If you’re looking for cardboard cat house ideas you’ve come to the right place! This post is intended to inspire as well as give reviews on some of the best cardboard cat houses. It never ceases to amaze me just how much cats love cardboard. If you’ve been a cat parent for any length of time you’ll know what I mean! I only have to bring a new box into the home and my cat is all over it lol!
If you’ve ever wondered why cats love boxes so much, it’s often to do with security and warmth. Leave an empty box lying around for a few minute and I can almost guarantee your nosy kitty will be inspecting it!
How to make your own cardboard cat house
You don’t need to be the world’s best DIY expert to make a simple cat house for your kitty. All you need is an empty cardboard box, and a few basic tools. Add your own design to the front of the house, and furnish with a cosy blanket and a few toys. Don’t forget to sprinkle the inside with catnip to encourage your feline friend! Follow the video below for clear and easy instructions.
The next video below shows how to make a really cute cat house for your kitten. If you have small kittens they’ll love playing in this sweet little house. Plus, it also has scratching poles at just the right height for little kitties!
Best indoor cat houses made from cardboard
As cardboard cat houses can’t be left outside unless you live in a very dry area, make them part of your home. Decorate with fabrics and colours that fit in with your decor.
The following cat houses come in flat packs and are fairly easy to assemble. Although covered with their own colours and designs, you can be creative. Depending on the shape of the house you could maybe add roofing tiles, a chimney, or even decorate the sides with your own creative design.
ASPCA Cat House & Scratcher w/ Bonus Catnip Included
This cute indoor cat house is made from cardboard and easy to assemble. No tools are needed since you simply pop out the cut outs clearly marked, and interlock with tabs.
As the house can be folded flat when not in use, it’s great for storage. The sides have an attractive design and it would look good in any home.
You also get a scratching board made from durable corrugated cardboard to keep your kitty’s claws in shape. An added bonus of catnip allows you to entice the most stubborn feline into exploring her new den. Some buyers noted how large the entrance is, making it easy for bigger breeds to get in and out. The sturdy design makes it long lasting, however, it will need a fairly large floor space.
ASPCA cardboard cat house & scratcher key features
- Sturdy design
- Corrugated cardboard scratcher
- Easy to assemble
- Large entrance
- 30 day money back guarantee
Average rating 4.6 out of 5
You can buy ASPCA ACC cat house & scratcher here
Midlee Cottage Cat Scratcher House
This adorable cardboard cat house has a pink and white striped roof, giving it a cute cottage feel. It’s spacious entrance and large floor size gives larger kitties plenty of room to curl up inside in comfort. The glossy walls are easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth, and a scratching pad helps keep your cat’s claws in good shape.
The house is quick and easy to assemble, and it’s bright, cheerful design will look good with any decor. In addition, many buyers noted how sturdy the house is, and that it stands up to most kitty’s teeth! As well as a toy mouse to hang at the entrance, you also get a bag of catnip. This is great for encouraging your cat to use the play house.
Midlee Cottage Cat Scratcher House key features
- Hanging toy
- Catnip included
- Easy to assemble
- Spacious size
- Colourful design
- scratcher
- 30 day money back guarantee
- Average rating 4.6 out of 5
You can buy Midlee Cottage Cat Scratcher House here
Fanct Pet Cat House Corrugated Cardboard Kitten Indoor Tower Condo Scratcher Grinding Claw Toy
Made from corrugated paper, this large, sturdy cat house is very easy to assemble. Its plain design makes it ideal for adding your own creative touches.
Although it doesn’t come with a scratching mat, it will stand up to your cat’s sharp claws and teeth. You could buy scratcher mat to place inside, or alternatively. make your own.
Fanct Pet indoor cat house key features
- Easy to assemble
- Plain design that can easily be modified
- Spacious size
- Will fit in with any decor
Average rating 5 out of 5
You can buy Fanct Pet indoor cat house here
Furhaven Pet Cat Furniture | Corrugated Cat Scratcher Cardboard & Pet House Tower Condo Apartment

This is one of the most customisable cardboard cat house ideas, and as smaller in size is ideal for kittens or smaller cats. Made from recycled materials, it’s easy to assemble and comes with instructions. The sturdy corrugated scratching mat will encourage your cat’s natural desire to scratch, saving your furniture. In addition, you get a bag of catnip, and a sweet little toy bird for hanging at the entrance.
As the house is plain you can customise to suit your decor. Use your creativity to add colour and designs on the walls. The only limit is your imagination!
Furhaven cat house key features
- Made from recycled materials
- Made from recycled materials
- Corrugated cardboard scratcher
- Toy bird
- Catnip
- Easy to assemble
- Can be customised to suit your decor
Average rating 4.4 out of 5
You can buy Furhaven cardboard cat house here
Best cat scratching mats for your indoor cat house

