accept it long-term.
Step 5 – Make it cozy inside
Cats like:
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soft textures
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familiar smells
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snug-fitting surfaces
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warmth
Works well:
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your old T-shirt
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a small blanket
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a piece of fabric
Pro-tip: Use something that smells like you. It calms cats.
Step 6 – Choose position (the underestimated factor)
Cats prefer locations:
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with a view of the room
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but not in the middle of the room
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warm, draft-free
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slightly elevated, if possible
Window sills, near the sofa, bedroom corners: perfect.
Variations for different cat types
For shy cats
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only one opening
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dark, protected space
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place the back against a wall
For active cats
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multiple openings
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connect tunnels
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place a play ball inside (e.g., felt ball)
For kittens
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two entrances
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low entry
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small platform for climbing up
If you don't feel like crafting...
Many cat owners love DIY, but not everyone has the time or patience for it.
That's why we developed sturdy cardboard houses based on these very principles – just a bit fancier than a plain shipping box.
You can find our cat houses here: Cardboard Cat Houses
Try it out: Even a simple cardboard box can change your cat's everyday life – whether self-built or pre-made.