How to Make a Simple Cat's Bed

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

A happy cat is one that has a safe, warm place to hide and dream the day away. The average cat enjoys between 12–16 hours of sleep a day so an ideal place to snooze is vital. In less than 15 minutes you can make a bed in the perfect size, shape and feel for your cat, customized to their needs and unique personality. Make your cat a safe, comfortable bed that they will love by building a cardboard box den, creating a t-shirt tent, or a sewing them a sweater bed.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Building a Cardboard Box Den

1
Pick out a cardboard storage box the right shape and size for your cat. Cats feel the cold more than humans so it will help your cat stay warm by providing great insulation from the cold, as well as a safe space to retreat and relax in. You can buy cardboard boxes in a variety of colours, floral, vintage or modern designs. This lets you choose one to suit your personal choice for your home décor. Alternatively you can simply use a cardboard box from the supermarket or local store.
- This can be a fun project for a rainy day with your kids when your cat looks like they are in need of a nap.
- Before you begin take a minute to learn how to keep your cat safe as well as cosy by making their bed a cat-friendly zone.^{[1]
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2
Cut a square or circular door-hole in the front of the box. Cut the hole using scissors or with a craft knife. For an older, slower cat it makes sense to start the door-hole at ground level, but a younger cat or kitten who loves to jump will love a circular door-hole hole halfway up the front of the box.
- Make sure the door-hole is large enough for your cat to climb in and out in comfort.
- If your cat loves to squeeze into things keep the hole relatively small.
- If your cat is sensitive to tight spaces then supersize the door!
- If your cat enjoys light or likes having an open space add a window or two.
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3
Customise the bed specifically to your cat’s needs, likes and dislikes. Does your cat like a quiet dark place? Do they like to look around and watch all the household bustle around them? Would they prefer the inside of the box to feel snug and dark, or sunny and light? Asking these questions will help to you design a bed perfect for your cat.
- If your cat likes to look around them, think about cutting the top off the box as well as a door-hole – this will make sure that they don’t feel isolated.
- If your cat likes privacy then a good idea is to tape a soft piece of fabric over the door-hole as a curtain. To make a chic bed you could use the same fabric to line the box.
- Add a snack tube. Cut a hole in the top of box with scissors or a craft knife. Fit a paper toilet roll tube in it as a handy snack drop to ensure you don’t disturb their privacy.
4
Add a soft, comfortable base to the bed. This can make a real difference in how quickly and happily your cat adapts. Their sensitive whiskers and paw pads mean that they love snuggling into soft textures. Think about your cat’s favourite textures - a pillow, a cushion a furry rug, some fur fabric or even vintage curtains may all suit them.
- Add something that smells of you such as an old t-shirt or sweater.
- Add a favourite toy, or appeal to their sense of smell with a little bit of cat nip.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Creating a T-Shirt Cat Tent

1
Create the perfect “hideout” for the more intrepid cat. This method is a super-quick route to a colourful hideaway that your cat will love and that also works with your home decor! Using items from around the house you can whip this stylish divan up with just a t-shirt, wire hangers, old fabric scraps and a safety pin.
- You could use one of your old t-shirts that your cat already loves the feel of.
- You could pick one to match your home décor, bright or black, patterned or plain - the choice is yours. Better still you can change it up as often as you like!
2
Make the frame. This is how you will make the tent shape which will sit over your cat by shaping the hangers into an arch.^{[2]
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Research source} Think about the height of your cat and make sure that the arch you make is high enough to make them comfortable inside. If your cat is small and likes a cosy den then you can cut the ends off the hangers before you start to make a smaller arch.
- Shape the hangers into two arcs and cross them into an X shape. This is your tent frame. Check the frame is solid. Wind tape through the “X” to secure it tightly.
- Create small “feet” at the bottom of each arc by bending the ends of the hangers. This will make it sturdy. Wrap tape around the each “foot” to protect your cat's paws from any sharp ends.
3
Pull the t-shirt over the frame. This will make the tent cover. The t-shirt needs to be large enough so that it will cover the frame with some fabric to spare. This means you will be able to pull the t-shirt tightly over the frame to make a snug home.^{[3]
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- Add a cardboard or wooden base (if wood is your choice make sure it doesn’t hurt your cat) inside the t-shirt but under the soft bas to add stability.
- Slide the t-shirt over the tent frame, keeping the t-shirt neck at the front and center. This is your door.
- Pull the t-shirt tightly over the frame at the back and fasten it with a safety pin to make it easy to remove for washing.
4
Place the tent over a comfortable base. You can choose to sit the tent over a ready-made cushion or any other soft base. The point is to make sure your cat feels comfortable and safe so whatever fits that criteria – go for it! You can use your cat’s favourite textures – a pillow, cushion, towel, some felt or even vintage curtains or a throw.
- Add something that smells of you such as an old t-shirt or sweater.
- Add a favourite toy, or a little bit of cat nip to make it even more desirable.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Sewing a Sweater Bed

1
Choose an old sweater. In less than 30 minutes you can create the perfect bed with just a needle and thread! If your cat loves to bask in the sun and watch life go on around them, then this is the perfect bed for them - safe, snuggly and simple.
- Choose an old sweater or fleece jumper that will appeal to your cat.
- Make sure it has long sleeves as this is what will make the cosy basket shape.
2
Stitch the seamed edge of the sleeve to the side of the sweater. You just need yarn and a tapestry needle.You can choose to use contrasting yarn (such as red yarn on a black jumper) or use the same color so it is invisible.^{[4]
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- Stop when you have sewed approximately halfway down the sleeve from where the armpit meets the side seam.
- Repeat this step for the other arm.
3
Fold the bottom edge of the sweater. Place the sleeves in front of it and roll the bottom of the sweater up. Make sure that the sleeve cuffs slightly overlap. This is how you will make an outer ring to your bed to stuff later.^{[5]
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- Sew each sleeve to the top of the rolled up sweater edge.
- Where the cuffs overlap in front, put one cuff inside the other and stitch down the outside cuff edge along the top layer.
- You have now created a tube which you will later stuff.
4
Make a running stitch from one “armpit” to the other. The stitching can be invisible or contrasting in keeping with how you chose to style your bed. When you make this running stitch make it arch a little as you sew across to make a half moon shape.^{[6]
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- Make sure you sew through both layers of sweater fabric.
- The more arched your shape, the rounder the bed will be.
5
Stuff the edge of the sweater until you have a sausage-like ring. This is how you will make a solid yet squishy border to your bed so keep your cat safe and snug inside and keep their shape if it jumps in and out a lot.
- Use old rags, stuffing or strips of old clothes to make it nice and full.
- Pad the bottom of the bed a little and stitch the neck opening closed.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I make a cat bed from a basket?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as it's big enough.
Question

How do I get my cat to use a cat bed?

Community Answer

You might not be able to, as cats are independent thinkers and if they don't want to do something, they won't do it! Try sprinkling some catnip on the bed and see if that helps.
Question

How do you make a no-sew and no cutting cat's bed?

gameeez freak

Community Answer

You can take a shirt and use hot glue to seal the sleeves, and bottom of the shirt. Then, put stuffing in the shirt through the neck and glue it shut. Glue the sleeves to each other, wrapping them around the body of the shirt and glue them together at the bottom. You can use either a hot glue or fabric glue, just make sure that it is added on the inside the shirt so the cat cannot eat it.

Warnings

Check carefully and remove any sharp or loose items that could harm your cat.

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Never use old painted items as the paint can include lead which is poisonous.

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Cats can hear high-frequency ultrasound so keep them away from noises that might upset them such as mice or other rodent pets.

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Risk assess the intended location of the bed for safety and comfort. Avoid putting it anywhere that might upset or harm them.

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Place your cat’s bed on the floor not at a height or balanced on something.This will make sure that even if it gets knocked over the cat will not fall and get hurt.

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Avoid using tea tree oil, cleaning products with phenol or pine oil, mothballs and other naphthalene products near to your cat’s bed as they can be toxic. Educate yourself on plants which are toxic to cats and keep them out of your home.^{[7]
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