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Cardboard cat houses have rapidly gained popularity among feline enthusiasts and their whiskered companions. Not only are these houses sustainable and eco-friendly, but they also tap into a cat’s innate love for cardboard’s texture and warmth. As more pet owners seek a combination of function, aesthetics, and sustainability, cardboard cat houses emerge as a perfect blend of all these elements, offering our feline friends a cozy nook to call their own.
#1 – SEKAM Cardboard Cat House with Scratcher/Catnip,(16.5”x12”x15”) Kitty Donut Shop for Indoor/Outdoor Cats,Cat Play House&Home Decor, Cat Scratch Toy for Cat Birthday, Hideout for Bunny Small Animals
The SEKAM Cardboard Cat House with Scratcher/Catnip is a 2-in-1 cat house that serves as both a resting place and a scratcher board for cats. It is made from premium pressed cardboard and features a spacious design with windows for cats to peek through. It can be easily assembled without tools and comes with a corrugated scratcher and catnip for added entertainment.
Best For: Cat play and enrichment
#2 – SMILE PAWS Cat Beds for Indoor Cats, Cardboard Cat House with Scratchers, Izakaya Bar, Large Sturdy Cat Furniture Condo Cave Tent, to Assemble Pet Toys Accessories Stuffs, Bunny Small Animals
The SMILE PAWS Cat Beds for Indoor Cats is a versatile and inclusive shelter that combines play, exercise, sleep, and scratching in one place. It offers maximum comfort for cats and has a spacious room with a wider entrance design for easy access. The cat house is easy to assemble and can be a perfect home décor for cat owners.
Best For: Offering a cozy and fun space for cats on a budget.
#3 – Suck UK | Cat Tank Play House | Send Your Feline to the Frontline with a Cardboard Condos | Interactive Kitten Toys | Tank You for Your Service |
The Suck UK Cat Tank Play House is a novelty cat toy in the shape of a tank. It is an interactive playhouse for cats of all ages, encouraging exercise and exploration. Made out of cardboard, it also helps keep cats’ claws strong and healthy while providing a fun and imaginative play space.
Best For: Interactive and imaginative play for cats.
#4 – Navaris Modular Cardboard Cat House – DIY Corrugated Cardboard Configurable Play Tower Condo for Small Cats, Kittens, Rabbits – 4 Cubes with 2 Bridges
The Navaris Modular Cardboard Cat House is a customizable set of cardboard furniture that allows you to create a play maze for your cat. It includes cubes and bridges that can be stacked or connected to form a tower or tunnel. Made of corrugated cardboard, the house is sturdy yet lightweight, making it easy to assemble and move around. Best For: Small cats, kittens, and pet rabbits.
#5 – American Cat Club Cat House & Cat Scratcher w/Bonus Catnip Included (ACC2036)
The American Cat Club Cat House & Cat Scratcher is a 2-in-1 cardboard cat house and scratching board. It provides a private resting and playing space for cats, with a den-like hiding space for napping. The included catnip can be sprinkled on the cardboard to entice cats to scratch, promoting paw health. It is easy to assemble and can be collapsed for compact storage when not in use.
Best For: Cats in need of a budget-friendly and multi-purpose resting and scratching space.
#6 – LiBa Cardboard Cat House with Scratch Pad and Catnip, Cat Bed for Indoor Cats, Cat Scratcher, Halloween Decorations Halloween Cat Toys Gifts for Cats Fish Bone
The LiBa Cardboard Cat House with Scratch Pad and Catnip is a 2-in-1 cat bed and scratcher that also doubles as Halloween decorations. Made from durable yet lightweight cardboard, this cat house provides a safe and cozy environment for your indoor cat. It features a spacious interior with a wide entrance and window openings for exploration.
