Cardboard for Kitty
Helping Paws and People
Building community, one cardboard cat home at a time
Helping Paws and People
Building community, one cardboard cat home at a time
In 2026, Cardboard for Kitty is part of the 17 by Seventeen initiative. This connects what we're doing locally with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. We're focusing on partnerships, responsible consumption, climate action, and community well-being. Through 17 by Seventeen, we're part of a network working on positive, sustainable change in our communities.
Cardboard for Kitty supports these SDGs:
This year we're introducing the "Sustainable Snuggles" category, replacing the Healthy Happy Home category. Teams compete to create the most beautiful cardboard cat home using recycled materials. If you loved Healthy Happy Home, you can still bring items from home to make your house look great. Just include some recycled elements in your design.
To register a team, you have two options:
Your choice! Help us support both paws and people in our community.
Need help gathering donations for your team? Contact Grace at Grace@17byseventeen.org or (506) 721-9464. She can organize donation drives at her school to help you put together a box for either RedHead Strays or First Steps Saint John.
Cardboard for Kitty started in 2018 when sisters Hannah and Grace Totten came up with a creative way to help local animals. It's grown into an annual event that brings families, friends, and neighbors together for some friendly competition while giving back to the community.
Every year, teams compete to build cardboard cat homes in about two hours. We have different CAT-egories that celebrate creativity and craftsmanship. The event is all about teamwork, imagination, and making a difference in our community.
Originally supporting the SPCA, Cardboard for Kitty has expanded its impact in recent years. The fundraiser now proudly donates to RedHead Strays, a local organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming stray cats, and First Steps Saint John, which supports mothers and babies in our community. This dual focus allows us to extend our mission of helping both paws and people, creating a broader positive impact throughout Saint John.
Create innovative cardboard cat homes in just 2 hours
Enter your creation in friendly CAT-egory competitions
Support RedHead Strays and First Steps Saint John
*Details are tentative and subject to change. Final details will be confirmed closer to the event date.
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Check-in: 10:00am - 11:00am
Event Start: 11:30am
Duration: 3 hours (includes judging time and awards ceremony)
Supporting a local organization that rescues and rehomes approximately 400 stray cats annually, providing veterinary care, trap-neuter-release programs, and finding loving homes for cats in need.
Contributing to an organization that has served the community for over 20 years, supporting healthy moms, healthy babies, and healthy futures through housing and support services.
Take a look at some moments from Cardboard for Kitty 2024!
Join us for Cardboard for Kitty 2026 and help make a difference in our community!
Questions about participating or supporting the event? Get in touch: