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10 DIY No Sew Cat Beds To Create at Home: Vet-Approved (With Pictures)

By Christian Adams · Reviewed & fact-checked by Dr. Maxbetter VizelbergVet Approved
Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg
Reviewed & Fact-Checked byDr. Maxbetter VizelbergDVM (Veterinarian)
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Maxbetter has been cultivating his interest in veterinary medicine since a young age. From being read Russian children’s stories about “Doctor Aybolit” by his grandmother to interning at the Israeli Wildlife Hospital to working at numerous small animal hospitals, he has thoroughly enjoyed learning about and sharing his joy of animals with others over the years. He prides himself on educating others to help give their animals the best possible lives and strives to provide the best medical care to his patients. Outside the clinic, he can be found performing his rap songs at open mics, playing soccer and basketball, and going on hikes with family and friends. He currently practices in New York City.View authorThe information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Read about our vets
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two cats in a cat bed

Do you have a feline friend who loves to curl up in a warm, soft place? If so, you may be looking for some ideas on how to make a cat bed. Luckily, there are many different DIY cat bed tutorials out there that don't require any sewing! In this blog post, we will share 10 of our favorite no-sew cat bed tutorials with you. Your kitty will love spending lazy afternoons lounging in one of these cozy beds!

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The 10 No-Sew DIY Cat Beds

1. T-shirt Cat Bed by Sadie Seasongoods

Photo Credit: Sadie Seasongoods

Supplies

  • An old T-shirt
  • A pair of scissors
  • Hot glue

It's easy to turn a box and an old t-shirt into a cozy hideout for your kitty! Simply cut a hole in the center of the box, and then cut the t-shirt into strips. Match up the hole in the box with the neck hole in the shirt. Gather the extra in the back and use scissors to cut most of it away. Hot glue the remaining fabric to the back of the box. Tuck in the sleeves, and voila! An eco-friendly, upcycled cat cave fit for feline royalty.


2. Vintage Suitcase Pet Bed by Brooklyn Limestone

Photo Credit: Brooklyn Limestone

This plan requires very little time and even less effort! It's especially perfect for people who like to shop for unique decorative items.

Supplies

  • Vintage suitcase
  • Pillow sized to fit a suitcase

Start by finding a vintage suitcase at your local flea market or thrift store. Once you've found the perfect one, simply place a pillow inside and voila! You've got a one-of-a-kind pet bed that your cat will love.

If you're looking for something a little more challenging, you can sew a custom fabric insert. There is one benefit of using a pillow. You can remove and change the pillowcases when they're dirty, or when you change your decor!


Photo Credit: Craft & Fabric Links

Supplies

  • Pillowcase
  • Filling
  • Hot Glue

This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a pet bed! Simply take an old pillowcase and fill it with stuffing. Once it's full, use hot glue to seal the opening shut. That's it! Your cat will love snuggling up in this soft, cozy bed.

If you want to get creative, you can sew a pillowcase with a design that coordinates with your home decor. Or use fabric paint or markers to add some personality to a plain white pillowcase.

Optional Filling Ideas

  • Beans
  • Plastic grocery bags
  • Old clothes
  • Old towels
  • Used package materials

4. Fabric Covered Box Bed by Purrfect Kity

Image Credit: Purrfect Kity

Supplies

  • Box
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Fabric
  • Hot glue

This DIY bed is similar to the T-shirt cat bed, but it uses a box instead of a shirt. Simply measure and cut a hole in the center of the box, and then cover the entire box with fabric. Use hot glue to attach the fabric to the box. Once you've covered the entire box, tuck in any loose fabric and trim away any excess. Your cat will love snuggling up in this soft, cozy bed!

You can also use different fabrics for the top and bottom of the box. Or, you can add some embellishments like a blanket or soft towel in the bottom. Alternatively, you can measure the sides of the box, cut fabric scraps to match, and hot glue them to the sides of your box.


5. Traditional-Style Pet Bed by Cat Toy Lady

This pet bed looks more like the type of bed you would find in a store.

Supplies

  • Fabric
  • Hot Glue
  • Foam Sheets

To make this bed, you will need two foam sheets. Cut one of the sheets in half, and then hot glue the fabric around the edges. Once the fabric is in place, stack the two foam sheets on top of each other and hot glue them together. Trim away any excess fabric, and voila! You've got a soft, cozy bed for your cat.