#7 – Furhaven Multi-Level Cardboard Cat House w/ Catnip for Indoor Cats, Ft. Scratching Pads & Toys – Farmhouse Corrugated Cat Scratcher Hideout – Cardboard Brown, One Size
The Furhaven Multi-Level Cardboard Cat House is designed for cats, featuring a two-level housing design that provides a comfortable and private space for lounging and scratching. It comes with detachable toys for entertainment and a blank interior and exterior for customizable decoration. The dense corrugated cardboard scratch surface is durable and satisfies cats’ scratching needs, making it a long-lasting option compared to other brands.
Best For: Indoor cats who enjoy scratching and lounging in a private space.
#8 – Kitty City Barn Double Decker Scratch House, Cat Scratcher
The Kitty City Barn Double Decker Scratch House is a cat scratcher shaped like a rustic barn. It features two floors with private coves, windows to peer through, and scratch pads on the floor and roof. Made of lightweight yet durable corrugated cardboard, it is easy to assemble and move around.
Best For: Cat owners looking for a budget-friendly scratcher with a unique design. (best on a budget)
#9 – 2 Pack Cat Cardboard House Cat Scratcher House with 2 Story Scratch Pads 11.8” Cat Play House for Indoor DIY Corrugated Scratcher Box Cat Scratching Toy for Cat Bunny Small Animals
The 2-Pack Cat Cardboard House is a multi-purpose cat scratcher house that provides a surface for cats to scratch on, as well as a place for them to sleep and play. Each house is made from sturdy and reusable corrugated material and can accommodate cats, bunnies, and other small animals up to 12 lbs. The house is designed in a boxy apartment shape with a double layer, allowing two cats to play in each apartment at the same time.
Best For: Cat scratching and play on a budget.
#10 – MS! MAKE SURE Cardboard Cat Scratcher and House – Durable, Stylish, and Spacious – Ideal for Play, Rest, and Scratch – Accommodates Cats up to 16 lbs – Easy Assembly
The MS! MAKE SURE Cardboard Cat Scratcher and House is a top-quality, durable, and odorless cat house made from corrugated cardboard. It serves as both a play area and a scratcher, providing comfort and entertainment for your cat. The cat house has a room-like design that offers a sense of security and seclusion, and it is spacious enough to accommodate cats up to 16 lbs. It is easy to assemble and has a stylish, modern design that can seamlessly blend into any home decor.
Best For: Cat owners looking for a durable and versatile cat house within a budget.
#11 – Shappy Christmas Cardboard Cat House Cat Scratcher House with Scratching Pad Cat Scratch House Cardboard Cat Play House for Indoor Cats, Christmas Decorations
The Shappy Christmas Cardboard Cat House Cat Scratcher House is a playful and festive cardboard house for cats. It features a vintage Christmas design that adds a cute touch to any home. The cat house provides multiple areas for cats to rest, hide, and play, and includes a scratching pad to satisfy their instinct to scratch. Made of durable corrugated cardboard, the cat house is easy to assemble and move around the home.
Best For: Christmas-themed cat playhouse on a budget.
#12 – Cardboard Cat House Large Cat Scratchers Lounge Bed for Indoor Cats Durable Layer Corrugate with 2 Story Scratching Pad Cardboard Cat Scratcher with Box.
The Cardboard Cat House Large Cat Scratchers Lounge Bed is a durable and sturdy cat scratcher and playhouse made from 100% recycled corrugated cardboard. It features a unique cactus pattern design and provides a spacious space for cats to rest and play. The scratch surface is double-walled for increased durability and can be sprinkled with catnip to attract cats to use the scratcher.
What Should I Look for When Purchasing a Cat Cardboard House?
- Durability: Cardboard varies in strength and thickness. Look for a house made of sturdy, double-walled or corrugated cardboard that can withstand your cat’s scratching, biting, and general wear and tear.
- Size: Ensure the house is spacious enough for your cat to move around comfortably. If you have multiple cats, consider either multiple houses or a larger one with enough space to accommodate them all.
