How to DIY a Cat House From an Old TV Set

Turn an Old TV Set Into a Cat House With This DIY Project

Create an oasis for your cat out of an appliance you no longer use.

Updated on September 21, 2023

If you have a cat, you know how much time these four-legged felines spend napping. When they're not playing, eating, or birdwatching, chances are your furry companion is taking a snooze. But if your cat often rests from a random nook inside your home, it may be time to elevate their set-up with a cozy cat house.

Rather than buying a cat house from the pet store, consider DIYing one yourself, which you can do with a piece of forgotten furniture: an old TV set. If you or a loved one has a vintage TV that's headed for the thrift store, consider using it as your cat's new retreat.

After taking the electrical components out, your cat is able to jump into the house through the opening where the TV used to be. All that's left now is to personalize your feline's new home. Cover plywood in fun decorative paper (we chose a fish pattern), use a cushion wrapped in fabric as the bed, and attach a scratch pad to the front.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Wood cleaner
Microfiber cloth
Cotton swabs
Screwdriver
Staple gun

Materials

Vintage TV set
Plywood
Decorative wallpaper (try peel-and-stick)
Cushion
Fabric
Scratch pad (optional)

Instructions

Dust the exterior:

Martha Stewart

Wipe down the exterior of the TV set with a dry cloth.
Remove the electrical components:

Martha Stewart

Use a screwdriver to remove the back cover of the TV set. Remove all of the electrical components so that you're just left with the box. Find your local e-waste recycling facility to properly dispose of electronics.
Deep clean the TV set:

Martha Stewart

Spray the exterior of the TV set with wood cleaner and wipe with a dry cloth. Use cotton swabs to clean finer details that a cloth can't adequately get in between.
Decorate Plywood:

Martha Stewart

Wrap three pieces of plywood in decorative wallpaper (try peel-and-stick varieties) and place the pieces on the sides and back of your TV set to create the walls of the cat house.
Make the bed:

Martha Stewart

Wrap fabric around a cushion and use a staple gun to keep it secure. Place the cushion on the bottom of the TV set.
Add scratch pad:

Martha Stewart

Insert a scratch pad into the base of the TV (optional).