iHeartCats is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Your cat has probably claimed a random cardboard box at least once. Maybe more times than you’d like to admit. There’s a reason for that — cats genuinely love cardboard, and a well-designed cardboard cat house takes that obsession and gives it a real home (and looks a lot better than an Amazon shipping box in the corner of your living room).
We tested and rounded up 12 of the best cardboard cat houses available right now. Whether your cat is a scratcher, a hider, or just a dedicated napper, there’s something on this list that’ll work. And if you’re building out your cat’s space beyond just a house, our guide to the best cat toys for indoor cats is worth a look too.
#1 – SEKAM Cardboard Cat House
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 Cardboard Cat House
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 House
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’s easy to assemble, and the clean, modern design fits in without looking like a cat accessory took over your living room.
Best For: Cat owners looking for a durable and versatile cat house within a budget.
#11 – Shappy Christmas Cardboard Cat House
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 Scratcher Lounge
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. Also check if the house is recyclable once it wears out — most cardboard ones are.
- Safety: The house shouldn’t have any sharp edges or small detachable parts that could pose a choking hazard. Make sure any inks or dyes are non-toxic to cats — this is worth checking before you buy.
- Functionality: Some cardboard houses double as scratchers, with textured or corrugated surfaces that cats love to claw at. This can help redirect cats who scratch furniture toward an appropriate surface instead.
- 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 and warmth. The texture is also ideal for scratching, letting cats keep their claws sharp and mark their territory. Cardboard offers a confined space too, 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.
Your Cat Already Knows What They Want
Cardboard cat houses aren’t complicated. Cats love them, they’re affordable, and when your cat finally destroys one — because they will — you recycle it and grab another.
The picks on this list cover every type of cat and every budget. If your cat scratches everything in sight, look for options with built-in corrugated scratch surfaces. If they like to hide, prioritize designs with multiple openings and a snug interior. And if you want something that won’t look out of place in your living room, the Navaris modular set and the Furhaven farmhouse style both pass the aesthetics test.
Don’t overthink it. Pick one, toss some catnip inside, and watch your cat ignore it for three days before deciding it’s their favorite thing in the house.