Build a Cute DIY Cat House!
Build a cozy, cute cat house from cardboard, scissors, tape, and paint; measure, cut with supervision, and decorate for your pet's comfy hideaway.
Step-by-step guide to build a cute DIY cat house
How to make Amazing Kitten Cat Pet House from Cardboard
Step 1
Find a large cardboard box and set it on a clean flat surface.
Step 2
Measure your cat's width with the ruler and write the number down.
Step 3
Measure your cat's height with the ruler and write the number down.
Step 4
Draw a door rectangle on one side of the box using the ruler and pencil that is 1 to 2 inches larger than your measurements.
Step 5
With an adult supervising cut out the door shape from the box using scissors.
Step 6
Tape around the cut edges and all box corners to make the house sturdy.
Step 7
Fold the top flaps to shape a roof or cozy top for the house.
Step 8
Tape the roof flaps securely so the roof stays in place.
Step 9
Paint or colour the outside of the box with your chosen colors.
Step 10
Wait until the paint or colouring is completely dry.
Step 11
Add decorations like stickers or drawings to make the house cute.
Step 12
Place the soft towel or small cushion inside the box for comfort.
Step 13
Put the cat house where your cat likes to nap.
Step 14
Share a photo and description of your finished cat house on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a large cardboard box or scissors?
Instead of a large cardboard box, tape two medium boxes together to reach the size you need, and if you don't have scissors ask an adult to cut the penciled door rectangle with a box cutter while you hold the ruler line.
What should we do if the door rips or the box seems wobbly after cutting and folding the roof?
If the door rips or the house feels unstable when you fold the top flaps, reinforce it by taping around the cut edges and all box corners and by taping extra cardboard strips along the inside of the roof flaps before you tape the roof flaps securely.
How can we adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger kids have an adult do the measuring and cut the door (steps 2–6) while the child paints and decorates, and for older kids let them measure with the ruler, cut with supervision, design the paint job, and add detailed stickers.
How can we extend or personalize the cat house beyond the basic steps?
Personalize and extend the house by cutting a small window next to the door, taping on a cardboard porch or stacking a second box before securing the roof flaps, lining the inside with the towel plus a catnip pouch, and painting your cat's name on the outside before sharing on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to build a cute DIY cat house
DIY Cat House cardboard | Easy Crafts Cat House Using Cardboard
3 Videos
DIY Cat House cardboard | Easy Crafts Cat House Using Cardboard
How to Make the Most Amazing Cat House - with Kittens 😻 | DIY Cardboard Crafts on Box Yourself
Transform a Simple Box into a Cat House
Facts about cardboard crafts for kids
✂️ Measure twice, cut once: a simple rule that helps keep cardboard cuts neat and reduces mistakes (and wasted materials).
🛋️ A small entrance and cozy bedding make a cat house feel like a secure den, which can lower a cat's stress.
📦 Cardboard is mostly paper and one of the most recycled materials, making it perfect for upcycling craft projects.
🐱 Cats love boxes because they feel safe and warm — many will pick a snug box over a fancy bed!
🎨 Water-based, low-odor paints are kid- and pet-friendly options for decorating a cat house once fully dry.
How do I build a cute DIY cat house from cardboard?
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