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  • How to Build a Cat Fort Out of Cardboard (That Your Cat Will Actually Use)

    Because Your Cat Deserves a Castle (They’ll Actually Use)

    If you’ve ever lovingly crafted a cardboard cat fort—cutting, taping, decorating—only to have your cat ignore it and jump back in the Amazon box it came in… welcome to the club. Cats are unpredictable, mysterious, and, let’s face it, a bit judgy.

    But that doesn’t mean building a cat fort is a lost cause. In fact, it can be one of the most satisfying and surprisingly successful DIY projects—if you build it the way cats like it.

    This guide will walk you through how to build a cozy, creative cardboard cat fort that your feline will actually use (and maybe even love). And if you’re looking for more ways to understand and engage your kitty, check out CatsKittensAndFelines.com—they’re packed with helpful resources on toys, enrichment, and cat behavior.

    Why Do Cats Love Forts?

    It’s not just because they’re dramatic. Cats are natural-born hiders and hunters. A cardboard fort taps into several instincts:

    • Safety: Enclosed spaces help them feel secure.
    • Stimulation: Peek holes and tunnels trigger their stalking instincts.
    • Territory: A fort gives them their own personal domain.

    Especially for indoor cats, a fort adds excitement and variety to their routine. And if your cat is a little shy or anxious, having a private “den” can be a comforting safe zone.

    What You’ll Need (It’s Simpler Than You Think)

    Don’t overthink it—cats are low-tech creatures. Here’s your supply list:

    Essential Supplies:

    • A few sturdy cardboard boxes (various sizes)
    • Box cutter or scissors (be careful!)
    • Non-toxic glue or packing tape
    • Soft fabric, towels, or fleece
    • A marker (to sketch out cuts)

    Optional Fun Stuff:

    • Catnip or silvervine
    • String toys, feathers, or jingle balls
    • Twine, felt, or pom-poms for light decoration
    • LED tea lights or signs (“Whisker Manor,” anyone?)

    Bonus points if you can upcycle shipping boxes and household supplies—cheap and eco-friendly!

    Planning Your Fort Like a Feline Architect

    Before you slice into that box, consider a few things:

    • Space: Do you have floor room or vertical space? Some cats love climbing, others prefer burrowing.
    • Your cat’s habits: Does your cat perch on high furniture or hide under beds? Let their personality shape the design.
    • Safety: Avoid tall, top-heavy towers. Make sure boxes are stable and edges are smooth.

    Sketch out your idea if it helps. Keep it simple for your first try—just two connected boxes with an entry hole is a great start.

    Step-by-Step: How to Build Your Cat Fort

    Let’s get crafty! Here’s a basic but effective setup:

    1. Choose Your Base Box

    Pick a strong, large box that will serve as your ground floor. Cut off flaps if needed for stability.

    2. Add Entry Points

    Cut at least one “door” big enough for your cat to walk through comfortably. Bonus points for side tunnels or peek holes.

    3. Stack and Connect

    Stack a smaller box on top to create a second level. Cut matching holes in the ceiling and floor for your cat to climb through. Tape or glue securely!

    4. Build Ramps or Tunnels

    Use long box flaps or strips of cardboard to make ramps or crawl tunnels between sections.

    5. Furnish the Interior

    Place a small blanket, towel, or soft fabric inside. Add a favorite toy or sprinkle of catnip.

    6. Decorate the Outside (Optional)

    Draw windows, add a paper flag, glue on a felt welcome mat—get creative! Just make sure decorations are secure and non-toxic.

    And remember: don’t seal your cat inside—always leave exits open.

    How to Lure Your Cat In (Without Bribery… OK, Maybe Some Bribery)

    You built the fort. Now how do you get your cat to use it?

    • Location matters: Place the fort somewhere your cat already hangs out—like near a window or their napping spot.
    • Use scent: Rub a towel they’ve slept on inside, or place their favorite bed inside the fort.
    • Try treats or toys: Toss a treat inside or dangle a string toy through the entrance.
    • Don’t force it: Let them explore on their own time. Cats hate pressure.

    Some cats dive in within minutes. Others might take a few days. The key is patience—and making it a place they want to go, not one you try to coax them into.

    Keeping It Fresh: Fort Maintenance & Upgrades

    Your cardboard masterpiece won’t last forever—but that’s part of the fun. Here’s how to keep it comfy and safe:

    • Inspect for weak spots weekly and reinforce with tape.
    • Vacuum or wipe down the inside to control fur buildup.
    • Replace fabric lining when needed.
    • Rotate location or add new “rooms” to keep it interesting.

