Skip to main content

Anyone can make adorable DIY cat bed ideas in a day (Yes, even you!)

Cats love having extra-cozy places to sleep, and many cats will appreciate a soft, warm cat bed. While there are plenty of cat beds available to buy, homemade cat beds add a special touch. Before you stress out, though, over the idea of making one, don’t worry — these DIY cat beds are super simple and require no sewing at all. In fact, you can make most of them with items you probably already have at home. Even your kids can help, and you can have a fun family crafting day — much to your cat’s delight.

Wooden crate bed

Cat beds don’t come much easier than this. First, find a wooden crate at your local craft store or possibly at a yard sale. Your grocery store may give you an empty fruit or vegetable crate. Look for one that will give your cat enough space to stretch out a little while still being cozy. Something measuring at least 6 inches tall is ideal.

Related Videos

Then, all you need is a pillow or a folded-up small blanket to transform the crate into a bed. Look for something that’s easily washable, and if you use a pillow, choose one with a removable cover for easy cleaning.

If you’re feeling crafty, you can decorate the crate to complement your home decor. Sand the wood lightly, then paint it. Consider adding decorations, like painting on your cat’s name, some fish skeletons, or even some mice.

Cat sitting in an open suitcase

Suitcase bed

If your cat always hops up into your luggage when you’re packing for a trip, he might appreciate this suitcase DIY cat bed. All you need is an old suitcase that you’ll no longer be using. A hard-shell case is best, and try to find a smaller case so the bed doesn’t take up too much room. If you don’t have a suitcase, you can probably find one — or even a hatbox — at a yard sale or secondhand store.

Start by opening the case and removing the cover by unscrewing or cutting the hinges. Alternatively, you can prop the cover open using a piece of wood or metal that you insert into the corners of the case. Make sure that this is secure and strong so the cover can’t fall closed on your cat.

Next, set a nice pillow or blanket inside to make a comfy bed. You can even add in a little catnip to make the bed extra enticing.

You can place this bed on the floor, but your cat might appreciate it if you put it on a stool or table so that he has a nice view of the window.

Black and white cat lying on a pillow

Pillow bed

You can easily make a pillow that serves as your cat’s bed, or you can make a pillow to put into the beds above. You’ll need some fleece fabric that you can find at most craft stores. Don’t worry — this pillow doesn’t require any sewing at all.

To determine how much fabric you’ll need, first decide how big you want the pillow to be. After deciding on the dimensions, add 8 inches to both the length and width. Be sure to account for the fact that you’ll need two pieces of fabric in those dimensions since one will be the front and one will be the back of the pillow. In most cases, 1 yard of fabric will be enough.

While you’re shopping, be sure to also pick up stuffing for the pillow.

To start your pillow, cut the two pieces of fleece to those dimensions you calculated. Put the two pieces on top of each other and pin them together with a few fabric pins.

Next, you’re going to cut small strips into the edges. You’ll use those strips to tie the edges together, creating the pillow. You’ll need to cut 4 inches into the edges of the pillow and space your cuts so they’re 1 inch apart. The result will be a bunch of 1-inch-wide, 4-inch-long flaps that go all around the pillow.

Once you’ve cut your flaps, remove the pins and position the two pieces of fabric so that the sides that you want to be the front and the back of the pillow are facing out. Then, tie the corresponding flap of the front panel and back panel together in a knot. Repeat this process and work your way around the pillow, tying the two panels together.

Once you’ve tied all but about five remaining flaps together, stop and stuff the pillow. You’ll want it to be firm enough to support your cat, but still soft enough to be comfy for catnaps. You can even add a little catnip to pique your cat’s interest.

With the pillow stuffed, tie up those remaining flaps and you’ll have a finished pillow for your cat to enjoy.

