How to Make a Cardboard Hideout for Your Cat
A cheap, quick DIY hideout gives your cat a safe place to rest and play.
- Written by
- Pawlito Editorial Team · Pet Care Writers
- Professional review
- Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian
- Published
- Last updated

In this guide (6 steps)
Step 1: Find a clean box
Use a plain box slightly larger than your cat. Remove tape, staples and plastic labels.
Step 2: Cut an entrance
Cut a door on one side and a small peephole on another so your cat has two ways to see out.
Good to know: Smooth sharp edges by folding them inward.
Step 3: Add soft bedding
Line the floor with a washable blanket or old t-shirt that smells like you.
Step 4: Place it in a quiet area
Put the hideout somewhere calm, ideally off the main walkway, or raised on a sturdy surface.
Step 5: Encourage exploring
Toss a treat or toy inside. Let your cat discover it in their own time.
Step 6: Replace when worn
Swap the box when it is chewed, soiled or damp.
This guide was drafted with AI assistance and published by the Pawlito team. It has no formal source list yet. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll correct it. Read our editorial policy.


Ask about this guide
Leave a comment or a question. Comments are public, so use a first name only and don't include emails, phone numbers or addresses. An automated assistant may reply straight away with general suggestions — it can't diagnose your pet.