10 Awesome DIY Cardboard Box Cat Beds (With Pictures)

Although you can buy a fancy cat bed for your favorite feline, you can’t beat a good old cardboard box—and we don’t know many cats that would disagree! You can make a cozy slumber spot that your cat will love with a cardboard box and a few other materials. Best of all, it’s completely free. Everyone’s a winner.

We’ve scoured the web for the most awesome DIY cardboard box beds made by fellow cat parents. Most are beginner-friendly, but a few may take more time and skills. Whether you’re a pro crafter or a complete beginner, there’s something here for everyone. Snuggle up with your furbaby and enjoy!

The 10 DIY Cardboard Box Cat Beds

1. Cardboard Cat Igloo House

This fantastic igloo house is made by cutting out cardboard circles, stacking them on top of each other, and gluing them all together. It has a modest tool and material list, but we consider this project to be moderately difficult because measuring out and cutting all the cardboard pieces may take a bit of time.

We love that this cardboard cat bed is covered, which gives your cat a sense of security. It also looks sturdy. This is a great option if you’re looking for a DIY cat bed project that won’t collapse after being used for a short time.

2. Chic Cardboard Box Cat Hammock

If your cat is like most other cats and loves snuggling up in a hammock, this chic cardboard box hammock is perfect and only requires a few tools you probably already have around the house. The box is painted to brighten it up, and the creator placed yarn fringe around the top to give it some extra pizzazz. The end result is adorable and looks sturdy enough to hold at least a light cat or kitten.

If your cat is on the larger side, you might want to adapt the box size a little or reinforce it with extra cardboard to make sure it will hold their weight.

3. VW Bus Cardboard Cat House

If your cat is a fluffy hippie, they’re sure to love this VW bus-style cardboard house. It’s nice and roomy for cats of all shapes and sizes and can be used as a bed or chillout spot. If the VW look isn’t your thing, you can paint and decorate it in any colors you like.

This cardboard cat bed/house is simple to put together. Since it sits on the floor, you don’t need to worry about whether it’s suitable for larger cats.

4. Stylish Cardboard Box Cat Bed

This DIY cardboard box bed is simple but stylish and has a comfy DIY cushion. The creator mentions in the instructions that you don’t need sewing skills for this project, as the sewing part is really easy and something anyone can do. The box is covered with fabric, and the creator recommends picking a non-fraying, easy-to-clean fabric like flannel.

We love the simplicity of this box bed and the fact that it’s so beginner-friendly.

5. Fabulous DIY Cat Bed

When it comes to DIYing your cat’s bed, you’re unlikely to find one as easy to make as this cardboard box bed covered in wrapping or tissue paper. Once the box is covered, you simply pop in a blanket or cushion to keep your cat comfy, and voila! This is another great option for beginners who are a little craft-phobic.

If you prefer, you could cover the box with fabric instead of paper as it’s less likely to rip or get pulled off.

6. Cardboard Box Fort

If you do a lot of online shopping like the creator of this simple cardboard box fort, why not turn your old boxes into a big fun park/sleeping area for your cats? All you need to do is cut out entry holes, then arrange the boxes as you like and tape everything together. We love that this fort doubles up as a cat playground and somewhere they can hide out and nap.

If you like, you can cover the boxes with fabric to make the fort a little more attractive and cozy for your cats. Pop in a few blankets and cushions to make it an inviting snoozing spot.

7. Cat and Dog Cardboard House

We have to admit, we’re in love with this adorable TV-style cat house/bed. It’s made of a few cardboard panels and glue, so it’s easy to put together, and you can decorate it with hanging ball toys and feathers. It appears to be very sturdy, so it should be just right for all cats, big and small.

What we like most about this box is how neat it looks because it uses cardboard panels instead of a full box. However, if you don’t want to bother with all the gluing, you could substitute the panels with an already-assembled box.

8. Cardboard Cat House

This charming cardboard cat house is designed to resemble an actual house for your cat to return to after a hard day of… being cute and sleeping? Whatever it is your cat gets up to while they’re awake, we’re sure they’ll love this bed/house. It’s not hard to make, but the creator mentioned that it took a weekend of work, so it seems to be more time-consuming than difficult.

You can design and style your cat house however you want.

9. Snowy Mountain Peak Pet Tent

Though made for a dog, there’s no reason why your cat can’t enjoy this snowy mountain peak tent made from a cardboard box, tape, and fabric. The triangle shape makes for a more closed-in roof, which adds an extra layer of coziness. The “snow” effect on the top turns a plain-looking tent into a cute, funky cat bed.

Making this tent involves sewing, cutting, and measuring, so it might be a good project for those with sewing experience.

10. Cardboard Cat Mansion

Posh cats in need of a suitable place to nap will love this cardboard cat mansion. It’s not hard to assemble and only requires gluing and painting. With a blanket or soft cushion inside, this mansion is the perfect place for your elegant cat to spend their downtime.

We love how the creator made this beautiful cat home/bed with a few simple materials and minimal tools.

Conclusion

The awesome cardboard cat beds we’ve featured show that you don’t need to spend a lot of cash or spend long hours or days putting together something your cats will love. DIY cardboard beds are free, completely customizable, and eco-friendly. Regardless of your experience level, we’re confident you’ll find a project your cat adores!

Related Reads:

• DIY Cat Bed Plans: No Sew (With Pictures)
• DIY Hanging Cat Beds & Hammocks (with Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: kaylaflam, Pixabay