Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

5 Amazing DIY Cat Bunk Beds (With Pictures)

gray and white cat sleeping on a wood

Cats love a cuddly place to snuggle up in, and they’ll turn just about anything cozy into a bed, whether that’s a throw pillow on the couch, a piece of clothing on the floor, or a family member’s lap. So, unless you want all your belongings taken over, it’s a good idea to make sure your kitty has plenty of places to lounge and snooze throughout the day.

You can always buy a bed from the store, but why not create something special with your own hands that your kitty (or kitties!) can enjoy for a lifetime? Here are the best DIY cat bunk bed plans that you can make at home for your beloved furry family members.

divider 3 paws

The 5 DIY Cat Bunk Beds

1. DIY Cat Bunk Beds by IKEA Hackers

DIY Cat Bunk Beds by IKEA Hackers
Photo Credit: IKEA Hackers
Materials: Ikea doll beds, wooden screws, mending plates
Tools: Screwdriver or cordless drill
Difficulty Level: Easy

This DIY cat bunk bed is more than halfway made for you, but you do still need to put in a bit of elbow grease to get the project completed. You don’t need any carpentry experience, though. The whole idea is to securely attach the two beds to create a piece of furniture that functions as a bunk bed for your cats. The steps involved are easy to follow. All you need is a screwdriver or drill and a handful of items from the hardware store to get started.


2. DIY Bunk Bed Hammocks by Makezine

DIY Bunk Bed Hammocks by Makezine
Photo Credit: Makezine
Materials: Wooden legs, 2x2s, fabric, rope, screws, nails
Tools: Saw, screwdriver, hammer
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Whether you live in a tropical location or just want to make it look like you do, this DIY hammock cat bunk bed may be the perfect project for you. The plans are flexible, so you might already have all the wood and fabric necessary lying around your garage or somewhere in the yard. Feel free to paint the hammock bunk bed, and use different colored materials for the hammocks to create a unique piece of furniture that won’t be found in anyone else’s household.


3. DIY Cat Suitcase Bunkbed by Hallmark

DIY Cat Suitcase Bunkbed by Hallmark
Image Credit: Hallmark
Materials:
Suitcases, stair spindles, table legs, leg hardware, dowel screws, nuts, washers, blankets/pillows
Tools: Drill
Difficulty Level: Moderate

If you have old suitcases stored away in a closet somewhere, this DIY suitcase bunk bed can be a fun project to work on one weekend. The plans call for vintage suitcases, but any sturdy suitcase or a similar kind of container should work. Once the bunk bed has been made, fill the suitcase holes with pillows or blankets for optimal warmth and comfort.


4. Cute Bunkbed by Dream a Little Bigger

Cute Bunkbed by Dream a Little Bigger
Image Credit: Dream a Little Bigger
Materials:
Pine board, pine lath, mending plates, corner brackets, wood screws, nails, travel pillows, wood stain or paint
Tools: Drill, saw, hammer
Difficulty Level: Moderate

This adorable DIY cat bunk bed comes complete with a ladder and is small enough to fit in a corner of an apartment if space is tight. You will likely have to take a trip to the local home improvement center to get all the wood and materials necessary to complete this project, but the bed should last for many years, so the effort and money should be well worth it.


5. Basic DIY Pet Bunkbed by Kreg Tool

Basic DIY Pet Bunkbed by Kreg Tool
Image Credit: Kreg Tool
Materials: Plywood, 2×2, 1×3, Kreg screws, wood glue
Tools: Saw, drill, sander
Difficulty Level: Moderate

This basic DIY pet bunk bed is suitable for both cats and dogs. Make a bed for your dog on the bottom and deck out the top for your kitty. They can both hang out in the same part of the house without being in each other’s “bubbles.” Cushions, pet beds, blankets, and even old clothing can be used to provide comfort on each bed frame.

divider 3 paws

Final Thoughts

These DIY cat bunk bed plans are suitable for owners with and without carpentry experience. Most can fit in tight spaces, making them perfect for apartments and small bedrooms. You will need materials and tools no matter which DIY plans you decide to work on, but just take things one step at a time, and your experience should be an enjoyable and rewarding one!


