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5 DIY Cat Pillow Plans You Can Make Today

By Ed Malaker
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brown tabby cat sleeps on a white pillow

While most cats are happy to nap just about anywhere in the home and often sleep in strange positions that don’t seem at all comfortable, it can be nice to provide them with a bed that they can call their own. Upgrading it with a pillow can turn it into something really special. However, cat pillows can be quite expensive, especially when you can make one yourself for far less money. If you are creative and like to do small projects, keep reading for several DIY plans for making a cat pillow.

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The 5 DIY Cat Pillow Plans You Can Make Today

1. Catnip Cat Pillow

Materials:Fabric, catnip, polyfil stuffing
Tools:Iron, sewing machine
Difficulty:Easy

The Catnip Cat Pillow is a fun project that helps you create a small pillow that your cat will enjoy playing with. It’s infused with catnip, so it’s sure to get plenty of attention from your cat, and building it only requires pillow stuffing, catnip, fabric, and thread. If you have a sewing machine, you can finish it in a few minutes, or you can sew it by hand.


2. Jumbo Cat Kicker

Materials:Large socks, catnip, polyfil stuffing
Tools:Scissors, needle
Difficulty:Easy

The Jumbo Cat Kicker project is similar to the previous one but helps you create a much larger pillow and toy. It’s also easier because socks are used instead of loose fabric. You won’t need a sewing machine to complete this project, but it may take longer to do all the stitching by hand.


3. Furry Tail Pillow Kicker

Materials:Fabric, catnip, polyfil stuffing
Tools:Scissors, sewing machine, pins
Difficulty:Easy

The Furry Tail Pillow Kicker is similar to the previous ones, but the plan walks you through the template process so you can create it quickly and efficiently. The author explains everything clearly, and the video is easy to follow along with. It’s perfect for someone just getting started with a machine.


4. Decorative Cat Pillow

Materials:Fabric, polyfil stuffing
Tools:Scissors, sewing machine, pins
Difficulty:Moderate

The Decorative Cat Pillow project is for pet lovers looking to create an attractive decorative pillow shaped like a cat. The author walks you through every step, from creating the template to sewing it up and adding accents. There are plenty of tips and tricks included that will help you with your other projects, and the finished pillow will look great on your cat’s bed or anywhere in your home.


5. Oversized Cat Pillow

Oversized Cat Pillow
Image By: Scratch and Stitch
Materials:Bath mats, cotton fabric, polyfil stuffing
Tools:Scissors, sewing machine, ruler
Difficulty:Moderate

The Oversized Cat Pillow is a great project for someone looking for an attractive cat-themed decoration. It can also work well as a cat bed, and it’s not difficult to make. It uses two bath mats for the cat shape, so you won’t need to worry about your artistic abilities, and the text instructions are easy to follow. It’s also easy to make matching pairs, and they are quite comfortable.

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Tips and Tricks

  • While you will likely want to recycle fabric that you already have when making these pillows, try to choose types that are soft and durable, especially for catnip kicker pillows that some cats will tear up quickly, especially when using a flimsy material.
  • Use material and stuffing that is machine washable. If you add any attachments, ensure that you can remove them if you need to wash the pillow.
  • Avoid using buttons, beads, or other similar items that your cat might tear off and swallow.
  • If your cat will sleep on the pillow, place it in a quiet area of your home.
  • Be patient. Many cats avoid using new toys or beds at first, only to return to them later.
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Summary

Making a cat pillow is not difficult. Whether it be a small addition to their bed, a cozy kicker, or a pillow large enough to be a bed, you only need a few materials and tools to make something wonderful that you and your pet will love. If it’s your first project, the Catnip Cat Pillow or Jumbo Cat Kicker are good choices. They are easy to complete and look attractive. Once you have more experience, the DIY Cat Pillow and Oversized Cat Pillow can be great fun.


Featured Image Credit: Magui RF, Shutterstock

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Ed Malaker
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