How to Create a Simple Cat Bed

A happy cat will have a secure and warm space to retreat to and nap throughout the day. Cats usually sleep between 12 to 16 hours a day, so it is essential to have the perfect resting spot for them. You can create a snug, stylish, and comfortable bed for your cat in less than 15 minutes, tailored to its needs and personality. Make your cat a safe and cozy hideaway, such as a cardboard box, a t-shirt tent, or a wool sweater bed.

Choose a cardboard box that fits your cat's size and shape. Cats tend to feel colder than humans, so help them stay warm by creating a shelter that is both insulated and secure for them to hide and rest. You can buy colorful, floral, or modern-style cardboard boxes to match your personal preferences and home decor. Alternatively, you can use boxes from supermarkets or grocery stores.

• This could be a fun activity on a rainy day with children, especially when your cat needs a short nap.
• Before starting, take some time to learn how to keep your cat safe and warm with a cat-friendly bed.

Cut a square or round hole in the front of the box. Use scissors or a craft knife. For older or slower cats, consider placing the entrance closer to the ground, while for playful kittens or mischievous adult cats, design a round door near the center of the front of the box.

• Ensure the door is wide enough for the cat to comfortably crawl in and out.
• If your cat enjoys squeezing into tight spaces, make the entrance smaller.
• If your cat is sensitive to tight spots, create a larger door for easier access.

Customize the hideaway based on your cat’s needs and preferences. Does your cat enjoy dark, quiet spaces? Or does it like observing its surroundings? Does it prefer a cozy, cramped box or a sunny spot? These questions can guide you in creating the perfect bed for your feline friend.

• If your cat enjoys observing, consider removing the top and door to avoid making it feel isolated.
• If your cat prefers solitude, you could add a soft fabric curtain to the entrance. You can also line the bed with the same fabric for a cute touch.
• Create a treat dispenser by cutting a hole in the top of the box with scissors or a craft knife. Place a toilet paper roll inside to drop treats without disturbing your cat.

Add a soft, cozy lining to the bed. Your cat will quickly grow fond of it. Cats’ sensitive whiskers and paws indicate that they love soft spots. Think about materials your cat enjoys, such as pillows, blankets, plush rugs, or even classic curtain fabrics that could work well for their bed.

• Include something with your scent, such as an old t-shirt or sweater.
• Throw in some of their favorite toys or use catnip to stimulate their sense of smell.

Create the perfect ‘hideaway’ for bold cats. This method provides a quick, attractive solution that your cat will love, while adding a stylish touch to your home. Using simple household items, you can easily create a cozy resting spot for your pet with a t-shirt, a clothes hanger, fabric scraps, and safety pins.

• Use an old t-shirt that your cat is fond of.
• Pick a t-shirt that matches your home decor, whether it's light or dark, patterned or plain – the choice is yours. The best part is that you can switch it out as often as you'd like!

Form the frame. This step shapes the structure of the tent, which must be sturdy enough for the cat to crawl inside. Bend the coat hanger into an arch shape to accommodate your cat's height, ensuring the frame is tall enough for their comfort. If your cat is small and enjoys cozy spaces, you can trim the ends of the hanger to create a smaller tent frame.

• Bend the coat hanger into two arcs that intersect to form an 'X'. This is the frame of the tent. Check if the frame is sturdy enough, then tape the 'X' to secure it.
• Create small 'legs' at the ends of the arcs by bending both ends. This strengthens the frame. Wrap tape around each 'leg' to protect your cat’s paws from sharp edges.

Dress the frame with a T-shirt. Now the tent is covered with fabric. The T-shirt should be large enough to cover the entire frame with some excess. This means you must slide the shirt over the frame, pulling it tight to form a snug, cozy shelter.

• Pull the T-shirt over the frame, ensuring the neck opening is at the front and centered. This will serve as the entrance.
• Pull the T-shirt tightly around the frame, securing the fabric in place with safety pins for easy removal when you need to wash it.

Place the tent in a comfortable spot. You can add a cushion or any soft material inside to make the tent more inviting. The goal is to create a space where your cat feels safe and comfortable. Feel free to use materials your cat enjoys, such as pillows, blankets, fleece fabric, or a soft towel.

• Include something with your scent, like an old T-shirt or sweater.
• Add some toys or a bit of catnip to make the tent more appealing to your cat.

Choose an old sweater. You can create a fantastic cat bed with just a needle and thread in under 30 minutes. If your cat enjoys basking in the sun and observing their surroundings, this bed is perfect – safe, warm, and simple.

• Select an old sweater or fleece jacket that your cat likes.
• Make sure it has long sleeves, as this detail will help form the basket-like shape for the bed.

Sew the sleeve hem to the side of the shirt. You will need yarn and a needle specifically for knitting. Choose a contrasting yarn color (for example, red yarn for a black shirt), or a similar color to make the stitching less noticeable.

• Stop sewing when you've completed about half of the sleeve from the armhole.
• Repeat this step with the other sleeve.

Fold the bottom of the shirt up. Lay the sleeves in front, and roll the shirt's body from the bottom upwards. Ensure the cuffs slightly overlap. This creates a cuffed edge for stuffing.

• Sew each sleeve to the top edge of the rolled-up shirt body.
• Where the cuffs overlap in the front, tuck one sleeve inside the other. Sew them together in a circular pattern around the cuff edge.
• Now you’ve created a tube for stuffing.

Sew a line from one 'armpit' to the other. This seam can be hidden or prominent, depending on your design choice. Sew a slightly curved line to form a semi-circle.

• Make sure you sew both layers of the sweater together.
• The more curved the seam, the rounder the cat bed will be.

Stuff the border of the bed until it forms a sausage-like circle. This creates a solid and soft border that will keep your cat cozy and safe, while helping the bed maintain its shape even as your cat jumps in and out.

• Use old rugs, cotton, or fabric scraps from old clothes to stuff the border, making it firm and full.
• Add some stuffing to the bottom of the bed and sew the neck opening closed.

• If your cat seems hesitant to use the new bed, encourage them with treats, toys, catnip, or something with your scent on it.
• When choosing fabric colors, consider your cat’s fur color – for a black cat, white fur fabric will quickly look worn out!
• You can involve kids in making the cat bed to make rainy days more fun.
• Consider making an extra bed to donate to a local animal rescue shelter.
• Give your cat time to adjust to the new bed. It may take a while for them to explore and feel comfortable in it.
• Once you’ve completed this project, you can try making a hanging bed using a basket or a bed from an old suitcase for your cat.

• Carefully check for and remove any sharp or loose objects to avoid injuring your cat.
• Avoid using old painted materials, as the paint may contain lead, which is toxic.
• Cats can hear high-frequency sounds, so make sure to keep them away from disturbing noises like mouse sounds or other rodents.
• Evaluate the safety of the location where you plan to place the cat bed, ensuring it provides comfort and safety. Avoid placing the bed in places that could cause harm or disturb your cat.
• Place the cat bed on the floor, not on high or unstable surfaces. This way, even if the bed tips over, your cat won’t fall or get hurt.
• Avoid using tea tree oil, cleaning products with phenols, turpentine, mothballs, or products containing naphthalene near the cat bed as they can be toxic. Research and avoid plants that are poisonous to cats.