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)

Share

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

What Feral Cats Actually Need From the People Who Feed Them

Feral cats are everywhere. Slipping between parked cars, darting under porches, appearing briefly at dusk before vanishing again. Most people see them, feel...

Capturing Catstanbul

Istanbul – famous for its bustling markets, unique architecture, and vibrant culture, there is one more feature of this Mediterranean capital that deserves...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Male Cat Gets Into Fights! (March 9, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Why Your Cat’s Poop Smells Like a Biohazard

Nobody enjoys litter box duty, but sometimes it gets unbearable. The smell hits you from across the room. You’re scooping faster, lighting candles,...

More related

Why Does My Cat Hide and Sleep in the Closet? 9 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Tips

Cats are fun pets, but they can exhibit many strange behaviors, one being hiding and sleeping in the closet. We know it can...

Why Is My Cat Throwing Up After Having Vaccines? 3 Possible Reasons (Vet Answer)

Routine physical examinations are an integral part of preventative pet care. It is at these appointments that vaccinations are typically administered to our...

Why Do Cats Thump Their Tails When Lying Down? 6 Vet-Verified Reasons

If you’ve ever owned a cat, you’ve probably noticed that they sometimes thump their tail while lying down. Usually, this is nothing to...

Are Peace Lilies Toxic to Cats? Vet-Verified Risks & FAQ

Most cat owners are aware of the dangers of a cat ingesting Lilies, specifically those from the Lilium and Hemerocallis family. These include...

Keep reading

Can a Cat Get Pregnant if She’s Not in Heat (What You Need to Know!)

If your cat has not been spayed, you may be concerned that you’ll soon have to deal with a pregnant mother and, eventually, a litter of kittens. When your cat is in heat, she’s at risk of getting pregnant, but...

beautiful pregnant cat

What’s the Price of Spaying or Neutering a Cat in Canada? 2026 Costs

If you don’t want to breed cats, it’s essential to consider a spaying or neutering procedure. While felines aren’t as expensive to own as canines, the costs still adds up. It’s also something you can do to reduce your pet’s...

neutering cat on a vet's operating table

Pure Vita Cat Food Review of 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Pure Vita Cat Food includes wet and dry food, but the wet food has higher-quality ingredients than the dry food. The dry food lacks some essential vitamins and minerals, while the wet food range is nutritionally well-balanced and...

Pure Vita Review

Why Do Cats Get Hairballs? Vet-Approved Causes & Prevention

Every cat owner knows the telltale sign of a cat about to produce a hairball. Nothing induces quite a panic as the retching sound as we run around to find where the cat is about to cough up a hairy...

Dry cat hairball

Why Do Cats Hiss and Growl at Strangers? Vet-Reviewed Behavior Insights

Hissing and growling are ways cats communicate how they’re feeling. Hearing your cat hiss and growl can be shocking and a bit embarrassing if they’re doing it when you have house guests. Some cats may hiss and growl at strangers...

siamese cat hissing

Is My Cat Stressed or Sick? Vet-Reviewed Signs & Ways to Help

Cats can struggle with change just as any species, so in times of stress, it is important to be more cautious of their needs. This is tough since cats don’t always outright tell us what is wrong and what we...

tired sick cat lying on bed

9 Best Cat Litters for Odor Control in Canada in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

One of the biggest perks of owning a cat is not having to take them outside to go to the bathroom. But even the best litter boxes can have issues. While regular cleaning is the best way to prevent smells,...

black and white cat stepping in the litter box

How Long Should Kittens Stay With Their Mother? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Development

There is no doubting the attraction of young kittens. They’re tiny and stumble around, and our instinct to protect them takes over. However, taking a kitten away from their mother too soon can be detrimental to the little furball. Not...

cat smelling kitten

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.