    Your cat may not care, but you’ll love it—and visitors definitely will.

    Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

    Yes, a cat fort will take up some living room space. Yes, your cat might ignore it for a day or two. But when they finally climb in, curl up, and blink slowly at you from their cardboard castle? Totally worth it.

    DIY cat forts offer your feline:

    • A sense of safety
    • Environmental enrichment
    • Personal territory
    • Endless fun

    And for you? It’s a way to bond, get creative, and spoil your best furry friend on a budget.

    Need more tips to keep your cat active, entertained, and healthy? Check out our expert-backed guides on everything from toys to cat care routines.

    Ready to Build? Tag Us!

    Did you build a fort worthy of feline royalty? We’d love to see it! Tag your fort pics with #FattyCakesFort or share them in the comments.

    Now go grab some scissors and a box—your cat’s future kingdom awaits.

  • The FattyCakes Training Diaries: Can You Actually Teach a Cat Tricks?

    Training a Cat? Surely You Jest.

    The idea of training a cat usually gets you one of two responses: a raised eyebrow or a belly laugh. After all, cats are famously independent. Unlike dogs, they don’t fetch your slippers or perform tricks on command. But here at FattyCakes, we love a challenge—and we love our cats even more.

    So, we decided to test the theory: Can you actually teach a cat tricks? Spoiler alert: yes, you can. But it’s not what you expect.

    Welcome to the FattyCakes Training Diaries—where stubbornness meets shrimp treats and the results are equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.

    Why Even Try to Train a Cat?

    First off, no, we’re not trying to turn our cats into circus performers (although if they wanted to juggle, we wouldn’t stop them). Cat training serves a few awesome purposes:

    • Mental stimulation: Cats are smart. Tricks give their brain a workout.
    • Behavior improvement: A focused cat is less likely to knock your coffee mug off the table.
    • Bonding: You become more than just the human who opens the cans.
    • Fun: It’s surprisingly satisfying to watch your cat nail a “spin” on cue.

    And honestly? It’s just fun seeing how far you can go.

    Cat Psychology: Cracking the Feline Code

    Training a cat isn’t about dominance or obedience—it’s about motivation and timing. Unlike dogs, cats aren’t looking to please you. They need a reason. And the reason is usually food.

    Cats respond best to:

    • Short sessions (2–5 minutes max)
    • High-value treats (think tuna, cooked chicken, freeze-dried shrimp)
    • Positive reinforcement (never scold—only reward the behavior you want)

    Most importantly: they’ll learn when they want to, not when you do.

    Meet the Band: The FattyCakes Feline Cast

    Here’s who we experimented on—er, lovingly trained:

    • Mittens: Our diva lead singer. Gorgeous, moody, and absolutely uninterested unless bribed with shrimp.
    • Boots: The curious percussionist. Always watching, always learning. Our top student.
    • Tofu: A sleepy rhythm guitarist who prefers cuddles over coursework.

    Each cat had a different learning curve. Training isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about knowing your cat and playing to their personality.

    What Tricks Can Cats Actually Learn?

    Here’s the good news: cats can learn a lot more than you think. Here are tricks we tested with mixed results:

    • Sit: The easiest and quickest to learn. Start here!
    • High five: Boots nailed it in 3 days.
    • Spin: Surprisingly popular with food-motivated cats.
    • Jump through hoop: Works great for playful or active cats.
    • Touch a target (target training): This builds a foundation for more advanced behaviors.
    • Ring a bell: Cute, chaotic, and yes—it can be done.
    • Go to mat/place: Super useful for calming anxious kitties or managing multiple cats.

    Your cat might never fetch the remote, but you’d be surprised how quickly they connect a behavior with a reward.

    How We Did It (and How You Can Too)

    Tools we used:

    • A clicker (or you can use a consistent word like “yes!”)
    • Small, soft treats they don’t usually get
    • A target stick (a chopstick works too)
    • Patience. Lots of it.

    Step-by-step process:

    1. Pick one trick. Start simple, like “sit” or “touch.”
    2. Lure or shape the behavior. Move the treat in the direction you want them to go.
    3. Click and treat immediately when they do it.
    4. Repeat for 2–5 minutes max.
    5. End on a high note—even if the trick wasn’t perfect.

    We started with one short session a day and celebrated even tiny wins. Over time, some cats picked up on cues just from the hand motions.