- Design and Aesthetics: There are numerous designs available, from simple boxes to elaborate structures resembling castles, teepees, or even famous landmarks. Choose one that complements your home’s decor and appeals to your aesthetic preferences.
- Entrance and Exit Points: Multiple openings not only allow your cat easy access and exit but can also provide added ventilation, especially in warmer months.
- Eco-friendliness: Opt for houses made from recycled or sustainable materials. Additionally, consider if the house is recyclable once it reaches the end of its usability.
- Safety: The house shouldn’t have any sharp edges or small detachable parts that could pose a choking hazard. Also, ensure any inks or dyes used are non-toxic.
- Functionality: Some cardboard houses double as scratchers, with textured or corrugated surfaces that cats love to claw at. This can be an added bonus for both your cat’s enjoyment and your furniture’s longevity!
- Ease of Assembly: Check if the house is easy to assemble. Most cardboard cat houses are designed to be user-friendly and require minimal, if any, tools.
- Portability and Storage: A foldable or collapsible design can be handy if you want to store the house when not in use or transport it to another location.
- Price: While cardboard cat houses are generally affordable, prices can vary based on size, design, and brand. Ensure you’re getting a good balance of quality and value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Cardboard Houses
1. Why do cats seem to love cardboard so much?
Cats are attracted to cardboard because it provides insulation, maintaining a cozy temperature. The texture of cardboard is also ideal for scratching, allowing cats to keep their claws sharp and mark their territory. Additionally, cardboard offers a confined space, which cats naturally seek out for security.
2. How long will a cardboard cat house last?
The lifespan of a cardboard cat house largely depends on how often your cat uses it and their behavior (scratching, biting). With regular use, a cardboard house might last a few months to a year. However, since it’s biodegradable, replacing it is eco-friendly.
3. Are cardboard cat houses safe for my pet?
Generally, cardboard cat houses are safe. However, ensure there are no loose parts that might be ingested. Also, confirm that any inks or dyes used are non-toxic to cats.
4. Can I place the cardboard house outdoors?
Cardboard cat houses are primarily designed for indoor use. Cardboard isn’t waterproof and can quickly deteriorate when exposed to moisture or excessive humidity.
5. My cat is quite large. Are there cardboard houses suitable for bigger cats?
Yes, many manufacturers produce cardboard houses in varying sizes. Always check the dimensions before purchasing to ensure it’s a comfortable fit for your feline.
6. Can I paint or decorate the cardboard house myself?
Absolutely! If you decide to decorate, ensure you use non-toxic paints or markers that are safe for pets. This can also be a fun way to personalize your cat’s new space.
7. How do I get my cat to use the cardboard house?
Placing treats, toys, or familiar scents inside can entice your cat. However, cats are naturally curious, and many will explore a new cardboard structure on their own.
8. How can I clean a cardboard cat house?
Spot cleaning with a damp cloth is the best method. Avoid using excessive water, as cardboard can warp or weaken when wet. Ensure the house is completely dry before letting your cat use it again.
9. Do cardboard cat houses help with cat scratching behavior?
Yes, many cats love scratching cardboard. Some houses even have built-in corrugated scratching surfaces. This can divert attention from your furniture, potentially saving it from cat claws.
10. Is it better to buy a cardboard cat house or make one at home?
Both options have merits. Purchasing offers convenience and often a more polished design, while DIY projects allow for customization and can be a fun activity. If crafting at home, always ensure the final product is safe and free of hazards like staples or sharp edges.
Conclusion: Best Cardboard Cat Houses
In the realm of cat accessories, cardboard cat houses stand out as a testament to simplicity, functionality, and environmental consciousness. They offer cats a delightful retreat, a place to scratch, play, and rest, all while being a sustainable choice for eco-aware pet owners. As we continue to prioritize our planet’s well-being and cater to our pets’ natural inclinations, cardboard cat houses remain a top choice, proving that sometimes the best solutions are also the most straightforward.