DIY cat houses: Your ticket to a peaceful work-from-home experience

by Ellen Garcia 12/21/2023

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.

About the Author
Author

Ellen Garcia

Ellen Garcia Broker, GRI, SRS, ABR, RSPS, SRES, RENE, MRP, LRS, LSE, LSS, AHWD, e-PROÒ Ellen believes that listening and understanding her clients' needs are the foundation of a successful business partnership. Her knowledge of the many unique communities in Fairfield County is an invaluable asset to clients new to the area, and she is able to help anyone moving to, from or within Fairfield County make an easier transition into a new home and community. For clients who are preparing to sell their homes, Ellen offers her first-hand knowledge of how to leverage the strength of a "brand" in showcasing and marketing their properties. Ellen offers a powerful advantage in bringing her skills and resources to work for her clients. With over 10 years, of full-time experience in the real estate industry, she is well-versed in the Fairfield County real estate market. Ellen has successfully completed: · Over 130 closed sales and rental transactions · Representing a dollar volume of over $65 million Ellen’s people skills lead the way in building a strong network to assist and support her clients in achieving their goals through every step of the real estate process: · Negotiations both local and global · New business development (sales & marketing) · Creative problem solving · Building partnerships · Tapping into Halstead Property’s network of 1100 agents in NYC and Lower Fairfield County Her career in Real Estate has been recognized with many awards including: "Agent of the Year” for Halstead Property Wilton and "Most Closed Sale and Listing Transactions” numerous times. Within Connecticut, Ellen has been recognized over the past several years as a "Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor”. Awards 2016 & 2014 AGENT OF THE YEAR – HALSTEAD WILTON – HIGHEST GROSS SALES 2016 - 2011 CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE 5-STAR REALTOR AWARD 2016 - 2013 MOST CLOSED LISTINGS – Wilton Office 2016, 2014 - 2012 MOST CLOSED SALES – Wilton Office 2016, 2015, 2014 HALSTEAD PROPERTY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL 2013, 2012 & 2011 HALSTEAD PROPERTY DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL 2014 HALSTEAD – PLATINUM CIRCLE 2016 HALSTEAD - GOLD CIRCEL 2015, 2013 HALSTEAD – SILVER CIRCLE 2007 COUNTRY LIVING ASSOCIATES OUTSTANDING RELOCATION SPECIALIST PRESIDENT'S AWARD (2005, 2006 & 2007). Leading Real Estate Companies of the World PREMIER CLUB – SILVER AWARD FOR REFERRAL ACHIEVEMENT (2006) Sales Associates Recognition Program Professional Associations: · Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) · National Association of Realtors (NAR) · Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) · Connecticut State-wide MLS (CTMLS) · Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors (MFCAR) · Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC) · Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) · Seller’s Representative Specialist Council (SRS) · e-PRO Professional Designations: · BROKER · ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) · SRS (Seller’s Representative Specialist) · RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) · GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) · RSPS (Resort and Second Property Specialist) · MRP (Military Relocation Professional) · SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) · LRS (LeadingRE Relocation Specialist) · LSS (LeadingRE Sales Specialist) · LSE (LeadingRE Service Expert) · AHWD (At Home with Diversity: One America) · REALTOR e-PRO · CONNECTICUT TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION