Does your feline friend deserve a cozy kingdom of their own? Imagine a place where your cat can nap, play, and feel safe, all without costing a fortune. That’s where cardboard cat houses come in! They are a fantastic and affordable way to spoil your kitty.
But finding the *perfect* cardboard cat house can be a challenge. You want something that’s sturdy enough for playful paws, big enough for your cat to stretch out, and maybe even looks a little bit stylish. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with so many choices online and in stores. You might worry about it falling apart too quickly or not being interesting enough for your cat.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cardboard cat houses. We’ll help you understand what makes a good one, how to pick the best design for your cat’s personality, and even share some fun ideas for decorating them. Get ready to discover how to create a purr-fectly delightful hideaway for your beloved companion!
Our Top 5 Cardboard Cat House Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cardboard Cat House Detailed Reviews
1. ASPCA Cardboard Cat House Hideaway Playhouse with Cat Scratcher Scratching Pad 19″L x 13″W x 17″H
Rating: 8.9/10
The ASPCA Cardboard Cat House Hideaway Playhouse with Cat Scratcher Scratching Pad is a fun and functional spot for your feline friend. This 2-in-1 house offers a cozy place for your cat to nap and a built-in scratching board. It’s designed to give your cat privacy and encourage their natural nesting instincts. This playhouse helps keep your cat entertained and can save your furniture from scratches. It’s also easy to put together.
What We Like:
- Provides a private den for napping and resting.
- Includes an interior scratching pad to keep paws healthy.
- Helps redirect scratching away from furniture.
- Easy to assemble with all parts and instructions included.
- Cats naturally enjoy hiding places, making this a popular choice.
- Promotes healthy paw development, especially for kittens.
What Could Be Improved:
- Catnip is not included, so you’ll need to buy it separately to encourage scratching.
- While durable for cardboard, it may not withstand very aggressive scratching over a long period.
This ASPCA cat house is a smart addition for any cat owner looking for a simple way to provide entertainment and comfort. It’s a great value for keeping your cat happy and your home intact.
2. Furhaven Multi-Level Cardboard Cat House w/ Catnip for Indoor Cats
Rating: 9.0/10
Give your feline friend a cozy retreat with the Furhaven Multi-Level Cardboard Cat House. This isn’t just a scratching post; it’s a two-story condo designed for your cat’s comfort and entertainment. It offers a private space for lounging and a satisfying surface for scratching. Plus, it comes with fun toys to keep your kitty busy.
What We Like:
- It gives cats a private, two-level space to relax and scratch.
- The house is blank inside and out, so you and your cat can decorate it!
- It’s also a great hideout for other small pets like rabbits or hamsters.
- The corrugated surface feels like tree bark, perfect for satisfying scratching urges.
- Use the included catnip to encourage your cat to scratch this instead of your furniture.
- It’s built tough with double-walled, dense cardboard for long-lasting fun.
- The dimensions are 27.5″ x 16.5″ x 31″, offering plenty of room.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, heavy-duty play might eventually wear down the cardboard.
- The “one size” might be a bit small for very large cat breeds.
This Furhaven cat house provides a fantastic, customizable space for your pets. It’s a fun and practical addition to any home, offering both entertainment and a designated scratching area.
3. Furhaven Multi-Level Cardboard Cat Condo w/ Catnip for Indoor Cats
Rating: 8.9/10
Give your feline friends a royal retreat with the Furhaven Multi-Level Cardboard Cat Condo. This towering castle is more than just a scratcher; it’s a fun-filled playground designed to keep your cats entertained and their claws happy.
What We Like:
- The castle design offers multiple levels for cats to climb and lounge on.
- It provides plenty of scratching surfaces to satisfy your cat’s natural instincts.
- Includes detachable toys to add extra fun and playtime.
- The interior and exterior are blank, so you and your cats can get creative and decorate it!
- It’s also a cozy hideout for other small pets like rabbits, hamsters, and ferrets.
- The corrugated cardboard mimics tree bark, making it perfect for scratching.
- The included catnip encourages cats to use the scratcher instead of your furniture.
- It’s made with durable, double-walled cardboard for longer-lasting use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable for cardboard, it may not withstand very aggressive scratchers long-term.
