A cosy cat house provides a safe and comfortable space for your pet to rest and play, and it’s easier than you might think to make your own DIY cat house at home using a few essential tools and materials. By creating a custom cat house you can personalise it to your cat’s personality, as well as your own tastes, and make it the size and shape to best fit your space. It can also help to save money, potentially using upcycling, and can be a fun way to put your creative ideas into purr-actice.

So, whether you want to create something simple, or design your own Fluffingham Palace fit for a royal fur baby, we’ll take you through how to build a cat house at home.

Why Build Your Cat House?

Building your own DIY Cat House can not only be a fun challenge, but a great way of providing the ideal hideaway for your pet, too. By choosing your own materials, you can create a durable indoor or outdoor house, or use simple homemade cardboard cat house ideas to keep your cat entertained whilst you play a game together. By building your own, you can:

  • Personalise your cat house for your unique pet: If you know they like a secluded space to rest, for example, you could make hiding spaces to help them feel safe and secure.
  • Make the house fitting for the size and space: Colour match it to your décor, and build it to the exact measurements to fit the room (or your cat).
  • Create an indoor or outdoor den: Whether you want an indoor snug or a weatherproof DIY outdoor cat house (or both), you can create a peaceful haven for your furry friend.
  • Save costs and recycle: Shop-bought cat dens can be expensive, and some cats will be suspicious of brand-new items appearing which may smell strange. By making your own, you can test to see if your cat likes it before taking the plunge, and it’s possible to use natural materials – or re-use items that you already have – for a more eco-friendly alternative.
  • Enjoy making your pet feel at home: Whether you’ve got a nervous kitty, a new kitten, or you simply want to encourage your pet to sleep in their own bed, putting your own design into practice can be rewarding, whilst making a safe space for your cat to sleep, relax, or retreat to if it all gets a bit much.

What You’ll Need to Build it

If you’re wondering how to build a cat house yourself, you’ll need a few tools and materials:

  1. Wooden panels, a reclaimed wooden box or wicker basket: This will form the basis of your house. It’s best to use natural materials where possible, and be sure not to use any wood treated with preservatives, such as creosote or fungicide, as these are poisonous to cats.
  2. Screws, nails, drill and screwdriver: Tools to securely fix the walls and base, as well as any decorative attachments. If you’re creating something from scratch using wooden panels or planks, you’ll also need a saw, brackets, sandpaper and PPE – including safety goggles, mask, gloves, clamps and a cutting board or workbench.
  3. Non toxic adhesive or wood glue: This helps you to create exciting shapes, extensions and custom designs.
  4. Cushions, fabric or blankets: These form a comfy bed for your pet to lie on inside the house. Ideally, you could use a blanket or throw that they’re already familiar with.
  5. Sisal rope: An optional extra for creating safe scratching surfaces for your pet to use. You could consider extending your design to include a cat tree, too.
  6. Pet friendly paint or decoration: Personalise the finishing touches with printed fabric, a house name, bold colours or pictures.
  7. For a cardboard box cat house: You’ll need a sturdy box (or two), a pen and a sharp craft knife, plus some pet-safe glue if you’re going to get very creative.
  8. An outdoor alternative: If you’re looking to make a weatherproof DIY outdoor cat house to use for shelter, rather than an indoor house for a cat to live in, it’s best to use waterproof materials, such as BPA-free plastic, or you could convert a weatherproof hutch or hen house which has a weather protective roof.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Build Your DIY Cat House

Whether you’re a DIY expert or a complete beginner, building your own cat house can be reasonably straightforward to do at home. Here’s how to build a cat house the easy way:

Step 1: Plan your design. Choose where you’ll want the cat house to go – indoors or outside – and how small or large it’ll be. Consider what your cat would love most, be it a peaceful hideaway, a high-up tree house where they can see what’s going on, or a simple box with windows so they can watch the world go by. It’s a good idea to sketch out the design first.

Step 2: Source your materials, making sure they’re pet-friendly and not treated with toxic chemicals. For indoor homes you can use pine, plywood, cedar, or even recycled pallets. For outdoor homes you'll need weather-resistant wood or plastic, plus some pet-friendly insulation. For homemade cardboard cat house ideas, consider gathering multiple boxes in different sizes, a thick cardboard tube for an entrance, and non-toxic paint or pens.

Step 3: Measure and cut your materials to create the size and shape you want. Build the frame and don’t forget to cut entrance holes and/or windows. If using plastic, ensure you drill air holes in the side for ventilation. Remember to keep pets well away from any DIY activity, and smooth down any rough edges.