    Real FattyCakes Training Moments

    • Boots learned to high-five with impressive consistency. His motivation? Freeze-dried chicken. He even began offering his paw unprompted.
    • Mittens took a more… creative approach. She slapped the target stick, knocked over the treat bag, and proudly walked off. Not quite the goal, but hey—A for effort.
    • Tofu? Well, he fell asleep halfway through every session. We’re considering turning “nap-on-cue” into a new trick.

    The key is to celebrate your cat’s learning style, even if it’s “meh.”

    Challenges & Solutions

    Training cats comes with its fair share of facepalms. Here’s what we learned:

    • Problem: Cat walks away mid-session.
      Solution: Stop. Don’t chase them. Try again later when they’re more alert.
    • Problem: Cat ignores treat.
      Solution: Test different rewards—some prefer toys or even attention over food.
    • Problem: Sessions feel like failures.
      Solution: Lower your expectations. Even 1 second of progress is still progress.

    Remember, even failed attempts build trust.

    So… Is It Worth It?

    Absolutely. Whether your cat learns one trick or five, the process itself is enriching. It builds connection, confidence, and fun memories.

    Cats love structure more than we think. Training gives them a job, and some of them genuinely enjoy figuring things out. And when your cat finally taps your hand for a high five? It’s magic.

    Plus, you’ll get stories. And content. And memes. And maybe—just maybe—a viral video.

    Final Meow

    Training your cat doesn’t require a degree in animal behavior. It just takes curiosity, creativity, and a little trial and error. At FattyCakes, we’re still learning—but that’s the beauty of it.

    So next time someone tells you cats can’t be trained, just smile. Then ask your cat for a high five.

    And if they refuse? That’s just their creative process.

  • 5 Cat Games That Keep Indoor Cats Entertained (and Out of Trouble)

    Is Your Indoor Cat Bored? Let’s Fix That.

    Indoor life keeps your cat safe from outdoor dangers—but it can also lead to boredom and mischief. A restless kitty might scratch up your couch, knock your plants off the windowsill, or sprint through the house at 3 a.m. Sound familiar?

    The good news? A little daily play goes a long way.

    These five fun, easy games are designed to stimulate your cat’s natural instincts, give them a healthy dose of exercise, and keep them mentally engaged—so they stay happy, healthy, and out of trouble.

    1. Laser Chase Madness

    There’s a reason cats go wild for laser pointers—they simulate fast-moving prey.

    How to Play:
    Turn on the laser and move it across the floor in short, sudden bursts. Let your cat chase, stalk, and pounce like a pro hunter.

    Tip: Always end the game by letting your cat “catch” a toy or giving them a treat. It satisfies their natural desire for a reward and prevents frustration.

    2. Hide-and-Seek With Treats or Toys

    Turn your home into a fun-foraging zone.

    How to Play:
    Hide a few small treats or favorite toys in spots that are easy for your cat to access—like under a chair, behind a curtain, or inside an open box. Let them sniff and search!

    Bonus: This game activates their natural hunting instincts while keeping their brain engaged.

    3. Feather Wand Tag

    Nothing beats the excitement of fluttering feathers.

    How to Play:
    Grab a wand toy and wave it in unpredictable patterns—up, down, side to side, or over a box. Let your cat leap, stalk, and pounce to their heart’s content.

    Pro Tip: Keep play sessions short and focused—about 5 to 10 minutes. Switch up the wand toy every few days to keep things fresh.

    4. The Box Obstacle Course

    A cat’s playground can be as simple as a few cardboard boxes.

    How to Play:
    Set up a mini obstacle course using boxes, paper bags, tunnels, and pillows. Cut holes for crawl-through fun or add toys inside to create an exploration challenge.

    Why It Works: Cats love confined spaces and the element of surprise. Rearranging the setup weekly keeps the excitement alive.

    5. Tablet Time: Cat Games on Screen

    Yes, your cat can enjoy screen time too!

    How to Play:
    Download a cat-friendly app (like “Cat Alone” or “Game for Cats”) and place your tablet on the floor. Watch as your kitty swipes at moving fish, bugs, or lasers.

    Caution: Always supervise, and consider a screen protector—those claws mean business.

    Bonus Tip: Keep It Varied

    Just like people, cats get bored of the same routine. Rotate games every few days and observe which ones your cat loves most. Some days they’re a hunter, other days they just want to stalk a crinkly paper bag.

    Final Meow

    Entertaining your indoor cat doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. A little creativity and 10 minutes of play each day can work wonders for their mood, health, and your furniture.

    Try one of these games today—and let us know which one gets your cat’s tail twitching the most!

    Have a favorite game you and your cat love? Share it in the comments or tag us @FattyCakesBand on social!