- Assembly might require a bit of patience for some users.
This cat condo is a fantastic way to provide enrichment for your pets. It offers a dedicated space for scratching, playing, and relaxing, all while adding a unique, customizable piece to your home.
4. American Cat Club Cat House with Scratcher & Catnip Included – Coffee House
Rating: 8.9/10
This American Cat Club Cat House with Scratcher & Catnip Included – Coffee House offers a cozy spot for your feline friend to relax and have fun. It’s like a little coffee shop for your cat!
What We Like:
- This cat house is a 2-in-1 wonder, giving your cat a private hideaway and a built-in scratching board.
- The den-like interior encourages your cat’s natural nesting instincts, making it a perfect napping spot.
- It comes with catnip to help introduce your cat to the scratching pad, making it more appealing.
- Scratching on the pad helps keep your cat’s paws healthy and strong, which is super important for kittens and adult cats alike.
- It keeps your cats entertained and away from your furniture – a win-win!
- Assembly is a breeze with all instructions and parts included.
- When not in use, it folds flat for easy storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for many cats, some very large or very rambunctious cats might find it a bit small or less durable than a sturdier option.
- The cardboard material, while eco-friendly, might not last as long as wood or plastic alternatives with very heavy use.
This cat house is a fantastic way to give your cat their own special space. It’s a simple yet effective solution for happy, healthy, and entertained cats.
5. TOYSBOOM Cardboard Cat Houses for Indoor Cats – Kitten Scratcher Houses & Condos
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for some serious cuteness overload with the TOYSBOOM Cardboard Cat Houses! This isn’t just any cat house; it’s a miniature cafe designed to bring endless entertainment and adorable photo ops to your home. Your feline friend can become the star barista, serving up imaginary paw-ccinos from their own little takeout window. It’s a dreamland for cats and a guaranteed laugh for you!
What We Like:
- The cafe theme is super fun and makes for hilarious pictures and videos of your cat.
- It has a double-story design, so two cats can have their own space or share the fun.
- The top level is a great lookout spot, and the bottom level is a cozy hideaway.
- It includes four scratch pads to protect your furniture and a fuzzy ball for extra play.
- Peek-a-boo windows are perfect for playing with your cat and giving them treats.
- The cardboard is strong, recycled, and safe for your pets.
- Assembly is super easy – no tools are needed, and there’s a helpful video.
- The vibrant designs add a fun pop of color to your room.
- The company offers a no-risk purchase with a satisfaction guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s made of cardboard, for extremely persistent scratchers or very large, strong cats, durability might eventually become a concern.
- The “cafe” theme might not appeal to everyone’s home decor style, though there are cartoon designs available.
This cat house offers a fantastic blend of fun, functionality, and style. It’s a great way to keep your cat entertained and your furniture safe, all while creating adorable moments.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Your Feline Friend
Looking for a fun and affordable way to spoil your cat? A cardboard cat house is a fantastic option! These simple yet engaging structures offer your cat a safe space to hide, play, and even nap. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one? This guide will help you find the purrfect cardboard cat house for your furry companion.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a cardboard cat house, keep these important features in mind:
- Size: Make sure the house is big enough for your cat to comfortably turn around and stretch out inside. A house that’s too small will make your cat feel cramped.
- Stability: A good cat house won’t wobble or tip over easily. Look for sturdy construction that can handle your cat’s playful jumps and pounces.
- Entry and Exit Points: Most houses have at least one opening. Some have multiple doors or windows, which can be fun for cats who like to peek out or play hide-and-seek.
- Ventilation: A few small holes or openings help air circulate. This keeps the inside fresh and prevents it from getting too warm.
- Design: Cardboard cat houses come in all sorts of fun shapes and designs. Think castles, rockets, or simple cozy cubes. Pick one that matches your cat’s personality and your home decor!
Important Materials
The main material for these houses is, of course, cardboard. However, not all cardboard is created equal.
- Corrugated Cardboard: This is the most common and best type of cardboard for cat houses. It’s strong and durable, made of multiple layers with wavy layers in between. This structure makes it tough.
- Non-Toxic Adhesives: The glue used to hold the pieces together should be safe for pets. Most manufacturers use non-toxic glues, but it’s good to check if you have concerns.
