Turn a cardboard box and old t-shirt into a cosy hiding place for your cat
Cats like to have plenty of places around the home to hide. It helps them feel safe and secure, especially if something is making them feel anxious or scared. For example, fireworks or unfamiliar visitors.
A cardboard box is a perfect hiding place for a cat. You can make it even more cosy using an old t-shirt to turn it into a cat tent. Follow our quick and easy guide to create a cat tent in just six simple steps!
You will need:
- a cardboard box, big enough for your cat to fit inside
- a circular object to draw around, such as a bowl
- pen
- scissors
- a t-shirt, big enough to fit around the box
- your cat’s favourite blanket or cushion
6 steps to make a DIY cat tent
- Draw two circles, one on the front of the box and one on the back. You can draw around a circular object such as a bowl to get neat circles.
- Cut out the holes. Make sure they will be big enough for your cat to squeeze through.
- Pull the t-shirt over the box so that the neck lines up with the hole on the front.
- Make sure the bottom of the t-shirt doesn't cover the hole at the back.
- Tuck the t-shirt sleeves in against the box to make the sides look neater.
- Put the blanket or cushion in the bottom of the box to make it cosy. If it is one they have recently slept on, they will be more likely to use the tent as it will smell like them.
Place your cat tent somewhere quiet so your cat sees it as a safe hiding spot. You could even put it somewhere up high that your cat can access easily. For example, on top of a wardrobe or sturdy shelf. Cats feel safe when they can view their surroundings from above and look out for danger.
Make sure your cat can easily access both holes in the cat tent. Having two options for entering and leaving the tent will make sure they don’t feel trapped inside.
To encourage your cat to use their new tent, place a treat inside. When your cat is inside the tent, do not disturb them. They need to feel that the tent is a safe space where they can hide in peace.
