Fun DIY Beds for Your Cat

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Christine O'Brien

October 24, 2016

initial Paw prints

Cats love a cozy place to curl up, and considering they sleep upward of twenty hours each day, they're always on the look-out for quiet spots.

Making DIY cat beds for your furry friend is a great way to provide her with an out-of-the-way haven. And if your cat wakes you up often, a fabulous new pet bed may be just the thing to help you get a good night's sleep!

Here are four creative, cost-effective and cool ways to make your own cat bed:

1. Kitty Cat Sweater Bed

Because who doesn't love the feeling of a comfy sweater? Bonus: This cat bed takes under five minutes to assemble.

What You'll Need

  1. An old, large sweater (the cozier the better, such as wool or thick cotton)
  2. Soft, large bed pillow (something she can sink into)

How to Make It

  1. Lay sweater on the floor, front side down.
  2. Tuck pillow inside the sweater, pillow-case style.

Pull sleeves back into sweater so they lay flat on the pillow inside the sweater.

This bed is lightweight and easy to move. Be sure the sweater is clean but that it keeps your scent–it's just like snuggling up with you! This test kitty loved it so much, she tried to sleep on the materials before the bed was assembled.

2. Cat Hammock Bed

Your fur baby will enjoy the softness of the blanket, the security of the enclosure, and the gentle support of the hammock.

What You'll Need

  1. Shallow plastic tote
  2. Large fleece blanket
  3. Sewing needle
  4. Heavy thread

How to Make It

  1. Fold blanket in half to make it extra cushiony.
  2. Place tote upside down on blanket.
  3. Pull blanket edges across bottom of tote, wrapping-paper style, so they meet in the middle.
  4. Stitch the edges together.
  5. Flip over tote.
  6. Watch your cat take a nap.

The key to creating the perfect nap site with this hammock is not to pull the blanket edges too taut. The blanket should be loose enough so it has some give and stretches similar to a hammock.

3. Spy Bench Cat Bed

Cats are nosy creatures by nature, and a hideout near the front door allows her to keep an eye on the comings and goings of her pet parents. She'll love the privacy this bed offers.

What You'll Need

  1. Storage bench with cubbies
  2. Thick, fluffy bath towel

How to Make It

  1. Empty a cubby that will accommodate your cat.
  2. Fold bath towel in layers and place in the cubby.

A towel works better than a pillow or rug because it's malleable, and your kitty can knead it while she's settling in. She'll love the privacy this bed offers too!

4. Box Bed

DIY Cardboard cat bed covered in red fabric with different colored stars.

It's no secret that cats love a good cardboard box, PetMD confirms, and boxes make great DIY cat beds. This version allows you to add your own decorating flair!

What You'll Need

  1. Sturdy cardboard box with a lid (a bankers box or paper box works well)
  2. Small fleece blanket
  3. Wrapping paper (you also can use fabric or self-sticking contact paper)
  4. Adhesive: cellophane tape for wrapping paper, hot glue for fabric
  5. Box cutter

How to Make It

Two gray cats lie around DIY cardboard cat bed covered in red fabric with different colored stars.

  1. Using the box cutter, create an opening on the wide side of the box. Be sure not to cut out the entire side of the box. Leave enough room around the edges so that the box remains stable.
  2. Decorate the box and lid with colorful, fun wrapping paper, just as you would a gift, which is exactly what you're creating for your buddy!
  3. Place the fleece on the bottom of the box, ensuring your cat has enough room to move around.
  4. Set the box on top of the lid, or put the lid on top to give your kitty more privacy.

You easily can switch out the paper to match your décor, even coordinating with a holiday celebration!

With simple DIY cat beds such as these, you provide your furry friend with a comfortable, safe, snuggly space she can call her own. All she needs is a comfy space to lay and a place where she can keep an eye on things.

Image Sources: Christine O'Brien

Christine O'Brien Christine O'Brien
Christine O'Brien

Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.

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