Step 4: Assemble the base. Make sure the house is safe, stable and on a level surface. Attach the walls and roof using pet-safe glue, or screws and brackets. Many owners like to make the roof removable, to access the house to clean it. If you’re making an outdoor cat house, it’s best to add an additional base or legs to keep it raised from the floor. You can also add pet-safe insulation boards at this point, to line the outdoor house for extra warmth, as well as any waterproof coverings. You can also add a cat door or cat flap too, if using.

Step 5: Add fabric or cushions. Line the interior for your cat’s comfort. This can be furry throws, cushions, old bedding or clothing. Some cats even prefer a newspaper base. If using a soft base, it’s best to make sure your cat is familiar with the scent to help encourage them to use the house.

Step 6: Add scratching surfaces. Wrap sisal rope around parts of the exterior to create a safe space for cats to scratch or sit on. You could also add carpet off-cuts, to save money whilst providing extra stimulation for your pet.

Step 7: Decorate the house. Use pet-friendly paint or fabric to personalise the exterior. You could add their name, paint it to match your room, or simply let the family unleash their artistic flair using non-toxic pens or paints.

Step 8: Introduce your cat. Now it’s time for the big reveal! Your cat may instantly want to use it and make it their own, or they may take a little encouragement before they step inside. Give them time to get used to their new pad, use plenty of positive reinforcement, and reward their bravery with affection plus irresistible DREAMIES™ cat treats!

Two cats inside of a homemade cat house

Make It Irresistible For Your Cat

Cats love to feel safe and secure, and their space can be as large, creative and exciting as you want to make it! It can also be far more than simply a space to sleep; it could be themed, stimulating with cat toys and added extras for playtime or snack time or a place to climb and explore. Consider adding:

  • Multiple entrances and windows for different points of play.
  • Different levels for cats to enjoy.
  • Cat beds, multiple cushions or bedding with varying textures.
  • Small toys on strings (be sure to keep strings short to avoid any risk of strangulation).
  • Hideaways or puzzles to store treats and toys.
  • Curtains to help nervous cats feel safe, or for when cats want to hide from loud noises (such as fireworks).
  • Attachments to the house, such as cat trees or platforms.
  • Extensions and temporary additions using cardboard boxes.

It’s best to keep the house in a quiet spot, so that your cat can use it as their own personal retreat away from everyday life. To help them get used to it, encourage them to explore it using toys and games, or using some gentle cat training techniques with plenty of rewards.

Safety is Essential

Crafting your own cat house can come with a few safety risks. It’s essential to keep your pet away from the building, as sharp objects, glue and sawdust can be lethal to cats. A weatherproof DIY outdoor cat house will also need regular checking due to the risk of flooding, rot or pests and other animals moving in. Here are some tips for avoiding injuries to you, as well as to your precious pet:

  • Use the correct, well-fitting PPE for the task and tools used.
  • Keep cats away from any DIY activity.
  • Use only pet-safe, non-toxic products and adhesives.
  • Smooth down any rough surfaces with sandpaper.
  • Check for loose parts and secure them.
  • Make sure the base is stable to prevent tipping.
  • Regularly check the structure for wear and tear.
  • Ensure any added toys are safe and on short strings to avoid injury as cats play.

Create a Cosy Space For Your Cat

Making your own pet hideaway can be the paw-fect way to create a custom cosy den for cats to enjoy, which can help them to relax, rest and feel safe and secure. Designing your own can help to build your bond, as well as bring a sense of satisfaction to see your fur baby happily using their new home after all your hard work. It can also give you a shared space to play together. Plus, when you bulk-buy DREAMIES™ treats, your cat can enjoy an added bonus: the box! Order their favourite today, for double the fun after enjoying tasty flavours which your furry friend will love. This may just give you the inspiration to work your way up from a simple cardboard castle to a lovingly lavish cat palace!

FAQ - DIY Cat House

Can a cat stay warm in a cardboard box?

Cardboard provides some insulation to help keep cats warm indoors, especially with a cosy blanket, but in cold weather they’ll need additional heat. Easy homemade cardboard cat house ideas include stacking/securing boxes, adding tunnels and ladders for a bunk-bed or maze, or removing flaps for cats to dive in.

What do you put in the bottom of an outdoor cat house?

When creating a weatherproof DIY outdoor cat house, to use for shelter, it’s best to line the bottom with insulation and top with warm, comfortable bedding. It’s also recommended that the house be raised from the ground to avoid the risk of flooding.

How do you keep outside cats warm in the winter?

Providing a dry, insulated outdoor house for cats to shelter in can help keep them warm in winter whilst out on adventures in the garden. Pet cats should live indoors, and may also love a cosy house inside. Follow DREAMIES™ easy step-by-step guide to how to build a cat house.