How to Build a Cat House

Cat houses provide hours of entertainment for your cat, as well as a safe and warm place to rest. Many different designs of cat houses are commercially available for purchase, but these structures are relatively easy and practical to construct. By completely this project on your own, you can customize the house to accommodate one, or many cats, and add or remove as many features as you wish, without adding any significant cost.

1. Purchase the following materials from your local hardware store: 1-4×8 sheet of 3/8″plywood, 3-2x4x8 stud, 1 box of 5/8″ wood screws and some carpet remnants.

2. Cut your plywood board in half, so that you are left with 2 equally sized 4′x4′ squares. Cut these in half and then each of the four pieces in half again. You should now have 8- 2′x2′ equally sized pieces. These will make up the roof, floor and side panels for your cat house.

3. Cut all three of your 2x4x8 studs into equal 2′ lengths. You should now have twelve 2′ sections.

4. Configure the stud sections into the shape of a box and attach them with the wood screws.

5. Attach the floor, roof, side pieces, and back panel to the frame with wood screws.

6. Cut a small opening into the front panel, large enough for the cat to easily walk in and out but not too large as to let in a draft, and then attach it to the frame.

7. Cover the entire house in carpet remnants. Attach the carpet with a staple gun. This gives the cat something to scratch and stretch his claws on, instead of the furniture.

8. Place some bedding material in the cat house, like a pre-made cat bed, or a warm blanket for the cat to nest in.

The do-it-yourself cat house is now complete. This house should remain indoors as the house is not protected from the rain. If you would prefer to have it outside, add a triangular frame to the top of the house and nail shingles in place to allow for rain runoff. The carpet remnants should not be added to a cat house that will remain outdoors as the carpet will sour and trap water against the plywood, causing it to rot. Also, a coat of water sealant may be applied in order to prolong the house’s useful life.

A cat house doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive in order to give your cat a safe and warm place to sleep. Try variations on the basic plan above, to add your own personal touch.

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