Cats love to nap. According to some estimates, most kitties sleep around 12–18 hours per day. While it’s possible to head to the store to find a bed for your cat, you can also create your own DIY self-warming cat beds to place around the house. Below you’ll find three fun DIY cat bed designs and instructions for creating two DIY warming pads you can add to your creations to keep your kitty nice and cozy.
The 5 DIY Self-Warming Cat Beds
1. DIY Heating Pad by Artsy Fartsy Mama
| Materials: | Fabric, white rice |
| Tools: | Sewing machine, pins |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Creating your own reusable heating pad is a fun way to spend a few hours if you know your way around a sewing machine. The pattern is easy to follow, and you don’t need to make a run to the fabric store, provided you already have some spare fabric lying around. Once you get the hang of the pattern, you can make pillows of various sizes to tuck away in your cat’s new bed. Make sure to skip the directions to add scented or essential oils since most are toxic to cats.
2. Mylar DIY Self-Heating Blanket by Feral Trapping
| Materials: | Mylar, fabric |
| Tools: | Sewing machine |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This cozy self-warming blanket uses mylar insulation to keep your feline nice and warm when the temperature drops. As an added bonus, it’s great for cats in recovery that need to be kept warm. Cats love the crinkly noise created by the mylar insulation, and you can always add a bit of catnip to take your buddy’s experience to the next level. The pad is washable, making it great for older cats, kittens, and pets that aren’t feeling well.
3. Hanging Cat Bed by Hymns & Verses
| Materials: | Jute rope, plywood, 2 shelf brackets, screws, basket tray |
| Tools: | Drill |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Your cat will go crazy for this hanging perch. Hang it in front of a window, and your cat will be able to enjoy the stimulation of watching the great outdoors. Since cats tend to love sitting in high places, your pet will most likely enjoy this DIY perch. Add one of the two DIY warming blankets, and your cat will be in feline heaven.
4. Old Drawer Cat Bed by Michelle James Designs
| Materials: | Paint stripper, old drawers, spackle, 2×1 pieces of wood, paint |
| Tools: | Sander, screwdriver, paint brush |
| Difficulty Level: | Advanced |
This project is a perfect way to repurpose old drawers. It requires a bit of technical skill but gives you several options when it comes to creating a gorgeous pet bed for your cat. It has the added benefit of providing multiple snuggle perches, making this the perfect option for multiple cat households. Just add a few heated pillows, and you won’t be able to keep your cat out of the adorable bed.
5. Wooden Crate Cat Bed by The Inspired Hive
| Materials: | Wooden crate, four furniture legs, wood glue, paint, permanent marker, wood stain |
| Tools: | Hammer, paintbrush |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Your cat will love napping in this cozy wooden crate cat bed. It’s a great project to do with kids! Once you’re done, add a cozy blanket and a few rice-filled heating sachets, and your feline companion will be in heaven. While the instructions call for you to paint the crate, you don’t have to if you’re in a hurry or don’t feel like bothering with the clean-up.
Final Thoughts
Creating a DIY self-warming cat bed essentially requires you to complete two different projects. You’ll need to sew a heating pad and then move onto the cat bed. While it may seem daunting, completing both projects quickly is possible, provided you know how to sew and have the right materials on hand.
Featured Image Credit by: New Africa, Shutterstock
