What house cat doesn't like to 'get away from it all' by slinking inside their very own indoor cat house? There are many reasons why we might want to, from the need for some peace and security, to a wish to role play, to a simple desire to have a private catnip party to which you're not invited. So let's see how you – a human – can easily turn an ordinary cardboard box (or even something a little bit fancier) into a proper pussycat palace.
The Indoor Cat House: a Feline Fortress
An indoor cat house is your cat's castle. It's the seat of his or her empire – if we want it to be. As always, we reserve the right to be completely disinterested in whatever you do for us, but the good news is, you don't need to spend time or money making a cat house – unless you want to. All you really need to get started with a Level 1 Cardboard Cat House is a cardboard box, and as we like cardboard boxes, there's a high chance you won't be wasting your time. For those feeling a bit more ambitious, who have some wood, and some basic carpentry skills, we'll also show you how to create a Level 2 Wooden Lodge or even a Level 3 Wooden Mega-mansion.
Level 1: How to Make a Cardboard Cat House
Step 1: Find The Right Box
You might think any old box will do, but that's because you're not thinking! Size does matter! Make sure it's big enough for us to stretch out, turn around etc. Bigger boxes also make for more exciting possibilities – those are coming up below, so keep reading. Extra points are available if it's a box which once contained something delicious smelling, like a massive consignment of catnip (free hit).
Step 2: Cut Out Doors and Windows
How would you like to live in a house without windows? Whilst we like to keep it dark and mysterious, we also love spying on the world outside the box, so why not cut out a few little peep holes? Make sure there's a door that's easy to slip in and out of too. We like more than a whisker's width, but try not to be too neat, as we like it a little rough around the edges: something to scratch the back on.
Step 3: Decorate
Here's where you can get creative: we know you like doing that. Use some (non-toxic) paint or marker pens to decorate the outside. Inside, line it with a soft blanket, cushion, or an old T-shirt that smells like you.
Step 4: Make it Better!
So you've created a cardboard cat house and made it cozy – but we won't just be lazing around in there. Cardboard cat houses are also for playing, hiding, and, of course, partying! Here's how to help make the magic happen:
Add Levels and Tunnels
Stack smaller boxes inside to create different levels, making sure we can't get stuck. Cut holes between them to make tunnels. We love to explore, and this setup is like our version of an amusement park, inside which we can imagine we are on the hunt for an elusive and troublesome mouse.
Add Toys and Scratchers
Fill the house with our favorite toys. A few catnip-filled mice, something that crinkles or jingles, and maybe even a cat scratching pad, so we can take a well-earned break from ruining your home furnishings.
Now Add Catnip
Let's talk about the magic ingredient: catnip. What is catnip, you ask? It's just a herb from the cat mint family - but it quickly sends us into a state of absolute euphoria.
Does Catnip Calm Cats?
Absolutely! While cat nip can – and usually does! – make us hyper and playful, it frequently leads to a calming effect once that initial buzz wears off. Time for a cat nap! It's perfect for helping nervous indoor cats chill out in their new cat house. Sprinkle some Cat Crack inside (free hit), throw down a few catnip treats, or use a catnip spray on the walls and/or blanket. Heaven! Check out our article How Do You Perfect Your Cat Naps for more cat nap advice.
The Cat Crack House: How to Make a Party House
Now, for those of you who love to have fun, why not turn your cardboard cat house into a Cat Crack House? Think of it as the ultimate catnip-fuelled pussycat party pad.
Step 1: Catnip
Sprinkle Cat Crack on the floor, spray the walls or blankets, or add in some catnip toys – you can try something different each day. Can cats OD on catnip? No. Catnip is natural and non-toxic, and we tend to lose interest after 15 minutes or so – but still, treat it like Christmas (don't give us all our presents at once) and we'll avoid over-doing it, which can make us feel a bit groggy, and upset sensitive tum-tums!
Step 2: Disco Fever
Create a cat disco with a small, battery-operated disco ball or automated laser toy. It will drive us wild!
Step 3: Create a Chill Out Zone
Add some soft, comfy areas for when the high wears off - we need a place to zone out, stare into the distance, dribble, and then fall sleep.
Level 2 Cat House: A Wooden Lodge
What's cooler than cardboard? If you're feeling a bit more ambitious, why not upgrade from cardboard to wood? A wooden indoor cat house can be a sturdy and stylish addition to your home. (Or it may look ugly, but who cares – this isn't about you!)
Step 1: Design Your Dream Home
Sketch out a simple design. Think about including multiple levels, scratching posts, and cozy hideaways as above. Make sure it's big enough for us to roam and play.
Step 2: Gather Materials
You'll need some basic building supplies: plywood, nails and screws, and non-toxic paint – plus all that will go inside, from cushions to blankets to toys to catnip!
Step 3: Build, Decorate and Furnish
Cut the wood according to your design and start assembling. Sand down any rough edges and ensure all nails and screws are safely embedded to keep us safe. Once built, paint, decorate and furnish.
Level 3 Cat House: The Mega-Mansion
If you really have time on your hands, DIY skills in your armory, and love in your heart, then here's how you can upgrade our dream home into a luxury, pimped-up mega-mansion.
Add a Balcony or Roof Terrace
Elite cats like to behave in an elite way – so being able to hang out on our terrace, before we move back inside to be away from prying eyes (think Kanye on a super yacht) while we get cranked up on Cat Crack (free hit), would make us very happy.
Install a Hammock
Use a piece of fabric and some sturdy clips to make a hammock inside the box. It's the perfect spot for a siesta.
Personalize it
Use photos of us (because let's be honest, we're gorgeous) to decorate the outside. Make it truly our home with an address plate near the door. If you've run out of ideas, Meow Manor isn't terrible.
Don't Forget the Finishing Cat House Touches
Remember, the best indoor cat house is one that's been made with love. Pay attention to our preferences. Some of us love enclosed spaces, while others like it more open. Adjust the design based on what makes us happiest.
Incorporating catnip, whether through Cat Crack, catnip sprays or catnip toys, enhances the appeal of our new holiday home. Not only does it make us more excited to explore and play, but it also helps in creating a space where we feel safe and comfortable. Make it right for us, and we'll make things right for you*. (*This is an empty promise).
Are you a cat? Do you have pictures or videos of your fabulous cat house? Share them with us here and show off your human's ar-cat-tectural prowess!
For more ideas on how to make a homemade indoor cat house head here, here, and here.
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