What Is the Best Cardboard Cat House?

Furhaven Cardboard Cat House with Catnip
  • The Furhaven Cardboard Cat House with Catnip has an interior design with two levels which provides a secure area for your pet to lay down and scratch in privacy and comfort.
  • It also includes detachable toys for fun
  • This Furhaven Cardboard Cat House with Catnip is completely empty exterior and interior so that owners and cats could decorate their walls or spaces to the extent they want
  • The corrugated surface has the rough bark-like texture of trees, which will better suit the cat's needs for scratching

What are the Benefits of a Cardboard Cat House?

There are several benefits of gifting your cat a cardboard cat house.

Today, the cardboard cat house comes laden with various features like a cat scratching post, a pet bed, a playpen, and space for your cat litter. Let us look at the benefits of having a cute cat feline fortress right in your home:

  • Privacy: Cats are private creatures, and therefore, a DIY cardboard cat house is the perfect way to give your cat exactly that. While you can place the house in your living room or bedroom, a cardboard house will allow your cat to withdraw into a private space for some quality alone time.
  • Loaded with Toys: Cardboard cat houses can be easily converted into cat playhouses with added features. You can add your cat’s favorite toys and scratching posts. You can add a cat scratch post, a hammock, and other pet furniture for your small or large cat. This gives them a great spot for napping or just chilling out.
  • Durable Design: Thanks to modern technology, even corrugated cardboard houses for cats are extremely durable and last a long time. Additionally, they are also recyclable and make your cat towers a hit with your feline pet.
  • Easily Replaceable: These houses are easily replaceable thanks to their cost. Whether you buy toys or a cardboard cat scratcher for your pet cat, these are easily replaceable and work great with an indoor cat. Therefore, do not hesitate to get your cat a cat scratcher house.
  • Aesthetic Value: Whether you have a small or a big cat, they love their privacy. These houses also add great aesthetic value to your home, serving a dual purpose. While most of them are made of cardboard, you can also get wooden cat houses that look much better.

With that being said, we should note that the cardboard house has one disadvantage – because of the material, it cannot be used as an outdoor cat house.

The Best Cardboard Cat Houses Reviewed

Cardboard cat houses are fun and come in various designs. Here we have reviewed some of the best cardboard houses for cats.

Furhaven Cardboard Cat House with Catnip

Price: $38.99

Color: Brown

Material: Cardboard

Item Dimension: 27.5 x 16.5 x 31 inches; 5.8 pounds

Pet: Cats

Lifestage: Cats of all ages 

Style: Two-floor cat house

Door: Three doors 

Recommended Uses: Indoor use 

Assembly Required: Yes, instructions are included on the product

Insulated: No

Collapsible: No

Foldable: No

Summary: This cat scratcher features a two-level housing design that provides an enclosed space for your favorite kitty to lounge in and scratch away in relative comfort and privacy; it also comes with detachable toys for entertainment.

This cardboard cat house comes with a blank interior and exterior so cats and owners can decorate the walls and space to their heart’s content. This enclosed hideout is also perfect for smaller pets such as rabbits, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, ferrets, and hedgehogs.

Pros
  • Detachable toys for added entertainment
  • Features a blank interior and exterior
  • Bark-like texture to satisfy your cat's scratching needs
  • Double-walled with varying thickness for durability
  • Features a two-level housing design
Cons
  • The cardboard might tear with frequent use

Customer Review: Upper house is a private lookout for cats to watch the world and a lounge deck outside has a corrugated scratching service to meet your kitty’s scratching needs. Pet owners give this cardboard cat house 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Furhaven Pet Furniture for Cats and Kittens an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (8/10): This is highly suitable for all pets of all ages. The cat scratcher features a two-level housing design that provides an enclosed space for your favorite kitty to lounge in and scratch away in relative comfort and privacy; it also comes with detachable toys for entertainment
  • Material Quality (10/10): The products are made with recycled materials, making them a very green choice for your pets! Made with 90% of recycled materials, and a non-toxic glue that brings the corrugated scratcher together. Safe for all cats to enjoy.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): The house is well-made and reasonably priced. Its quality matches its cost. It does not collapse or need tape to reinforce it. Worth the money.
  • Customer Feedback (10/10): Most of the customers’ feedback on Amazon is positive. This was a great investment for their pets. Pets loved the scratch pads, two levels, and mouse toy. 
  • Care and Cleanability (6/10): The house is made with 90% of recycled materials and 
  • Product Variety (8/10): It only comes with one size but a lot of color varieties. 
Navaris Modular Cardboard Cat House

Price: $36.99

Color: Brown

Material: Corrugated cardboard

Item Dimension: 12.01 x 12.01 x 12.01 inches; 4.8 pounds

Pet: Cats

Lifestage: Small cats of all ages 

Style: Multiple-room cat house 

Door: Seven openings

Recommended Uses: Indoor use 

Assembly Required: Yes, stack the cubes into a tower, join them with a bridge, or create a longer cat tunnel on the ground.

