If you’re the kind of person who finds themselves building mini staircases for your cat out of leftover furniture or rearranging the garden so your tabby can sunbathe in exactly the right spot… you’re in the right place.
Creating a DIY cat house doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, it can be surprisingly fun and totally doable with things you might already have lying around—think pallets, mesh panels, or even an old cabinet from your last home project. Whether you’re working with a small backyard or a larger patio setup, there’s a solution here that’ll give your feline friend their own little kingdom.
And bonus? These ideas don’t just keep your cat safe and stimulated, they can actually look pretty cute and blend right into your garden or balcony aesthetic. From rustic pallet dens to stylish catio towers, here are six DIY cat house ideas to try out this weekend.
1. Pallet Cat House with a Weatherproof Roof
This one’s for the budget-conscious DIYer who wants something sturdy, rustic, and totally functional. Using two to three wooden pallets (which you can often get free from hardware stores), you can create a raised outdoor cat house with an open front or small entry door. Add plywood for the sides and roof, then finish it off with outdoor-safe paint or a waterproof stain.
A slanted roof made of corrugated plastic or metal will help shed rain, while a flap of weatherproof fabric at the door adds cozy insulation. Inside, tuck in a fleece blanket and a few favorite toys. This setup works great near fences, in corners of the yard, or beside a garden shed.
2. Catio Tower with Vertical Play Zones
If your cat loves to climb, a DIY catio tower is the way to go. Using wooden planks or old bookshelves, you can create a vertical climbing structure enclosed in pet-safe mesh or wire panels. Think multi-levels with ramps, tunnels, and perches so your cat can look down on the world like the majestic beast they are.
You can build it free-standing or attach it to the side of your house, garage, or fence. Place it near a tree for extra shade, and add a sunbathing platform on the top tier for those lazy afternoons. Bonus: this doubles as enrichment for indoor cats that need a taste of the outdoors.
3. Screened-In Window Box Catio
No backyard? No problem. You can still give your cat some fresh air with a DIY window box catio. This mini enclosure attaches directly to the outside of your window and is fully enclosed in mesh or chicken wire, making it safe from falls or curious raccoons.
Build a wooden frame box, secure it to the window with strong brackets, and cover all sides with mesh panels. Add a shelf or two inside so your cat can stretch out, nap, or watch the birds. It’s the perfect solution for small apartments or condos.
4. Repurposed Cabinet Cat House on the Porch
Got an old cabinet, nightstand, or small armoire? Turn it into an enclosed cat house with just a few tweaks. Cut a circular or square door in the front, add ventilation holes on the sides, and place cozy bedding inside. You can decorate the outside with paint, stencils, or even fake climbing vines for a whimsical garden look.
Place this stylish hideaway on a covered porch, balcony, or under an awning to protect it from the weather. It’s a great way to blend function with charm, and your cat will appreciate the privacy.
5. Large Walk-In Catio Enclosure
If you’ve got the space and want to go big, build a walk-in catio using lumber and wire mesh fencing. Use free catio plans or create your own layout with a frame that’s tall enough for you to stand in. Add perches, hammocks, ramps, and even a litter area to make it a true backyard cat retreat.
These larger structures are ideal for multi-cat households or families who want to spend time inside the enclosure with their cats. You can place it beside your house or build a tunnel leading from a cat door to the enclosure—so your cats can come and go as they please while staying safe.
6. Rolling Cat House for Mobile Outdoor Time
This one’s a fun weekend project if you’ve got a cat that likes to be outdoors but doesn’t always stay in one place. Using a wooden frame and hardware cloth or mesh, you can build a rolling cat house on wheels that can be moved around your garden or yard.
It doesn’t have to be large—just big enough for your cat to stretch, hide, and watch what’s going on. Add a small roof for shade, and make sure to include a lockable access door. This is also a great option if you’re renting and want something non-permanent.
7. Cardboard Climber with Cozy Stairway Nooks
If you’ve got a pile of cardboard boxes and a bit of creativity, you can build a surprisingly functional and stylish cat house. This multi-level cardboard design uses brown corrugated boxes assembled into a tiered layout with a pitched roof and built-in stairways. It features both upper and lower-level entrances—one shaped like a charming archway—and offers just enough hide-and-seek space for even the shyest cats.
Inside, a gray and black striped cushion adds softness and warmth, while the open design keeps airflow good (and lets you peek in to check on your cat). The entire structure is light enough to move around easily but sturdy enough for lounging and climbing. You’ll see visible seams and taped joints, but that’s part of its handmade charm.
This kind of DIY cardboard cat house is perfect for renters, families with kids who love crafts, or anyone on a budget. Just make sure it stays in a dry indoor spot, and consider adding a layer of waterproof fabric or a thin wood board at the base to prevent early wear.
8. Garden Jungle Catio Retreat with Floating Boxes and Hammock Lounge
This dreamy backyard cat haven is what happens when a cozy jungle meets an eco-friendly design brainwave. Imagine tall wooden fencing forming a secure perimeter, wrapped with climbing ivy, potted ferns, and layers of potted succulents tucked into every corner.
A chunky wooden pergola overhead is woven with trailing vines and twinkle lights, creating the kind of filtered light cats love to nap under. But the real star here? The wall-mounted floating box shelves. Some hold cascading greenery, while others act as little jungle viewing pods for your cats to climb into and watch the world (or birds) go by.
At ground level, the setup is full of rustic charm. A narrow boardwalk-style wooden floor keeps everything elevated and clean, while planter boxes (including a hollowed tree stump!) are filled with low-maintenance tropical foliage like snake plants, pothos, and aloes.
There’s a raised dirt bed in one corner where your cats can roll around or nap in the sun, right beside a little green-painted cat house built under the planter box — complete with an arched orange entry curtain. Tucked right in front of it is the coziest touch: a suspended mini hammock with a fleece lining, strung between two posts just the right height for a midday catnap. It’s a clever use of vertical space and earthy textures, ideal for a small yard that doubles as a family garden and cat playground.
Final Thoughts
DIY cat houses are a fun and fulfilling way to create a safer, more stimulating environment for your pets—without sacrificing your yard’s aesthetic or spending a fortune. Whether you’re working with pallets, cabinets, or just a dream, these ideas are easy to adapt and customize based on your space and budget. Your cat will love having their own spot outdoors, and you’ll love seeing them happy, cozy, and totally entertained.