Featured Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.


How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How to Calm a Cat Down: 8 Vet-Approved Ways

Anxiety or stress in cats is sometimes less apparent than in dogs. Cats can experience uncomfortable situations that bring about anxiety or hyperarousal,...

7 Most Endangered Feline Species in 2026: Vet Reviewed Facts & Pictures

Far too many species are disappearing due to human activity and interference, and felines are not immune to becoming endangered and eventually extinct....

Are Sunflowers Toxic to Cats? Vet-Verified Facts & Safety Tips

Bright, colorful, and towering far above most of our heads in their natural growth state, sunflowers are the kind of bloom that makes...

300 Majestic Cat Names: Great Ideas for Your Elegant Cat

Cats are among the most beloved creatures in existence. They are mysterious, independent, and luxurious. Choosing a majestic cat name is a great...

More related

5 Homemade Cat Food Recipes for Cats with Kidney Disease 

If your cat has recently been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, you might be thinking of ways to improve your...

Can Cats Eat Apricots? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & Safety Tips

Apricots are a delicious fruit and an excellent source of essential vitamins and antioxidants for humans. Many people enjoy this amazing fruit and...

Are Ladybugs Poisonous to Cats? Vet-Confirmed Toxicity

Ladybugs are small, brightly colored beneficial insects that can help any garden thrive to its fullest extent. They are exceptional friends to your...

Does Dawn Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet-Reviewed Effectiveness Explained

Dawn is a dish soap that has several uses beyond washing dishes. One of the claims is that it can kill fleas on...

Keep reading

How to Clean Cat Eye Boogers? Vet-Approved Step-by-Step Guide

A thin layer of tears protects a cat’s eyeball, protecting the eye from any irritants or foreign bodies to keep vision clear. The overflow of tears can cause discharge or “eye boogers,” which come from the overproduction of tears or...

Eye discharge in old brown cat

Why Does My Cat Bury Their Head? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cats have many cute habits, one of which is their tendency to bury their head while they sleep. Regardless of whether you’ve owned cats all your life or have only recently adopted your first feline, most cat owners are familiar...

Striped grey cat curled up in bed

Cat Pheromones for Aggression: Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

If you have the time, space, and financial ability, there are many benefits to owning more than one cat. The kitties can keep each other company when you’re away, play together, and help each other exercise. However, not all adult...

Angry,Calico,Cat,Lying,On,Edge,Of,Bed,Wagging,Tail

Why Is My Cat Chasing Their Tail? 8 Vet-Approved Reasons

It’s normal to see a dog chasing their tail, but do cats chase their tails as well? While many kittens and adult cats chase their tails for entertainment (both for themselves and for you), sometimes this behavior can be indicative...

curled cat's tail close up

13 Vet-Verified Signs You Need to Take Your Cat to the Vet Right Away

Cats are experts at hiding illnesses, a trait they’ve inherited from their wild ancestors because an unwell wild cat would often become a quick and easy target for predators. Your cat may not have to worry about predators picking them...

vet giving medicine to a cat

8 Best Flea Shampoos for Cats in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Fleas, unfortunately, are part of pet ownership. Even the tiniest kittens or the most adorable cats can pick them up, and it only takes a single flea to start an invasion. Getting rid of them quickly and effectively is the...

Girl washes cat in the bath

Why Does My Cat Lick My Armpits: 5 Vet-Reviewed Possible Reasons

Cats are wonderful, but most people who’ve ever loved one of these perfect creatures had at least one moment when they wondered: what on earth is my cat up to and what could have possibly possessed the animal to do...

cat licking its nose

How to Tell if a Cat Is Spayed: 4 Vet-Reviewed Signs to Look

It’s sometimes hard for new cat owners to know whether their new female feline is spayed or not. For those uninitiated into the wonders of cat ownership, spaying refers to a surgery in which your female cat’s interior sex organs...

sick cat wearing cone inside the clinic