DIY Holiday Cat Box: Create a Cozy Holiday Retreat for Your Cat

Creating a cozy and festive holiday retreat for your feline friend can be both fun and fulfilling. Using the IKEA TJENA box as the foundation, you can craft an adorable holiday cat box that your cat can snuggle in and hideaway.

This holiday cat box also makes an excellent gift for the cat lovers in your life. Imagine their delight when they receive a beautifully wrapped box, not only designed as a cozy hideout for their cat but also filled with an assortment of treats, toys, and other kitty goodies.

By adding a variety of catnip toys, tasty treats, and perhaps even a soft blanket, you can create a holiday gift that is both thoughtful and practical.

Holiday Cat Box DIY

This DIY project also adds a touch of holiday charm to your home decor and fits right under the tree. Follow along for Beth’s festive feline box hack.

IKEA items used:

Other materials and tools:

• Wrapping paper or fabric to cover the box (Heavier paper, like kraft paper, is easier to work with)
• Wide ribbon
• Scissors
• Craft knife
• Tape
• Glue
• Small cushion or blanket

You’ll also need:

• Something round to trace (I used a 20cm plate)
• Pen or pencil
• Cutting mat (optional but recommended)

Step 1: Cut out the doorway

Start by tracing a circle in the center of the front of your box using something round (I used a 20 cm plate). If you want to make it perfect use a ruler to center it – but it’s not essential and can be roughly central.

Next, carefully cut out the circle. A craft knife is really useful here as the TJENA box is quite thick card. If you have a cutting mat, slide it inside the box and take your time going around the circle. You will probably need to make a few passes to cut through.

Step 2: Assemble the box

Follow the instructions that came with your TJENA box.

Step 3: Wrap the outside of the box and lid

Now, wrap the outside of your box like you are wrapping a Christmas present for your cat. Wrap the box and lid separately. I used glue to stick the paper down, but tape works too. 

Once the box is wrapped, cut out a new circle in the paper for the entrance hole – this circle should be smaller than 20 cm (I drew around my roll of tape). Then cut tabs and fold the edges neatly inside, securing them with glue or tape.

Tip: Spray adhesive or PVA glue both work well here – just be sure to use non-toxic glue (most craft glues are safe for cats, unless they ingest large quantities – so store them where your cats can’t find them!).

Step 4: Wrap the inside of the box

Now wrap the inside of the box. There is no need to wrap everything – just the sides and back. I found the best way to do this was to measure and cut three pieces of paper – one for each side and one for the back – and glue them in place. 

Tip: Tape the edges of your paper for reinforcement. This helps prevent curious teeth or claws from grabbing onto any loose paper.

Step 5: Add ribbon

Wrap ribbon around the box and lid separately. It’s best to glue the ribbon down to keep it secure from playful paws.

Tip: To make my ribbon I used 4cm wide strips of a self-adhesive flock paper – but normal ribbon also works well.

Step 6: Make it cosy

Finally, make the inside inviting by adding a soft blanket or cushion. You could also use your imagination to add other decorations – perhaps some sparkly lights, or decorate the door with a garland or wreath! 

For a special touch, sprinkle some catnip inside or add their favorite toy – then place it somewhere for your cat to explore – it will look great under the Christmas tree. Your cat will love their new festive hideaway.

Final tips

Remember, this is all about having fun and making something special for your cat. Don’t stress too much if things don’t look perfect – cats are all about comfort, not precision! 

And finally … once Christmas is finished and your decorations are coming down, you should be able to reuse the box bed as decoration storage until next year – just pop a piece of cardboard inside to cover the doorway. Of course, your cats may not be happy when you take their new bed away.

Happy crafting!

~ by Beth Noble. See more of Yoshi and the Tonks.

See more IKEA hacks for Cats.