eXp Realty, LLC

Enhance your work-from-home experience with these DIY cat house ideas

by Kyung Kim 06/02/2022

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

Kyung Kim

Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.

I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.

As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.  

I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.