DIY cat beds are easier than you think

After putting effort into making your cat a nice bed, you’ll naturally want to see that he loves his special space and is ready to climb into it for a nap. But with many cats, that might not be the case. Cats are creatures of habit, and some might take a while to warm up to a new bed. You can encourage him to check out the bed by adding some catnip to it or by feeding your cat treats on and near the bed. Chances are, though, that if you put the bed in a sunny, warm spot in your home, your cat will soon discover that it’s a purr-fect sleeping spot all on his own.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Bengal cats: What to know about these quirky descendants of Asian leopards
Bengal cat breed facts that may surprise you
A Bengal cat lies on a white floor and bathes their forelimb

With their striking rosette coats and low-maintenance grooming needs, Bengal cats are already one of the most desired breeds in the world. Once known as Safari cats, the breed went through a name change in the 1970s to reflect its fascinating heritage. But what is living like a Bengal cat actually like? Are they as feisty as their Asian leopard ancestors?
We'll explore the Bengal cat's personality in depth, covering everything from a brief look into their history, the most common Bengal personality traits, and any breed-specific requirements that may hinder your quest to adopt one of these lovely cats.

Bengal cat history
While some cat breeds, such as the Egyptian Mau, can trace their lineage as far back as 10,000 B.C.E., the Bengal cat is a relative newcomer on the scene. The Bengal cat was first bred deliberately in California in the 1980s, after cat breeder Jean Mill crossed a domestic shorthair (a black tomcat) with an Asian leopard cat. Asian leopard cats, a breed of dainty wildcats hailing from Southeast Asia, are also known as Felis bengalensis -- hence the aforementioned name change from Safari cat to "Bengal cat," -- a nod to this hybrid breed's wild ancestor.
However, there may be another reason for the switch that led to the newly dubbed Bengal cat. When the breed's name was changed in 1974, the man responsible was named William "Bill" Engler -- B. Engler. Some believe he drew inspiration from his own name.

Read more
Can cats suffer from mental health conditions the way dogs can?
What you need to know about your cat's mental health
A blue-eyed white cat sprawls out on top of a rug with a forlorn expression

As it turns out, man's best friend has quite a lot in common with humans. Just like us, dogs can suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year." With such staggering numbers, it's easy to understand why the self-help industry is booming. But what about cats? Are our feline family members similarly affected by mental health issues?
While dogs are typically more expressive regarding their moods, cats can be more difficult to read. A dog suffering from depression may refuse to play with his favorite toy, but what behaviors can you expect from your feline friend? Do cats suffer from depression and anxiety the way some dogs do? We'll take a deep dive into the world of cat mental health, so we can answer the question once and for all.

Can cats have mental illnesses?
In her 2014 book "Animal Madness," Dr. Laurel Braitman writes, "There is not a branch of veterinary science, ethology (the science of animal behavior), neuroscience, or wildlife ecology dedicated to investigating whether animals can be mentally ill." While we can't read our cat's mind, we can use their typical behavior to gauge sudden personality changes that might ring a few alarm bells.
Two commonly diagnosed mental issues in cats are obsessive-compulsive disorder -- often abbreviated as OCD -- and cat anxiety. In cases of OCD, you may notice your cat excessively grooming the same location on her body, which can lead to redness, swelling, skin irritation, and even hair loss. However, excessive grooming is also a symptom of anxiety, though anxiety is often accompanied by additional concerning behaviors, such as decreased appetite, incessant yowling, and even drooling.
Details are scant regarding exactly how many cats suffer from mental health issues, but the fact remains that your frisky feline can be affected by OCD, anxiety, or depression. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that cats can even have autism.

Read more
Is chocolate toxic for cats like it is for dogs?
We know chocolate is toxic to dogs, but is it safe for your cat?
Cat sitting and eating a treat

If you've ever searched for a list of foods toxic to dogs, then you already know allowing your furry best friend to ingest a chocolate bar can have tragic consequences. But is chocolate bad for cats? Although your feline fur baby is much less likely to scarf down a slab of chocolate cake while you have your back turned, chocolate poisoning does occur in cats, too, and it can have equally life-threatening consequences.

Keeping your cat safe is your top priority, which makes knowing the symptoms of chocolate ingestion vitally important. Knowing the proper steps to take in case your cat eats foods she shouldn't might just save her life. Here's what you should know.

Read more