Insulated: No

Collapsible: No

Foldable: No

Summary: The assortment of cubes and bridges can be stacked into a tower or connected to a tunnel. The set includes all the connector pieces needed to put everything together. Create the play maze of your cat’s dreams with this customizable set of cardboard cat furniture.

Put the set together and watch your cat run, climb, sleep, scratch, and perch in and on the structure. Once assembled, the cardboard house is stable and will withstand all the jumping and playing your kitty loves to do. At the same time, the cardboard is lightweight and easy to move around if needed.

Pros
  • Sturdy and durable product
  • Affordable for most pet parents
  • Lightweight design
  • Can be used with rabbits also
  • The product is easy to clean
Cons
  • The ratings on Amazon are not too great

Customer Review: Delivery includes (4) cubes, (2) scratcher boards, (2) bridges, and (1) connector set, all made of corrugated cardboard. Pet owners give this cardboard cat house 3.8 out of 5 stars.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Navaris Modular Cardboard Cat House an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): This cat house is highly suitable for all pets of all ages with no-tools-required assembly. All the pieces came in the package and with the instructions. There are detailed instructions included.
  • Material Quality (8/10): The house is made with cardboard, non-toxic materials.
  • Cost Effectiveness (9/10): The house is well-formulated and reasonably priced, and the quality matches its cost.  
  •  Customer Feedback (8/10): The majority of the customers’ feedback on Amazon is positive, and there are only a few negative reviews.
  • Care and Cleanability (7/10): As with all cardboard cat house products, washing is not an option, and cleaning can be hard. 
  • Product Variety (6/10): This cat house comes in one size and one color, which is brown.
SEKAM Cardboard Cat House with Scratcher and Catnip

Price: $16.85

Color: Oceanside Villa

Material: Cardboard

Item Dimension: 33 x 42 x 30.5 inches; 1.81 pounds

Pet: Cat

Lifestage: Cats of all ages 

Style: Classic cat house 

Door: One opening

Recommended Uses: Indoor house 

Assembly Required: Yes

Insulated: No

Collapsible: No

Foldable: No

Summary: This cat cardboard house is not only a cat playhouse for resting and napping but also a cat scratcher board for exercising and playing. The scratcher house provides a hideaway place for your cats to play and rest.

The removable corrugated scratcher board helps to promote paw health and fulfill your cat’s natural instincts and provide enrichment in your home. The unique getaway villa design makes this cardboard cat house to be a beautiful home decoration and makes your home more delicate and luxurious.

Pros
  • Easy to assemble
  • Features a 2-in-1 design
  • Easy to clean
  • Does not require any tools for assembly
  • Promotes paw health
Cons
  • The catnip needs to be replaced over time

Customer Review: The free catnip for cats helps you entice your kitty to have good scratching habits and keeps your cat interested and entertained for hours. Pet owners give this cardboard cat house 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving SEKAM Cardboard Cat House with Scratcher and Catnip an overall 7/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): This house is highly suitable for all pets of all ages with no-tools-required assembly. All the pieces came in the package and with the instructions. There are detailed instructions included.
  • Material Quality (10/10): The product is made with high-quality and pet-friendly materials. 
  • Cost Effectiveness (6/10): This house is well-formulated and reasonably priced, and the quality matches its cost.  
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): The majority of the customers’ feedback on Amazon is positive, and there are only a few negative reviews. 
  • Care and Cleanability (7/10): Since it is cardboard, it cannot be machine-washed.
  • Product Variety (8/10): The house comes in one size and six color varieties, such as Burger Shop, Circus World, Donut Shop, Forest Cabin, Holiday Meow, and Oceanside Villa.
ASPCA Cardboard Cat House Hideaway with Cat Scratcher Scratching Pad

Price: $18.87

Color: Cottage

Material: Cardboard

Item Dimension: 19 x 13 x 17 inches; 2 pounds

Pet: Cats

Lifestage: Cats of all ages 

Style: Classic cat house 

Door: One opening

Recommended Uses: Indoor cat house

Assembly Required: Yes, easy assembly, all instructions included 

Insulated: No

Collapsible: Yes, when not in use, the cat house can be collapsed into a flat, compact size for out-of-the-way storage.

