Making a bed for your cat is a fun, creative, and cost-effective project. Cats love to curl up in soft, cozy spaces, and creating a custom bed ensures your furry friend has the perfect place to rest. Whether you’re using an old sweater, cardboard boxes, or spare fabric, a homemade cat bed can be just as comfy as store-bought cat furniture. You can make a bed matching your kitty’s personality and home décor with basic sewing skills and simple materials.

Before you start, gathering supplies like a sewing machine, pillow, fabric, hot glue, or even an old towel or blanket is helpful. DIY cat beds can be as simple as folding fabric around a pillow or as elaborate as sewing a new bed with proper seams and trim. You don’t need to be an expert—a little creativity and effort will go a long way in making something your cat will love. Now, let’s find out the process of creating a cat bed that’s both practical and comfortable.

1. Old Pillow Cat Bed

Recycling an old pillow into a cozy cat bed is a perfect way to upcycle while giving your furry friend a comfy spot to sleep. This DIY cat bed is super easy, requiring only a few basic sewing skills. Follow this great tutorial to transform the materials you already have into a new bed for your cat.

What You’ll Need

• Old pillow
• Fleece fabric
• Trim
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Scissors

How to Make It

1. Measure the pillow and add 3 inches to each side for the excess fabric.
2. Cut two fabric pieces using the adjusted measurements.
3. Lay the fabric's right sides together and pin around the edges.
4. Sew along the edges with a ½-inch seam allowance, leaving one side open.
5. Flip the fabric right side out and insert the pillow inside.
6. Sew the open side shut or add trim for a finished look.

2. T-Shirt Cat Bed

Have an old t-shirt lying around? Turn it into a soft, snug bed for your cat instead of tossing it out. This project requires minimal effort and only a few materials.

What You’ll Need

• Old t-shirt
• Cardboard box
• Scissors

How to Make It

1. Find a sturdy box and cut off the top flaps using a box cutter.
2. Drape the t-shirt over the box and pull it tight.
3. Cut a hole in the middle of the t-shirt’s front for easy access.
4. Tuck the sleeves and edges of the shirt under the box to keep it secure.
5. Place a towel or thin pillow inside for extra comfort.

3. Sweater Cat Bed

An old sweater can easily be turned into a warm, comforting cat bed. This project is ideal for cats and even small dogs since the familiar scent provides a sense of security.

What You’ll Need

• Old sweater
• Pillow stuffing
• Needle and thread
• Scissors

How to Make It

1. Sew the neckline closed.
2. Stuff the arms and body with pillow stuffing to create a cushioned shape.
3. Lay the sweater flat and stitch the middle section to hold the stuffing in place.
4. Sew the bottom edge shut for a snug finish.

4. Box Bed

Cardboard boxes are great for making easy DIY cat beds. Cats love these simple structures, and adding soft materials makes them even more appealing.

What You’ll Need

• Sturdy cardboard box
• Towel or folded blanket
• Box cutter
• Hot glue (optional)

How to Make It

1. Cut off the top flaps of the box with a box cutter.
2. Line the inside of the box with a folded towel or thin blanket.
3. Use hot glue to secure fabric or paper around the outside for decoration.
4. Add soft bedding or a small pillow inside for comfort.

5. Hammock Cat Bed

A hammock cat bed is a fun alternative to traditional pet beds. Cats love the gentle support and cozy feel of a hammock. This easy DIY project requires a few basic materials and some simple assembly.

What You’ll Need

• Sturdy fabric (canvas, fleece, or a soft blanket)
• Velcro strips
• Hooks or brackets
• Sewing machine or needle and thread

How to Make It

1. Cut the fabric to the correct size, leaving enough length on each side for mounting.
2. Sew a seam along the edges to prevent fraying.
3. Attach Velcro strips to the fabric edges.
4. Mount the hooks or brackets under a table or cat furniture, ensuring they’re the perfect size for the hammock.
5. Secure the fabric using the Velcro and adjust as needed.

Things To Keep in Mind When Making A Bed For Your Cat

When making a cat bed, comfort, safety, and ease of cleaning are important. Here are a few simple points to guide you:

• Pick the Right Materials: Choose soft fabrics cats love, like fleece, wool, or an old sweater. A fleece blanket or towel can make a cozy lining. If you’re using excess fabric, be sure it’s washable. Using a pillow inside provides extra comfort and is easy to replace or clean.
• DIY Cat Beds: Creating a DIY cat bed can be super easy. Start by using cardboard boxes or an old sweater. Line it with fabric and add a soft pillow if using a box. You can trim any sharp edges with a box cutter to ensure your kitty stays safe. If sewing, remember to pin the fabric with the right sides together, leave a seam allowance, and stitch carefully. Basic sewing skills are enough for a simple project.
• Use What You Have: You don’t need expensive supplies. Thrift stores often have fabric and old sweaters that you can repurpose. If you don’t sew, hot glue works well for assembling pieces. Cardboard boxes also make great beds—just line them with a folded blanket or towel.
• Sizing and Shape: Measure your cat to find the right size for the bed. Cats love to curl up, so create a bed that’s slightly larger than their curled-up length. A round or oval shape works well. For rectangular beds, simply place a pillow in the middle and ensure the sides are high enough to make your pet feel secure.
• Adding a Personal Touch: You can add a personal touch by sewing a fun pattern or matching the fabric with your house decor. If using an old sweater, insert a pillow, sew the openings, and trim the edges neatly. It’s a great way to upcycle while giving your furry friend a comfy place to sleep.
• Keep It Clean: Cats are clean animals, so washing their bed regularly is essential. Use washable materials and fabrics that hold up after multiple washes. Removable covers are the perfect way to keep things simple—just unzip, wash, and place them back.
• Additional Ideas: A box bed lined with a soft towel or fleece works perfectly for kittens or small cats. If you’re handy with power tools, consider building cat furniture like a raised bed or a simple platform. Always ensure that whatever you make is sturdy, safe, and soft.

Other Cat Bed Options

If making a cat bed from scratch isn’t your thing, you can explore pre-made pet beds that offer comfort and convenience for your furry friend. Some are ready to use, while others can be easily personalized with blankets or pillows to match your kitty’s preferences.

A Petmate Small Dog & Cat Oval Foam Fashion Bed is a great option. Its soft foam structure provides excellent support, and the oval shape lets your cat curl comfortably. Place a blanket or a small pillow inside, and your cat will have a cozy place to sleep. Its design makes it a perfect size for most cats, offering the right shape for those who love to nestle in a warm spot.

Another popular product is the Aspen Pet Self-Warming Dog Bed, which works well for cats, too. The self-warming layer reflects your cat’s body heat, keeping them snug without needing power or batteries. This bed is easy to clean, and with a removable cover, you can toss it in the wash. For cats that enjoy warmth and soft surfaces, it’s a great way to keep them happy during colder months.

Create Comfort for Your Feline Companion

Making a DIY cat bed is a simple and enjoyable way to create a personalized resting place for your kitty. Plus, you can repurpose old items around the house, making it fun and budget-friendly. If you’re looking for something beyond DIY, Petmate offers premium cat beds and accessories designed for comfort and style. Our products are a great way to complement your DIY cat furniture or provide an alternative if you prefer ready-made options.

Whether you make a cat bed from scratch or purchase a stylish one from Petmate, the result is the same—a comfy place your kitty will love to relax in. Give it a try, and soon, your cat will have their new favorite spot to lay and sleep!