The 16 best cardboard cat houses of 2023 (2024)

Pets

The 16 best cardboard cat houses of 2023 (1)

Chewy, Target, Amazon; Insider

Crystal Raypole

The 16 best cardboard cat houses of 2023 (3) The 16 best cardboard cat houses of 2023 (4)

If your cat loves hanging out in boxes, why not go one better and give them a cardboard cat house or two? With some quick assembly, these sturdy kitty hideouts provide a cozy and stimulating place to play or nap. Most include scratching pads to keep your cat's nails healthy, and some add bonuses like catnip. We've tried the best cardboard cat houses from Chewy and Target and can confirm our cats positively love them.

The 16 cardboard cat houses below can provide your cat plenty of enrichment and entertainment, not to mention fodder for your Instagram feed. Just keep in mind that unlike outdoor cat houses, cardboard cat houses don't offer any protection from the elements. You'll want to keep them indoors so you don't end up with a soggy mess.

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Crystal Raypole

Contributing Editor

Crystal Raypole is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in a number of publications, including GoodTherapy, Healthline, Psych Central, and Insider. Her primary areas of interest include mental health, pets, cooking, and natural sciences.

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The 16 best cardboard cat houses of 2023 (24)

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The 16 best cardboard cat houses of 2023 (2024)

FAQs

What is the best type of house for a cat? ›

The most important thing your cat needs is a quiet, comfortable and secluded space of their or her own. It could be a spare bedroom or a cosy space in the corner of your living room. This will make sure your cat becomes familiar with one space before exploring the rest of your home.

What is the best house for cat? ›

It is also important to consider the size of your cat and choose a house that can accommodate them comfortably.
  • Aivituvin Catio Outdoor Cat House. ...
  • K&H Pet Products Outdoor Unheated Kitty House Cat Shelter, Gray/Black. ...
  • Petique Tippy Peak Eco Cat House. ...
  • Frisco Indoor Unheated Cat House, Green.

Are cardboard cat scratchers messy? ›

A: Yes, it makes a mess of tiny cardboard pieces if your cats are hearty scratches which mine are but they don't scratch on anything else. A little hand vacume right by it ... tidy's it right up!

Can you make a cat house out of cardboard? ›

Your cat will love to meander through her very own playhouse, which is easily constructed from three cardboard boxes, our printable templates, and a few handy tools in a few simple steps.

Do cats prefer sisal or cardboard? ›

Sisal rope is used on cat scratching posts, but cats really do seem to prefer sisal fabric, which allows for better shredding. Cats can easily draw their claws down the fabric, yet still get a good grip. The texture and resistance feel great to the kitty's paws and claws.

What is an alternative to cardboard cat scratchers? ›

Look for wide pads or ones in wood frames. One universal favorite is a product called Turbo Scratcher, available at Wal-Mart, Meijers, PetSmart and many other pet stores. Woven Sisal. This is a great material and more enticing then sisal rope.

Why is my cat eating her cardboard scratcher? ›

It is called "marking." Cats will often bite or chew on items they want to claim as theirs, like furniture or paper towel tubes. Your cat might chew on cardboard for a similar reason. Your cat may not be too keen on the idea of cardboard, but they still use it as a mark for their territory.

Do cats like cardboard houses? ›

There are lots of reasons that cats love boxes, but the main one is because they're confined, enclosed spaces. Cats are ambush predators and finding confined places where they can hide, hunt prey and feel safe and warm is an instinctive behaviour. Snug cardboard boxes fit the bill perfectly.

Can cats sleep in cardboard boxes? ›

The cardboard is a insulator material and cats seem to prefer warmth. The cardboard helps to keep them at an optimum temperature and protected from draughts. Safe. It helps the cat to reduce stress by giving it a safe place.

Should I bury my cat in a cardboard box? ›

A simple cardboard box is the most affordable kind of pet burial container. A metal casket is an expensive pet burial container that is sturdy and perfect for burial.

What is the ideal home for a cat? ›

Making your home suitable for a cat

Give them regular access to a suitable toilet place, outside or a litter tray, kept separate from their eating and sleeping areas. Somewhere to hide: cats need to have somewhere to hide away from things that scare them, so make sure they have safe hiding places in your home.

What is the best material for a cat house? ›

Choose durable and weather-resistant materials for the cat house, such as wood or plastic. Make sure the materials are non-toxic and safe for the cats.

What type of housing do cats need? ›

Enclosure recommendations

Minimally, a cat's enclosure should provide at least 2 feet of triangulated space between food, sleeping area, and litter box. A minimal goal for floor space should be 11 square feet, though more is preferable. Note that this space need not be all on one level: Cats enjoy multi-level housing.

What is the best habitat for cat? ›

Living in a home or apartment is the most common living habitat for cats. It provides them with a safe and controlled environment, protection from extreme weather conditions, and access to food and water. Indoor cats also have a longer lifespan due to less exposure to diseases and injuries.

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