DIY Cat Houses: The Fastest & Easiest Method

Updated at: 28/03/2025

Spoiled cats deserve spoiled accommodations! But expensive, store-bought cat houses often leave pet owners feeling their wallets a little lighter. Thankfully, creating a cozy and stylish abode for your feline friend doesn't require a hefty price tag or advanced carpentry skills. This guide focuses on crafting a DIY cat house using the absolute fastest and easiest method, perfect for even the most novice DIY enthusiast. Forget complicated designs and intricate measurements; we’re prioritizing simplicity and speed without sacrificing comfort or style.

We’ll be utilizing readily available materials and a straightforward technique that minimizes effort and maximizes cuteness. Prepare to be amazed at how quickly you can transform basic supplies into a purrfect haven for your cat. Ready to embark on this rewarding project and give your cat the ultimate upgrade? Let's dive into the simple step-by-step process now!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Hardwood plywood (18mm)
  • MDF (12mm)
  • Table saw
  • Bandsaw
  • Miter saw
  • Beam compass
  • Parallel clamps
  • F clamp
  • Screws
  • Wood glue
  • Grip fill (or instant grab adhesive)
  • Brad nails
  • Countersink bits
  • Wood filler
  • Sandpaper (120 grit, 400 grit)
  • Paint
  • Varnish (water-based, acrylic spray)
  • Foam (25mm)
  • Fabric
  • Hot glue
  • Electric felt file
  • Speed square
Safety Guidelines
  • Use non-toxic paints, stains, and glues. Cats often lick surfaces, so ensure all materials are safe for ingestion.
  • Provide ample ventilation to prevent overheating and dampness. Avoid enclosed spaces with poor airflow.
  • Secure all loose parts and sharp edges to prevent injury. Cats are curious and can easily get hurt on poorly constructed houses.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Cat House Panels

    • Cut plywood into manageable pieces for the cat house panels.
    • Create rebates at the top and bottom of the front and back panels using a table saw. (Make sure the blade height cuts only 3/4 through for the initial cut)
    • Mark and cut out the arched shapes on the front and back panels simultaneously using a bandsaw for cleaner cuts.
    Mark and cut out the arched shapes on the front and back panels simultaneously using a bandsaw for cleaner cuts.Mark and cut out the arched shapes on the front and back panels simultaneously using a bandsaw for cleaner cuts.Mark and cut out the arched shapes on the front and back panels simultaneously using a bandsaw for cleaner cuts.
    Prepare Cat House Panels

  2. Assemble Cat House Base

    • Glue and clamp together the bottom panels, top rails and the previously cut front/back panels.
    Glue and clamp together the bottom panels, top rails and the previously cut front/back panels.
    Assemble Cat House Base

  3. Create and Attach Legs

    • Make tapered legs from offcuts, squaring one side at the table saw, marking the desired thickness, and cutting consistently using a miter saw.
    • Glue and clamp the legs to the bottom panels, ensuring sufficient space for later screw insertion.
    • Reinforce the leg attachments by drilling pilot holes and driving screws from the inside of the cat houses.
    Reinforce the leg attachments by drilling pilot holes and driving screws from the inside of the cat houses.Reinforce the leg attachments by drilling pilot holes and driving screws from the inside of the cat houses.Reinforce the leg attachments by drilling pilot holes and driving screws from the inside of the cat houses.
    Create and Attach Legs

  4. Prepare Cladding

    • Cut cladding pieces from MDF using a table saw at a 45-degree angle, creating slats with consistent spacing.
    Cut cladding pieces from MDF using a table saw at a 45-degree angle, creating slats with consistent spacing.
    Prepare Cladding

  5. Attach Roof and Cladding

    • Cut and attach the roof cap using wood glue and brads.
    • Glue the cladding pieces onto the cat houses using gap-filling adhesive (Grip fill or similar), securing with brads.
    Glue the cladding pieces onto the cat houses using gap-filling adhesive (Grip fill or similar), securing with brads.Glue the cladding pieces onto the cat houses using gap-filling adhesive (Grip fill or similar), securing with brads.
    Attach Roof and Cladding

  6. Finish Cladding

    • Fill nail holes with wood filler, sand (120 grit, then 400 grit), and paint the cladding.
    Fill nail holes with wood filler, sand (120 grit, then 400 grit), and paint the cladding.
    Finish Cladding

  7. Cut Entrance Hole

    • Create a router template from MDF to cut the entrance hole. (Single layer is sufficient!)
    • Cut the entrance hole using a router and template, making multiple passes to avoid burning the wood.
    Cut the entrance hole using a router and template, making multiple passes to avoid burning the wood. Cut the entrance hole using a router and template, making multiple passes to avoid burning the wood.
    Cut Entrance Hole

  8. Refine and Paint Interior/Exterior

    • Sand and re-coat the MDF edges with paint.
    • Sand and smooth the entrance hole; use an electric felt file for the inside of the hole. Paint the inside of the cat houses.
    Sand and smooth the entrance hole; use an electric felt file for the inside of the hole. Paint the inside of the cat houses.Sand and smooth the entrance hole; use an electric felt file for the inside of the hole. Paint the inside of the cat houses.
    Refine and Paint Interior/Exterior

  9. Finish and Protect

    • Apply a topcoat of varnish (water-based and acrylic spray) to protect the paint, sanding with 400 grit between coats.
    Apply a topcoat of varnish (water-based and acrylic spray) to protect the paint, sanding with 400 grit between coats.
    Finish and Protect

  10. Make Cushions

    • Make cushions from foam, cut using a bandsaw (or sharp knife), and cover them with fabric using hot glue.
    Make cushions from foam, cut using a bandsaw (or sharp knife), and cover them with fabric using hot glue.
    Make Cushions

Read more: DIY Cuddly Cat & Dog Bed: A Super-Warm, Easy Tutorial

Tips

  • Use a beam compass for accurate arc drawing on the panels.
  • Position workpieces firmly against the fence when using the table saw for safer cuts.
  • Cut multiple pieces at once to save time (where applicable).
  • Use gap-filling adhesive for cladding to ensure a strong bond.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Poor Ventilation

Reason: Insufficient airflow can lead to a buildup of moisture and ammonia from cat urine and feces, creating an unhealthy and unpleasant environment for your cat.
Solution: Add ventilation holes or gaps to allow for proper air circulation.

2. Using Untreated Wood

Reason: Untreated wood can splinter, harbor parasites, and absorb odors, potentially harming your cat or making the house less appealing.
Solution: Use treated wood, or seal and paint the wood to create a safe and durable surface.

FAQs

What materials do I need for the fastest and easiest DIY cat house?
For the quickest method, you'll primarily need a sturdy cardboard box (the size depends on your cat!), some fabric scraps (for lining), and double-sided tape or glue. Optional additions include felt, yarn, or paint for decoration.
How long does it actually take to build this DIY cat house?
Depending on your decorating preferences, the entire process, from gathering materials to finishing touches, should take less than an hour. The actual construction time is typically under 30 minutes.