Although most cat houses reviewed here come with scratching mats, you may want to furnish your own homemade house with one. It’s also good to have a spare as they can get well used! In addition, a scratching mat provides a good addition to a scratching pole. Anything that distracts your kitty from clawing furniture is a great idea!
You could also make your own cat scratcher mat from corrugated cardboard if you want to save money. All you need is an empty pizza box and a few basic tools. The video below shows you how. Before you make, or buy a cat scratcher mat though, know the dimensions.
Petmate FATCAT Big Mama’s Scratchy Box Cardboard Cat Scratcher Catnip and Toy Included
This cardboard cat scratcher is an ideal size for most cat houses, but check first. It’s made from recycled cardboard and can be reversed. This means you get twice as much wear and it’s eco-friendly.
The mat has tassels on each corner which encourages your kitty to play and scratch. You also get a bag of catnip to entice the most stubborn kitty to use the mat! Place inside a cat house, or on the floor. In addition, if you’re a crazy cat lady or guy, buy several so each kitty has her own little place to scratch!
Average rating 4.7 out of 5
You can buy FATCAT Big Mama’s Scratchy Box here
Kitty City XL Wide Premium Scratching Collection, Corrugate Cat Scratchers 2 Pieces, Cat Scratching Toy
Kitty City cardboard scratcher is made from recycled cardboard, and assembled using non-toxic glue. This tough, scratcher will help save your furniture from kitty’s claws, while being safe for her to chew. It’s an ideal size for your cardboard cat house, and as you get two in a pack, you could place one near your sofa, or other places she likes to scratch.
Average rating 4.6 out of 5
You can buy Kitty City scratching box here
Why it’s important your cat has private space

Cats are much like us in many ways, and need time to themselves. I’m sure no matter how much you love your family, you still need space to be on your own for a while. Dogs are a different story as they’re pack animals, but cats are more solitary by nature.
Whether you live in a large house or small apartment, you must give your cat her own private space where she can retreat to. An indoor cat house is the perfect solution and makes the ideal hideaway for when visitors come round. It also provides security and comfort anytime your feline friend feels anxious. Cardboard in particular is attractive to most cats as it’s warm and insulating. Placing toys and a small cosy blanket inside makes it inviting. Also, sprinkles of catnip will keep her interested for longer.
Why not treat your kitty, or even a friend’s kitty. It’s always fun watching our fur babies play with a new toy:)
I hope you’ve enjoyed my selection of cardboard cat house ideas, and feel inspired! If you have enjoyed it, please share! Also, feel free the share this pin on your “pets” board.

If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences, please leave a comment below:)
If you’ve enjoyed this article please share. Also if you’ve any questions or experience, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Wishing you a purrfect day:)
Kathy
Awesome video! I like the idea. I also like those reviews of cat houses. It’s cool to have one of these for your cats. I see they come with a lot of features, which is good as well. Thanks for sharing this post!
Thanks Ivan, glad you enjoyed my review of cat houses:)
Hi Kathy,
I absolutely love these beautiful cat houses! They are so pretty! I`d love to have them all, but as I am not so good of a DIY person I will be glad if I manage to make one of them :D.
Thank you so much for this great article and website.
I am a cat mom as well as a dog mom, horse mom and bird mom :D, so I love to read articles like this. Your website brightened up my day. Thank you so much!
Have a great day yourself with your feline friends! 🙂
Thank you Erika:) Glad you enjoyed my article. You certainly have a lot of pets! I’m not that good at DIY either, and usually need help lol!
How have I gone so long not knowing about these things?! These are AMAZING! Thank you for reviewing them for me! Cooper will absolutely looove one of these!
Thank you Randi:) Glad you enjoyed my post, and I’m sure Cooper will love a cat house:)
This post was so informative. I have a cat and he will not use the scratching post or cardboard instead he wants to use our furniture lol. He does love cardboard boxes though. These are so cute and you can decorate them like you said to fit your decor. I would probably go for the ready to assemble cat house. I was surprised to see that one had a money back guarantee, so I suppose if your cat did not like it, or use it you can return it? I am definitely going to bookmark this site it has some great info and ideas. I have had cats all my life and will probably always have them. Thanks for a great review and awesome ideas!
Thank you Karli:) My cat is the same and prefers to claw the sofa rather than his scratching post lol! Yes, the ready made cat houses are more convenient, though it’s nice to have the option of decorating your own as well:) I’ve also had cats all my life, and can’t imagine a home without a feline companion. Glad you enjoyed my article