Foldable: No

Summary: Give your kitty a relaxing place to play and hide with this cardboard Cat House. When not in use, the cat house can be collapsed into a flat, compact size for out-of-the-way storage. Cats love this pet bed house as its den-like hiding space for napping promotes nesting instinct.

It also provides a private place for your cat to rest and play. It is easy to assemble and comes with all the materials you need to build it.

Pros
  • The product is easy to assemble
  • Does not require any tools to build it
  • Features a scratching pad
  • Offers privacy to your cat
  • Promotes paw health
Cons
  • The product is not waterproof

Customer Review: Sprinkle some organic catnip (not included) on the cardboard while introducing the pad to a cat to entice your cat to scratch. Pet owners give this cardboard cat house 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving ASPCA Cardboard Cat House Hideaway with Cat Scratcher Scratching Pad an overall 7/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): This house is highly suitable for all pets of all ages. All the pieces came in the package and with the instructions.
  • Material Quality (8/10): The cat house is made with high-quality materials and does not contain any harmful chemicals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): This cardboard cat house is well-made and reasonably priced, and the quality matches its cost.  
  • Customer Feedback (7/10): The majority of the customers’ feedback on Amazon is positive, and there are only a few negative reviews. 
  • Care and Cleanability (7/10): The house is made up of cardboard, and since it is cardboard, it cannot be machine-washed.
  • Product Variety (8/10): This cat house comes in one-size and two-color varieties, such (Cottage and Adoption
    Truck Cat House).
ScratchMe Cardboard Cat Condo Scratcher Post

Price: $20.99

Color: Black

Material: Cardboard

Item Dimension: 12.99 x 12.6 x 22.44 inches; 2.4 Pounds

Pet: Cats

Lifestage: Cats of all ages 

Style: Modern cat house 

Door: One opening

Recommended Uses: Indoor use 

Assembly Required: Yes, based on the instructions

Insulated: No

Collapsible: No

Foldable: Yes

Summary: This cat scratch board is made from recyclable corrugated cardboard. It contains a high-density five-layer corrugated paper that confirms durability and is, therefore, difficult to be torn by cats. All materials are tested using international safety standards.

Cat scratch cardboard with a wave design lets the cat scratch and lounge on them comfortably. The attractive scratch board design blends easily with home décor and can be placed anywhere in the room. Tip: If your cat is not interested in the scratcher, use some snacks and toys to guide them to the board.

Pros
  • Perfect for scratching and hiding
  • Has a unique design
  • Made with durable material
  • Specially designed for cats
  • Has a stable design
Cons
  • The product is a bit pricey in comparison to similar products

Customer Review: Made of high-quality corrugated cardboard. Five layers of corrugated paper are pressed together with a strong glue bond to ensure durability. Pet owners give this cardboard cat house 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving ScratchMe Cardboard Cat Condo Scratcher Post an overall 7/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (8/10): This Shouse is highly suitable for all pets of all ages.
  • Material Quality (8/10): The product is made of high-quality materials with the highest density, evenly compressed, and much sturdier. And does not contain any harmful chemicals.  
  • ·Cost Effectiveness (7/10): The cat house is well-formulated and reasonably priced, and the quality matches its cost.  
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): The majority of the customers’ feedback on Amazon is positive, and there are only a few negative reviews. 
  • Care and Cleanability (7/10): The house is made up of cardboard, and since it is cardboard, it cannot be machine-washed.
  • Product Variety (7/10): It comes in one size and two-color varieties, which are black and red.

What Should I Look for in a Cardboard Cat House?

Before you buy a cardboard cat house, you should take a look at some of the key aspects that will help enhance your choice:

  • Affordable Price: The house should be affordable. This is because your cat will be scratching the house with their claws, and thus it can easily get damaged. Therefore, it is best to opt for an affordable cat cave rather than something over-the-top expensive.
  • Customizable: Make sure that the house you buy can be paired with other fun features. This includes scratchers, toys, feathers, and other objects that cats are drawn to.
  • Recyclable Materials: It is crucial to make sure that your cat’s house is recyclable. This is because, if your cat makes it a mess and you have to replace the house, you want it to be environmentally friendly.
  • Easy to Replace: Most cat houses made with cardboard are easy to replace. They are made using cheap materials and therefore do not cost a lot.
  • Easy to Assemble: When you buy your cat a cardboard house, make sure that it is easy to assemble. This saves you a lot of time and keeps your cat less curious about what all the cardboard is for.

Can You Make a Cat House Out of Cardboard?

With just three cardboard boxes and a wide range of templates available online, you can build your cat their very own home. In addition to the cardboard, you just need a few basic supplies for your cat to have their own castle to relax in.

These cardboard homes are great for climbing, crawling, and hiding making them the perfect addition to your cat’s belongings.