In this guide, you’ll discover 4 DIY cat advent calendar ideas that actually work, based on what cats naturally prefer — treats, toys, and daily interaction.
What Is a Cat Advent Calendar?
For humans, an advent calendar is a cherished tradition marking the countdown to Christmas. For cats, it’s a daily ritual of treats, toys, and bonding that transforms the holiday season into a month-long enrichment experience.
Why Cats Love Advent Calendars
The Sleep Den
A dark, quiet place for deep REM sleep.
The Litter Concealer
A furniture piece that hides the litter box while containing scatter and odors.
The Decompression Chamber
A spot for anxious cats to reset when guests come over or loud noises occur.
Why Cats Love Advent Calendars (Behavior + Enrichment)
The Science Behind the Calendar
Thermoregulation (Warmth)
A domestic cat’s thermoneutral zone (the temperature where they don’t have to expend energy to stay warm) is 86°F–97°F. Most American homes are kept at 68°F–72°F. A small, enclosed box traps the cat’s body heat, creating a micro-climate that feels physically comfortable.
Crypsis (The Hiding Instinct)
Cats are mesopredators—they hunt mice, but coyotes and eagles hunt them. Being exposed on all sides feels vulnerable. Walls provide protection.
Stress Reduction Research
A famous study from the University of Utrecht (published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science) found that shelter cats provided with hiding boxes recovered from stress significantly faster than those without. The “hiding box” is not just a toy; it is a coping mechanism for environmental stress.
Key Finding
If you place a $50 plush bed next to a shipping box, the cat chooses the box. Why? Because it satisfies multiple instinctual needs simultaneously: security, warmth, and privacy.
Safety & Treat Rules (Must-Read)
Ventilation is Non-Negotiable
Airflow: Never create a sealed box with only one small door. You must have secondary ventilation holes.
Ammonia Warning: If using the calendar for a litter box, poor ventilation traps ammonia fumes (from urine), which can cause respiratory infections and eye irritation for the cat.
Heat Stroke: If the box is plastic and placed in a sunbeam without vents, it becomes an oven.
The “Treat Safety” Rule
For multi-cat households, a box with one door can become a trap. If a dominant cat blocks the entrance, the cat inside is trapped. For these homes, two exits are mandatory (see Idea 6).
Material Safety
No Sharp Edges: If cutting plastic or wood, you must sand the edges. Cats rub their cheeks on entryways to scent-mark; a jagged edge can slice their face.
Non-Toxic: Use water-based sealants and paints. Avoid strong chemical adhesives that off-gas VOCs.
Choosing Size, Ventilation & Materials
Materials & Sizing Guide
Sizing Formula
The Perfect Fit
Length: 1.5x the length of your cat (nose to base of tail)
Height: At least 3–4 inches taller than your cat when standing
Height: At least 3–4 inches taller than your cat when standing
Material Pros & Cons
Cardboard
Excellent insulation (warm), free, easy to cut
Absorbs odors, not durable
Wooden Crate
Beautiful furniture look, sturdy
Heavy, harder to clean if urine soaks in
Wicker
Good natural ventilation
Hard to clean, cats may scratch it apart
4 Best DIY Cat Advent Calendar Ideas
📦 1. The Treat Drawer Countdown Box
Overview
A reusable, sturdy structure made of wood or heavy cardboard featuring 24 or 25 small pull-out drawers. This mimics a classic Victorian-style advent calendar and serves as holiday decor.
Time: 1 Hour (plus drying time)
Best For
- Homeowners with shelf space; those who want a reusable heirloom.
- Sewing enthusiasts
Materials
- A pre-made “unfinished wood” advent calendar box (available at craft stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby).
- Non-toxic acrylic paint.
- Number stickers (1–25).
- Small knobs or ribbon (for pulls).
- Sandpaper.
Step-by-Step Build
- Prep: Lightly sand the wooden box to remove splinters. Remove all the drawers.
- Paint: Paint the outer frame a festive color (red, green, or icy blue). Use strictly non-toxic, water-based acrylics. Let dry for 24 hours to let fumes dissipate.
- Number: Apply number stickers to the drawer fronts.
- The Pulls: If the drawers don’t have knobs, hot glue a small loop of ribbon to the front of each one to act as a handle.
- Fill: Place your treats/toys inside.
- Hang: Insert the dowel, tie the string, and hang it on a door hook.
🎁 2. The Hanging Pocket Fabric Calendar
Overview
A lightweight structure made of PVC or wire and fabric. It’s like a tent but box-shaped.
Time: 1 Hour
Best For
- Kittens
- Travel
- Temporary isolation
Materials
- Canvas or felt fabric (base layer).
- Contrasting felt squares (for pockets).
- Woodend dowel and string (for hanging).
- Fabric glue OR Sewing machine.
Step-by-Step Build
- Base: Cut a long rectangle of canvas (e.g., 12″ wide x 36″ long). Fold over the top inch and sew a channel for the wooden dowel.
- Pockets: Cut 24 small squares of felt (approx 3″x3″).
- Arrange: Arrange the squares in 6 rows of 4.
- Sewing: Stitch the sides and bottom of each square to the base.
- No-Sew: Use high-strength fabric glue to attach sides and bottoms. Let it cure for 48 hours.
- Number: Use puffy paint or markers to write 1–24 on the pockets.
- Hang: Insert the dowel, tie the string, and hang it on a door hook.