- Inks and Dyes: If the house is printed or colored, ensure the inks are non-toxic. Cats might chew on the edges, so safety is key.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a cardboard cat house better or worse.
Improving Quality:
- Thicker Cardboard: Thicker cardboard means a sturdier house that lasts longer.
- Reinforced Seams: Stronger glue and well-folded seams prevent the house from falling apart quickly.
- Easy Assembly: A house that’s simple to put together means less frustration for you and a quick play space for your cat.
- Smooth Edges: No sharp edges means a safer play area for your cat.
Reducing Quality:
- Thin, Flimsy Cardboard: This type of cardboard can be easily damaged by claws or chewing. It won’t last long.
- Weak Glue: If the glue isn’t strong, the house can fall apart after only a short time.
- Sharp Edges or Small Parts: These can be dangerous for your cat.
- Unpleasant Odors: Some cardboard or glues can have a strong smell that might deter your cat from using the house.
User Experience and Use Cases
Cardboard cat houses offer a wonderful user experience for both cats and their owners.
Cats love these houses because they provide a sense of security. They can hide away when they want peace and quiet or feel safe from perceived threats. The enclosed space mimics a den, which is natural for cats. Plus, the cardboard itself is often fun for cats to scratch and chew on (though it’s good to provide other scratching options too!).
For owners, these houses are a budget-friendly way to provide enrichment for their pets. They are lightweight and easy to move around the house. Many designs are also quite attractive and can add a playful touch to your living space. They are also eco-friendly, as cardboard can often be recycled. When the house is no longer usable, it can be easily disposed of.
Use Cases:
- A Safe Haven: Cats can retreat inside when they feel stressed or overwhelmed.
- A Play Fort: Cats enjoy batting toys through openings or jumping in and out.
- A Cozy Napping Spot: The enclosed space can feel warmer and more secure for sleep.
- A Scratching Post Alternative: Some cats enjoy scratching the cardboard.
- A Temporary Hideaway: Great for new cats or during stressful events like thunderstorms.
Choosing a cardboard cat house is a simple way to bring joy and comfort to your feline friend. By considering these features, materials, and quality factors, you can find a house that your cat will love for a long time!
Your Cardboard Cat House Questions Answered!
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a cardboard cat house?
A: The main Key Features are the size of the house, how stable it is, the number and type of entry and exit points, good ventilation, and an appealing design.
Q: What is the best material for a cardboard cat house?
A: The best material is strong, corrugated cardboard. The glues and inks used should also be non-toxic and safe for pets.
Q: How can I tell if a cardboard cat house is good quality?
A: Good quality houses use thick, sturdy cardboard, have reinforced seams, smooth edges, and are easy to assemble. They should also not have strong, unpleasant odors.
Q: What makes a cardboard cat house low quality?
A: Low quality houses are made from thin, flimsy cardboard, have weak glue that causes them to fall apart easily, or have sharp edges and small parts that could be dangerous.
Q: Why do cats like cardboard cat houses so much?
A: Cats like them because they offer a sense of security and privacy, mimicking a natural den. They also enjoy playing with and scratching the cardboard material.
Q: Can a cardboard cat house be used as a scratching post?
A: Yes, many cats will scratch at the cardboard. However, it’s still a good idea to provide other dedicated scratching posts for your cat.
Q: How long do cardboard cat houses usually last?
A: The lifespan depends on the quality of the cardboard and how much your cat uses and abuses it. A good quality house might last a few months to a year, while a flimsy one could be destroyed in weeks.
Q: Are cardboard cat houses safe for kittens?
A: Yes, they are generally safe for kittens. Just make sure there are no small, loose parts that a kitten could chew off and swallow.
Q: Can I decorate my cat’s cardboard house?
A: You can decorate it with non-toxic markers or crayons, but avoid anything with glitter or small embellishments that your cat might eat. Your cat might also just prefer it plain!
Q: What should I do if my cat doesn’t seem interested in the cardboard house?
A: Try placing a familiar blanket or a few treats inside to entice them. You can also try moving it to a different, quieter spot in your home. Sometimes, it just takes your cat a little time to get used to it.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.