Cardboard might seem like trash to us—but to cats, it’s a wonderland. Affordable, customizable, and endlessly entertaining, cardboard is one of the best materials to use for creating indoor playgrounds that satisfy your cat’s curiosity, climbing instinct, and love of hiding.
In this guide, you’ll find fun, safe, and easy DIY ideas to turn ordinary boxes into an enriching environment your indoor cat will adore.
Why Cardboard Is Perfect for Cats
Before we jump into projects, here’s why cardboard is a feline favorite:
- It retains heat, making it cozy for napping
- It smells familiar and natural (especially recycled materials)
- It offers texture for scratching and biting
- It creates enclosed, safe spaces for shy or anxious cats
- It’s lightweight and easy to modify
Plus, it’s budget-friendly and eco-conscious.
Safety Tips Before You Start
A safe playground starts with good materials and setup:
- Use clean, dry, odor-free cardboard
- Remove all staples, plastic, or sharp edges
- Avoid ink-heavy or glossy boxes
- Supervise during the first use to ensure your cat doesn’t ingest cardboard
Now let’s build!
DIY Idea 1: The Basic Box Stack Fort
What you need:
- 3–5 medium to large cardboard boxes
- Scissors or a box cutter
- Non-toxic glue or packing tape
How to make it:
- Cut circular or square holes in the sides for “tunnels”
- Stack and secure boxes into 2 or 3 levels
- Leave some boxes with tops open for jumping in and out
- Add a soft blanket in one for naps
Why cats love it: It mimics multi-level climbing, hiding, and exploring.
DIY Idea 2: Cardboard Cat Maze
What you need:
- Several same-sized boxes (shoe boxes or shipping boxes)
- A long hallway or corner space
- Treats or toys
How to make it:
- Cut “doorways” in each box and connect them end to end
- Create T-junctions or dead ends for variety
- Sprinkle treats inside or toss in a ball for them to chase
Why cats love it: It activates their prey and exploration instincts.
DIY Idea 3: Box Tunnel With Crinkle Paper
What you need:
- 2–3 long boxes (or cut and tape standard ones into a tube)
- Crinkle paper or tissue paper
- String toy or teaser wand
How to make it:
- Fill the inside with light paper for texture and noise
- Cut holes on top for peek-a-boo play
- Encourage play by dragging a toy through the tunnel
Why cats love it: It’s interactive, unpredictable, and fun.
DIY Idea 4: The Scratch Station Wall
What you need:
- Flat cardboard pieces or box lids
- A wall or side of a bookshelf
- Zip ties, string, or adhesive strips
How to make it:
- Layer cardboard pieces horizontally or vertically
- Secure them tightly to create a texture panel
- Let your cat scratch or rub against it
Why cats love it: It satisfies the natural scratching urge in a budget-friendly way.
DIY Idea 5: Hide-and-Treat Foraging Box
What you need:
- A shallow box (like a soda can tray or drawer box)
- Toilet paper rolls or egg cartons
- Your cat’s favorite kibble or treats
How to make it:
- Fill the box with the rolls and arrange them upright
- Place a treat or two inside each roll
- Let your cat “hunt” using their nose and paws
Why cats love it: It challenges their brain and rewards them with food.
DIY Idea 6: Window Watch Tower
What you need:
- A sturdy medium box
- Scissors, tape, and optional fabric for lining
- A safe window area
How to make it:
- Reinforce the box’s bottom with extra cardboard
- Cut side holes for peek-out action
- Line it with a blanket and place it near a sunlit window
Why cats love it: A warm, elevated view spot satisfies their instincts to observe territory.
Decorating and Customizing Tips
Make your cardboard creations even more inviting:
- Add fleece, towels, or old T-shirts for coziness
- Sprinkle catnip or silvervine in select corners
- Use safe markers or stickers to personalize (avoid glitter or paint)
- Rotate or rearrange structures weekly to keep things exciting
Variety is the secret to long-term enrichment.
When to Replace or Rebuild
Cats love to scratch and chew—so cardboard won’t last forever.
- Replace structures if they become soft, unstable, or dirty
- Reuse parts from old creations in new setups
- Let your cat “help” destroy it—destruction is part of the fun!
Rebuilding gives your cat something new to explore.
Big Enrichment, Tiny Budget
A cardboard playground can be as simple or complex as you want. It satisfies your cat’s curiosity, keeps them active indoors, and strengthens your bond through shared playtime. Best of all, you’re turning waste into wonder.
So before you toss that next box—see it through your cat’s eyes. It just might be their next favorite playground.
