24 Cat Furniture DIY Homemade Ideas That Will Make Your Kitty Jealous
If you’re anything like me, your cat is basically the ruler of your house. And honestly, why shouldn’t they have the best furniture?
Let’s face it—store-bought cat furniture often looks like it was designed by someone who’s never met a cat. That’s where DIY comes in.
Not only can you save money, but you can also make pieces that are perfectly tailored to your cat’s personality.
I’ve tried a bunch of these ideas, and let me tell you, some were a hit, some… let’s just say the cat was polite but unimpressed.
So, if you’re ready to spoil your furball while flexing your crafty muscles, here are 24 homemade cat furniture ideas that are both practical and stylish.
1. Classic Cardboard Cat Castle
Cardboard is the king of cheap, easy, and endlessly customizable cat furniture.
- Stack boxes with openings cut for windows and doors.
- Reinforce with duct tape or hot glue.
- Add a soft blanket inside for instant coziness.
My cat practically moved in the first hour. FYI, if your cat ignores it, it’s probably a “taste” thing, not your DIY skills.
2. DIY Cat Scratching Post
Why buy one when you can make a sturdy post yourself?
- Use a wooden dowel or old broom handle.
- Wrap tightly with sisal rope.
- Secure to a base like a small piece of plywood.
Your cat will thank you by clawing the furniture less—hopefully.
3. Hanging Window Perch
Ever noticed how cats love staring out the window like they’re stockbrokers?
- Use a floating shelf or sturdy board.
- Secure with brackets under the sill.
- Add a soft cushion.
Your cat gets the best seat in the house, and you get adorable sunbeam photos daily.
4. Cardboard Tunnel Maze
Cats love tunnels. No kidding—they act like miniature ninjas inside them.
- Connect multiple cardboard boxes with cutouts.
- Hide treats inside for extra excitement.
- Optional: spray a little catnip inside.
Perfect for small spaces because you can go vertical too.
5. DIY Cat Hammock
Hammocks aren’t just for humans, apparently.
- Use a sturdy fabric or old t-shirt.
- Attach to two chairs or a shelf with strong hooks.
- Make sure it’s low to the ground at first—safety first.
I promise, once your cat tests gravity, they’ll be hooked.
6. Repurposed Bookshelf Condo
An old bookshelf isn’t just for dusty novels.
- Remove some shelves for entrances.
- Add cushions or blankets.
- Stack vertically for climbing fun.
Bonus: doubles as decor that’s actually functional. Win-win.
7. DIY Cat Tent
Cats love a little privacy sometimes.
- Use a cardboard box or small fabric frame.
- Drape with a blanket or towel.
- Add a soft pillow inside.
It’s basically a kitty VIP lounge.
8. Wall-Mounted Cat Steps
Ever wish your cat wouldn’t knock over everything while climbing?
- Mount small shelves as staggered steps.
- Ensure they are secure to support weight.
- Add padding if your cat’s paws are sensitive.
It’s like a cat park for vertical adventures.
9. PVC Pipe Playground
PVC pipes are cheap, lightweight, and surprisingly sturdy.
- Connect pieces to make tunnels and climbing areas.
- Add fabric or rope for texture.
- Optional: hang small toys inside.
Your cat will get exercise while you sit back and sip coffee.
10. Wooden Crate Lounge
Old wooden crates can become instant lounge spots.
- Stack them or use a single crate on its side.
- Add a cushion or pillow inside.
- Optional: paint to match home decor.
I use this one in my living room, and yes, my cat has claimed it as their throne.
11. DIY Cat Tree with Platforms
A full cat tree doesn’t need to break the bank.
- Use plywood and dowels to make multiple levels.
- Cover with carpet or fabric for grip.
- Add scratching posts along the way.
Cats love climbing, jumping, and surveying their kingdom from above.
12. Cozy Blanket Cube
Simple but effective.
- Take a cardboard box.
- Cut a side for entrance.
- Line with a plush blanket.
It’s like a tiny, warm fort. FYI, even picky cats usually approve.
13. Repurposed Wine Box Condo
Wine boxes aren’t just for storing bottles.
- Stack horizontally and vertically.
- Cut entrances.
- Line with soft fabric or felt.
Perfect for small cats or kittens.
14. Hanging Toy Station
Keep your cat entertained without clutter.
- Use a small dowel or rod.
- Hang toys with string or elastic.
- Mount above a play area or perch.
Trust me, even lazy cats can’t resist swatting at dangling objects.
15. Old Chair Turned Cat Throne
Don’t toss that broken chair—repurpose it!
- Remove the seat or cushion.
- Add padding or blankets.
- Optional: attach a dangling toy under the seat.
Cats will love it, and you get to recycle something old.
16. PVC Scratching Maze
Mix scratching with climbing.
- Make a frame with PVC pipes.
- Wrap certain sections with sisal rope.
- Leave other sections for jumping and lounging.
Cats love variety, and this keeps claws in check.
17. DIY Cat Wall Bridge
Ever seen those cool cat bridges online? Make your own.
- Use wooden planks or shelves.
- Mount securely on the wall.
- Optional: add rope edges or padding.
Vertical space equals happy cats.
18. Box-and-Rope Jungle Gym
Combine climbing and scratching in one DIY project.
- Connect cardboard boxes with sisal ropes.
- Stack at different heights.
- Optional: hang toys inside boxes.
It’s basically a feline playground in miniature.
19. Hanging Basket Perch
Cats love little hanging spots.
- Use a sturdy basket.
- Secure with strong hooks or rope.
- Add a pillow or blanket for comfort.
Your cat gets a “floating throne,” and you get bonus style points.
20. DIY Cat Ladder
Perfect for kittens or shy cats who need slow access.
- Use wooden planks or sticks.
- Secure as a ladder to a high shelf.
- Optional: cover with non-slip fabric.
It’s exercise, entertainment, and furniture all in one.
21. Old Dresser Turned Multi-Level Condo
Give your old furniture new life.
- Remove drawers or cut openings for entrances.
- Line each level with soft blankets.
- Stack safely if possible.
Cats love multi-level lounging spots, and it’s recycling done right.
22. Cardboard Cube Stack
Simple, effective, cheap.
- Cut cube shapes from cardboard.
- Stack into a tower.
- Add blankets inside.
Even the pickiest cats often approve. Bonus: it’s easy to customize.
23. Repurposed Books as Shelves
Not all bookshelves need boards.
- Use sturdy books to create mini steps.
- Place near a wall or window.
- Add a cushion on top.
Cats get climbing spots, and you avoid wasting books (well, sort of).
24. DIY Window Hammock
A classic for sun-loving cats.
- Use fabric or mesh.
- Attach with suction cups or hooks.
- Make sure it’s secure.
Your cat can nap in the sun while you silently judge their laziness.
Conclusion: DIY Cat Furniture Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Making homemade furniture for your cat is fun, cost-effective, and surprisingly easy. These 24 DIY cat furniture ideas range from simple cardboard boxes to complex climbing structures. The best part? You can customize everything based on your cat’s personality and your home’s style.
Cats appreciate comfort, vertical space, and a little privacy. Add a toy or two, maybe some catnip, and suddenly your DIY creation is more popular than your Netflix account. And honestly, isn’t that what every cat parent wants?
So, grab some materials, channel your inner DIY spirit, and start building. Your cat—and maybe even your inner child—will thank you.
