The Best Cardboard Cat Houses
Let's face it — cats love cardboard boxes. But not all pet parents enjoy leaving the drab, empty containers around their home for months at a time. That's where cardboard cat houses come in. These unique creations have the feel of plain old boxes, but they're much easier on the eye. Many even offer additional features, such as heavy-duty scratch pads and catnip holders. Read on to find the version that's perfect for you and your furry friend.
What to Look For
Taking size, strength, and additional features into consideration, we gathered and reviewed the best cardboard cat houses on the market today. We’re confident you’ll be able to find a great fit by scrolling through the products below. For example, if you’re looking for a house that doubles as a place to rest and play, the Sekam cat house includes catnip and a scratch pad inside. And if you own multiple pets, Navaris’ modular version is worth a good look. Read on to learn more about each of these, as well as our other favorites.
Sekam Scratcher and Catnip-Filled Cardboard Cat House
Home sweet home
This cardboard cat house isn’t just great for pets. Cat owners can enjoy the cute style, as well as the durable materials that ensure you won’t be replacing it anytime soon. Several exterior patterns are available to choose from, including an adorable cottage, a retro burger shop, and an out-of-this-world circus tent. Inside, kittens will have fun with the replaceable, corrugated scratch pad, as well as a personal supply of cat nip. The price is just right, and assembly is a breeze, making this purchase a smart one for felines and humans alike.
Pros:
- This house is durable enough to withstand crazy kitten play.
- Using the catnip is optional, in case your cat isn’t a fan.
Cons:
- This typically fits all cats, but if your pet is especially large, you’ll want to measure them before ordering.
Aspca Scratching Pad and Cardboard Cat House
Privacy, please
This cardboard cat house is designed to be a hideout, perfect for rest and play with. It features a scratching pad inside, which can be removed and replaced when it’s all used up. Humans can choose between an adoption/rescue truck and a cute little house — whichever version best matches your home.
Pros:
- Assembly is simple and requires no tools.
- The scratching pad is corrugated on both sides, so you can flip it over before replacing it.
Cons:
- Some kitties may be weary of climbing inside. It can help to place some catnip or a few treats on the scratching pad to convince them that it’s safe to enter.
Furhaven Tiger Tough Two-Story Cardboard Cat House
Up or down
This two-level cardboard cat house gives pets plenty of room to explore. There are three separate hideouts, which is ideal for homes with more than one cat. The scratching pad is on top, so owners can easily see when it’s ready to be replaced. Plus, the house comes with detachable toys for kittens to bat at and enjoy. We especially like that every wall is made of two-layer, corrugated cardboard for added durability.
Pros:
- The plain brown walls can be decorated to suit your home’s style.
- The ultra-thin scratching surface is less messy than other versions on the market today.
Cons:
- The price is on the higher end, though the extra space and improved strength are worth it to many.
Navaris Modular Cardboard Cat House
Everyone's welcome
This cardboard cat house is perfect for homes with multiple pets. It has four hideaways and two bridges, and you can set it up in multiple ways to ensure it works for your kitties’ personalities. Two scratching pads are included, so you can use them both right away or save the second for whenever the first one runs out. And even though there are more assembly steps than we’d like, no tools are needed to get the job done.
Pros:
- This set is light enough to move around but sturdy enough to hold cats that run and jump across it.
- Your pet rabbit may love sitting inside as much as your cat.
Cons:
- If your cats are territorial, they may not like sleeping this close to each other. However, that’s also why the modular design is important.
American Cat Club Retro Van Cardboard Cat House
A groovy pick
This cute cat house is perfect for anyone who’s looking for an item with a unique style. It looks just like a VW bus — groovy peace signs, “cat drivers” in the windows, and much more. The scratching pad inside is durable and easy to replace. It even comes with catnip, making it easy to convince your cat to crawl inside.
Pros:
- Assembly only takes a few minutes, and no tools are required.
- The tight space can be helpful in trimming your pet’s nails if needed.
Cons:
- Your largest kitties may not fit inside, but it’s well worth measuring to check if your furry friend will fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats actually prefer these houses over cardboard boxes?
Some cats do, while others do not. It can help to not leave cardboard boxes out if they tend to be your pet’s favorite. The little houses feel very similar (with added features that your cat will enjoy), so if it’s their only option, they’re more likely to give it a try.
How long do cardboard cat houses last?
This depends on your cat’s activity level. Typically, you can trust it to last a few months to a year. You may need to replace the scratching pad more often than this, however.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.