DIY cat houses: How to give your cat space while working from home

Remote work is a staple in most industries now. Homes have areas that have now been converted to home offices or office space, household kitchens have become break rooms, and pets have become coworkers. But what do you do when your feline companion starts pawing at your keyboard and cowling for attention?

It may be time to give them a “cubical” of their own. Here is a quick guide to simple DIY cat house designs:

Wooden cat house

While cat houses come in a variety of materials, a wooden cat house may slip into your home’s decor and design easier than most. Most wooden cat houses are built to emulate basic shapes, like squares, rectangles or triangles. However, some have become more stylized and may even mimic residential architecture.

To build one, measure the space you plan to use for the cat house. Then, gather your supplies from a local hardware store. Be sure to use wood that’s hardy enough to safely hold your feline companion and their supplies, such as bedding and toys. If you intend to paint or stain your wood, be sure to do it before you assemble your cat’s new relaxation spot.

After assembling your cat’s house, try adding a few of their favorite treats, scents and toys to entice them to go inside and get accustomed to it.

Cardboard cat house

In the age of home delivery, cardboard boxes are everywhere. If you’d rather find a good use for them before recycling, try using them to build a stellar cardboard cat house. Most cardboard cat house designs can be found online with a quick search.

As with wooden cat houses, measure your space before you get started. However, unlike their wooden counterparts, cardboard houses don’t need nails and screws. In fact, a quick trip to a craft store or your personal supply should get you the adhesives and paints you need to complete this project.

The great thing about cardboard cat houses is they’re relatively inexpensive to make, can be completely customized and help clear up some clutter around the house.

Indoor cat house kit

While a cat house kit isn’t fully DIY, they are relatively inexpensive and perfect for those who don’t have the time to assemble one from scratch. These cat houses can be bought at most big box pet stores, though smaller stores may have a more customized selection.

They often come with instructions and can be set up in a matter of minutes. However, you’ll still want to make sure you have enough room for your cat house, and it can accommodate your pet and their supplies.

Cat houses are a great way to give your cat a place to call their own. You may even want to get creative with them and include hanging toys and puzzles inside them. That way, your remote coworker can have their own cubicle complete with tasks while you complete your workday.