6. Macrame Cat Hammock by Macrame for Beginners

This hammock is perfect for cats who love to lounge!

Supplies

  • Cotton rope
  • Scissors

To make this hammock, you will need two lengths of cotton rope. Cut each length in half, and then tie the four pieces together at the top. Next, take two of the pieces and tie them together in the middle. Repeat with the other two pieces. Once you've done this, tie all four pieces together at the bottom. Trim away any excess rope, and voila! You've got a stylish hammock for your cat.

You can also add some fringe to the bottom of the hammock. Or you can use different colors of rope to create a unique design.


7. DIY Pom Pom Cat Bed by Julie Measures

Image Credit: Julie Measures

If you're looking for a fun, creative project to do with your cat, look no further than this DIY Pom Pom Cat Bed. This bed is easy and fun to make, and your cat will love snuggling up in the soft pom poms.

Supplies

  • Scissors
  • Cotton rope
  • Pom poms (in various colors)
  • Hot glue gun
  1. Cut a piece of cotton rope the length you want your bed to be. For a small bed, cut the rope about 60 inches long. For a larger bed, cut the rope longer.

  2. Tie one end of the rope to a sturdy object like a table or chair. Make sure it's tight so that the bed doesn't move around while your cat is using it.

  3. Glue pom poms all over the top of the rope until it's completely covered. You can use different colors or sizes, or even mix them up! Be as creative as you want!

  4. Let the glue dry completely before letting your cat test out her new bed!


8. Hula Hoop Cat Hammock by DIY for CATs - Hohentwielbirmas

If you're looking for a new and creative way to keep your cat entertained, why not try making one of these DIY cat hammocks? Not only are they fun for your kitty to play in, but they're also easy and inexpensive to make. All you need is a few supplies and some basic sewing skills. So get creative and have some fun with your furry friend!

Supplies

  • Hula hoop
  • Fabric
  • Scissors

To make this hammock, you will need a hula hoop and a piece of fabric. Cut the fabric into a circle, and then hot glue it to the hula hoop. Once the fabric is in place, trim away any excess. Your cat will love snuggling up in this soft, cozy bed!

You can use different fabrics to create a variety of looks for this hammock. Or, you can add some embellishments like bows or buttons.

Finally, you can hang this hammock from the ceiling using hooks or Command strips.


9. DIY Wicker Globe Cat Bed by A Butterfly House

Supplies

  • 8-inch steel ring, beach ball
  • Masking tape
  • Fiber rush or rope
  • Mod podge
  • Dowel
  • Cushion or blanket

This beautiful wicker globe cat bed looks like it would cost hundreds, but you could make it for a fraction of the price with some Mod Podge, fiber rush or rope, and a beach ball. Tying and weaving a dense, sturdy globe does take some time and patience, but the final result is beautiful and no special skills are needed. Although the video uses some power tools to help shape the legs, even those are optional.

In the end, this project is rated moderate difficulty because it’s time-consuming, but even a beginner crafter could make this pet bed without trouble.


10. DIY Wooden Crate Cat Bed by kittyclysm

Image Credit: kittyclysm

Supplies

  • Disassembled wooden crates
  • Cushion or blanket

Wooden milk crates are stylish, sturdy, and the perfect size for cats. This super easy cat bed tutorial uses only partially assembled crates to make a modular cat condo that can be expanded to make as many hiding places as you want! The author uses Ikea Knagglig crates, but any flat-pack wooden crate might work. Then you simply follow the assembly instructions, leaving off crate sides as needed. Although this tutorial leaves the crates unfinished, you could also get creative in painting or decorating the final product to make it match your décor and personality.

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

When you're making a bed for your cat, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure the bed is the right size for your cat. She should be able to comfortably lay down in it without hanging over the edges. Choose a material that your cat will love. Some cats prefer softer materials like fleece or velvet, while others like firmer fabrics like denim or canvas. Consider adding some toys or other items to the bed to make it more inviting for your kitty. A soft blanket or pillow can also help make it more comfortable.

These are just a few ideas for DIY cat beds that you can create at home. With a little creativity and some basic sewing skills, you can make a variety of beds that your cat will love.


Featured Image Credit: Pixabay, Pexels

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