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Build this enclosed plywood cat house as a hideaway that doubles as an accent table. The reference design uses six 3/4-inch plywood panels, a centered 6-inch round doorway, stain, polyurethane, and four hairpin legs. Designer Brittany Goldwyn Merth explains the goal: “I try to make their cozy caves and hiding spots part of a room—not just a piece of cat furniture.”
The plans below follow the dimensions and assembly sequence published by Daily Paws. Costs, working time, and how well the finished table suits your particular cat are variable; the reported figures describe that original build, not a current quote or guarantee.
What you are building
This project is a simple plywood box with a front opening. Its flat top can serve as a side table, while the enclosed interior gives a cat a private resting place. The documented design has no published cat-weight rating or tested tabletop load rating, so treat it as furniture for normal household use rather than a certified climbing platform.
Cut list
Start with one 4-by-8-foot sheet of 3/4-inch plywood. A home-improvement store may cut the sheet for you if you do not have a table saw.
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#1 Best Overall
Wooden Indoor Cat House Suitable for Pets Under 66 Lbs, for Large Cats, Sturdy & Durable Semi-Enclosed Cat Bed Condo with Removable Washable Plush Cushion,Easy Video Assembly
- Sturdy Wooden Structure:：Sturdy wooden construction with a net weight of 17.5 lbs, durable and long-lasting. Safely accommodates cats and small-to-medium pets up to 60 lbs, with easy entry and exit for larger pets.
- 2-Tier Semi-Enclosed Design for Cat Natural Behaviors:：Semi-enclosed cat house with dual levels: upper platform for resting and observing, lower enclosed cave for privacy and hiding. Ventilated and breathable design meets cats’ climbing, resting, and solitude needs; ideal for multi-cat households. Doubles as a cat bed, cat cave, and cat condo.
- Multi-Functional 2-in-1 Design: Cat House + Side Table：Versatile 2-in-1 piece serves as both a dedicated cat house/cat furniture and a sleek side table. Blends seamlessly into living rooms and bedrooms, saving space while combining functionality and aesthetic appeal.
- Removable & Washable Plush Cushion for Year-Round Comfort：Built-in soft, skin-friendly plush cushion offers warmth in winter and breathability in summer for year-round comfort. Fully removable and machine-washable to maintain cleanliness and freshness.
- Tool-Free Easy Assembly with Video Guide： Comes with detailed assembly video and clear instructions; no complicated tools required. Quick and straightforward setup for beginners, allowing you to create a cozy space for your cat right away.
| Panel | Quantity | Finished size |
|---|---|---|
| Side | 2 | 14-1/4 × 14-1/4 inches |
| Front | 1 | 15-3/4 × 15-3/4 inches |
| Back | 1 | 15-3/4 × 15-3/4 inches |
| Top | 1 | 15-3/4 × 14-1/4 inches |
| Bottom | 1 | 15-3/4 × 14-1/4 inches |
These are the source plan’s panel dimensions; account for your saw’s kerf and confirm the pieces before assembly.
Tools and materials
Tools
- Table saw, or store cutting service
- Random orbital sander
- Pocket-hole jig, drill, and pocket-hole bit
- Clamps
- 6-inch hole saw and bit, or a jigsaw
- 220-grit sanding block
- Finish nailer
Materials
- One 4-by-8-foot sheet of 3/4-inch plywood
- Four 6-inch hairpin legs
- 1-1/4-inch pocket-hole screws
- 3/4-inch wood screws
- Wood glue
- Wood stain
- Polyurethane
The specifications come from the reference project; no particular brand is required. Choose a plywood grade with faces you are comfortable staining, and follow the label directions for your chosen finish.
Rank #2
FUKUMARU Cat House Cave Bed for Indoor Cats, Large Warm Felt Cat Hideaway
- 2-in-1 Cat Cave Tunnel– Functions as a snug sleeping nest and a satisfying scratching surface in one compact design. The extra-wide opening welcomes cats of all sizes, while the generous interior gives shy or anxious felines a secure hideaway to retreat, relax, and feel safe.
- Quiet and Warm Felt– Crafted from premium felt material that naturally insulates against cold floors and muffles sound, creating a peaceful, den-like environment. Ideal for timid cats, multi-pet households, or any cat that craves a quiet, private space of their own.
- Practical Design – Features a built-in cable pass-through so you can safely integrate heated pads, pet cameras, or other plug-in accessories. Strategically placed vent holes not only improve airflow but also let you peek in on your cat without disturbing their rest.
- Tool-Free Setup– Folds flat for easy storage when not in use and assembles effortlessly with no tools required. Sets Up in Seconds. Once set up, its sleek, neutral look blends seamlessly into any room—living room, bedroom, home office, or even a patio.
- Effortless to Keep Clean– The felt surface resists clinging fur; simply run a vacuum or lint roller over it to remove loose hair and dander in minutes. Low-maintenance care means more cuddle time and less cleanup hassle for busy pet parents.
Build the plywood box
1. Cut, mark, and sand the panels
- Cut the six panels to the dimensions in the table.
- Sand the faces and edges so glue joints sit flat and the cat will not encounter splinters.
- Drill the pocket holes in the two side panels in the locations required by your jig and the source plan. Keep the pocket-hole openings oriented toward the inside of the house.
2. Attach the sides to the bottom
- Apply a continuous but controlled bead of wood glue to the mating edges.
- Clamp each side panel to the bottom panel, keeping the outside faces flush.
- Drive the 1-1/4-inch pocket-hole screws through the side panels. Wipe away squeezed-out glue before it hardens.
3. Fit the top
- Spread glue on the upper edges of the assembled box.
- Position the top panel so its edges align with the box.
- Clamp it and secure it with pocket-hole screws, again leaving the screw heads inside the enclosure.
4. Cut and smooth the entrance
- Mark the center of the front panel and cut a 6-inch-diameter circle with a hole saw.
- If you do not have a suitable hole saw, cut the opening with a jigsaw.
- Sand the opening thoroughly with 220-grit paper, rounding or easing the edge so it is smooth to the touch.
5. Install the front
- Apply glue to the front edges of the box.
- Align the front panel and clamp it in place.
- Secure it through the pocket holes, checking that the circular opening remains centered and unobstructed.
6. Install the back
- Glue the exposed rear edges.
- Place the back panel and check that all four corners are flush.
- Fasten the panel with a finish nailer. Set fasteners safely below the surface and fill or conceal holes if your finish requires it.
Finish the house and add the legs
- Let the glue cure and sand any remaining rough areas.
- Apply wood stain evenly and allow it to dry according to the stain manufacturer’s directions.
- Apply two coats of polyurethane, respecting the product’s recoat time and ventilation requirements. Lightly smooth dust nibs between coats only if the product instructions call for it.
- When the finish is fully dry, position the four 6-inch hairpin legs on the underside and attach them with the specified 3/4-inch wood screws. Use screws that do not penetrate the plywood’s top surface.
Keep the cat out of the work area until glue, stain, and polyurethane are completely cured and no strong finish odor remains.
Fit, stability, and everyday use
- Measure your cat’s shoulder width and preferred sleeping position before cutting if your pet is notably large; the published plan does not provide an interior-size or weight-fit guarantee.
- Place the table on a level floor and check that every leg contacts the floor. Add suitable furniture-leveling hardware if necessary.
- Do not place heavy, breakable, hot, or unstable objects on top where they could fall through or be reached from the entrance.
- Inspect the doorway, screw heads, nails, and finish periodically for sharp edges, looseness, or chewing damage.
How long and how much does it cost?
Daily Paws reported about $40 for the designer’s project and about four hours of working time spread across a few evenings and a weekend. Those are 2022 project figures, not current local material prices or a promised schedule. Plywood, hardware, finishing products, cutting-service fees, and labor time vary by location, tools, and experience.
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Rank #3
FUKUMARU Retro-Modern Cat Tree, Small Wooden Cat Tower with Post and Condo
- Comfortable Lounging Spot - The semi enclosed cave under the cat tree has a wide view and convenient entry and exit. The lower door cave is a hideaway for sleepyheads to take a nap.
- Soft Material - There are two detachable comfortable cushions on the top and in the cave of the cat condo. Two 70 * 70mm thick scratching post paired with jute rope design allows cats to achieve the ultimate scratching experience and release pressure.
- Silvervine Bell Ball - Detachable silvervine toy, durable and cute design, can clean cat's teeth while chewing, relax the mood, and enhance appetite.
- Unique design - The wooden cat tree has a minimalist design with a brown wood veneer, not only sturdy but also adds an elegant atmosphere to your space, perfect for matching with your home furniture.
- Stable structure - A large square base and 6 matching anti slip silicone pads provide better stability. This cat tree provides a safe place for your cat to play.
Want climbing and scratching features instead?
Kreg’s separate Mid-Century Modern Cat Tree uses plywood, dimensional lumber, rope, slatted boards, and pocket-hole joinery. It is an adjacent design rather than an alternative cut list for this enclosed side-table house. Choose between them by considering:
Quick Recap
Rank #4
FUKUMARU Cat House Cave Bed for Indoor Cats, Large Warm Felt Cat Hideaway
- 2-in-1 Cat Cave Tunnel– Functions as a snug sleeping nest and a satisfying scratching surface in one compact design. The extra-wide opening welcomes cats of all sizes, while the generous interior gives shy or anxious felines a secure hideaway to retreat, relax, and feel safe.
- Quiet and Warm Felt– Crafted from premium felt material that naturally insulates against cold floors and muffles sound, creating a peaceful, den-like environment. Ideal for timid cats, multi-pet households, or any cat that craves a quiet, private space of their own.
- Practical Design- Features a built-in cable pass-through so you can safely integrate heated pads, pet cameras, or other plug-in accessories. Strategically placed vent holes not only improve airflow but also let you peek in on your cat without disturbing their rest.
- Tool-Free Setup– Folds flat for easy storage when not in use and assembles effortlessly with no tools required. Sets Up in Seconds. Once set up, its sleek, neutral look blends seamlessly into any room—living room, bedroom, home office, or even a patio.
- Effortless to Keep Clean– The felt surface resists clinging fur; simply run a vacuum or lint roller over it to remove loose hair and dander in minutes. Low-maintenance care means more cuddle time and less cleanup hassle for busy pet parents.
- Function: enclosed hiding space versus climbing and scratching platforms.
- Footprint and height: a low accent table versus a taller cat structure.
- Materials and tools: the tree adds lumber, rope, and slatted components.
- Room role: whether you specifically need a usable tabletop.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
