Have you ever spent money on a fancy cat bed , only for your cat to ignore it and sleep in a cardboard box instead? You’re not alone!
According to PetMD, cats love cozy, enclosed spaces because they make them feel safe and secure. Instead of spending money on expensive beds, why not make one yourself?
The best part? You don’t need to sew a single stitch!
Tips for DIY Cat Beds
In this guide, we’ll share tips for creating easy, no-sew DIY cat beds using everyday items. These ideas are budget-friendly, simple to make, and guaranteed to keep your kitty happy.
Whether you have extra blankets, cardboard boxes, or old sweaters lying around, you can create the perfect cozy spot for your feline friend.
1. Choose the Right Materials
The best DIY cat beds are made from soft, warm, and comfortable materials. According to The Spruce Pets, fleece and plush fabrics are excellent choices because they retain heat and are gentle on paws.
Best materials to use:
- Fleece blankets
- Old sweaters
- Soft towels
- Pillows
- Cardboard
- Memory foam
2. Repurpose Household Items
You don’t need to buy new supplies! Look around your home for items that can be transformed into a cat bed.
Easy repurposed cat bed ideas:
- An old shoebox lined with a towel
- A laundry basket with a pillow inside
- A suitcase with a soft blanket
- A storage bin turned on its side
3. Make It Warm and Cozy
Cats love warmth. Placing the bed in a sunny spot or adding a self-warming blanket can make it extra inviting.
Ways to add warmth:
- Use fleece, which retains body heat
- Place the bed near a sunny window
- Add a microwavable rice sock for warmth
- Line the bed with a piece of your clothing (your scent provides comfort!)
4. Keep It Safe
Avoid materials that could be hazardous. Based on expert advice from the ASPCA, avoid beds with loose strings, small beads, or synthetic stuffing that can be swallowed.
Cat bed safety tips:
- Ensure there are no choking hazards
- Use non-toxic, pet-safe fabrics
- Avoid plastic materials that can trap heat
5. Placement Matters
Cats are picky about where they sleep. According to ASPCA, they prefer quiet, warm, and safe spots.
Best places for a cat bed:
- A quiet corner away from heavy foot traffic
- A sunny window spot
- A shelf or elevated surface
- A cozy nook under furniture
6. Encourage Your Cat to Use the Bed
Some cats take time to adjust to a new bed. Try these tricks to make it more appealing:
- Add catnip or a treat inside
- Place a worn shirt inside for a familiar scent
- Put the bed in a favorite nap spot
- Use a toy or blanket your cat already loves
25 Easy, No-Sew Cat Bed Ideas
1. The No-Sew T-Shirt Cat Bed
Grab an old t-shirt and a pillow, and you’re all set! Just wrap the t-shirt around the pillow, tying off the sleeves and bottom. The neck hole serves as an entrance. Cats love the familiar scent of their humans, making this an instant hit!
2. Fleece Blanket Nest
Simply take a thick fleece blanket and roll it into a donut shape. Leave a cozy dip in the middle for your cat to curl up in. The fleece traps warmth, making it an ultra-snuggly bed.
3. The Cardboard Box Haven
Nothing beats a classic cardboard box. Line it with a soft towel or small blanket, and your cat will claim it in no time. According to The Spruce Pets, cats feel safest in small, enclosed spaces, making this a top-tier option.
4. Old Sweater Cat Bed
Stuff an old sweater with a pillow and fold the sleeves inward to form raised edges. The sleeves create a built-in headrest, and the sweater’s softness makes it super inviting.
5. Fluffy Towel Stack
If your cat loves warm, soft places, try stacking a few fluffy towels in a basket. You can place it in a sunny spot for an extra cozy nap location.
6. The Laundry Basket Retreat
Line a laundry basket with a soft blanket or an old hoodie. The basket’s structure provides a sense of security, and the blanket ensures comfort.
7. Storage Bin Hideaway
Flip a plastic storage bin on its side and add a pillow inside. If you want, you can cut out a small entrance for easy access.
8. Memory Foam Pillow Bed
Use a memory foam pillow inside a soft pillowcase. Place it in a quiet corner, and watch your cat claim their new favorite spot!
9. No-Sew Fleece Knot Bed
Cut two layers of fleece fabric into a rectangle, then tie the edges together to form a pillow-like structure. Stuff it with a comfy cushion, and you have a DIY cat bed!
10. Repurposed Shoebox Bed
Got an old shoebox? Line it with fabric and add a small cushion. Your cat will love the cozy, enclosed feel.
11. Suitcase Cat Lounge
Find an old suitcase and remove the top half. Add a blanket inside, and you have a stylish vintage cat bed!
12. Basket Bed
A wicker basket lined with a soft towel can become an adorable cat bed. Plus, it looks great in any room.
13. DIY Pillow Fort
Stack a few small pillows together to create a soft nest. Cover them with a lightweight blanket for extra warmth.
14. Recycled Blanket Cave
Drape an old blanket over a chair to form a cozy tent. Place a pillow inside, and your cat will have their own little hideaway.
15. DIY Cat Hammock (No Sew!)
Secure a piece of fabric between two sturdy chairs or under a small table to create a hammock. Just make sure it’s strong enough to hold your cat’s weight.
16. Round Laundry Basket Bed
Take a round laundry basket and line it with plush fabric or a blanket. The curved shape naturally cradles your cat while they nap.
17. Heated Rice Sock Bed
Fill an old sock with uncooked rice and microwave it for about 30 seconds. Place it inside a soft towel-lined box for a warm and snuggly cat bed.
18. Cozy Blanket Pouch
Fold a fleece blanket in half and create a pocket. Your cat will love burrowing into this soft, self-warming space.
19. Newspaper Nest
Crunch up old newspapers and place them inside a fabric-lined box. The crinkly sound and warmth make this an exciting and comfortable spot.
20. Fluffy Pet Bed from a Bath Mat
Roll up a plush bath mat and shape it into a circle. Secure it with fabric ties to keep its shape.
21. Drawer Cat Bed
Pull out an unused dresser drawer, line it with soft fabric, and place it on the floor. Instant cat bed with a vintage touch!
22. Yoga Mat Nap Pad
An old yoga mat cut to size and covered with fabric can be a perfect cushioned sleeping space for your kitty.
23. Carboard Igloo Hideout
Cut and layer pieces of cardboard to form a small igloo-like structure. Place a cozy towel inside for warmth.
24. DIY Cat Cloud Bed
Stuff an oversized pillow inside a super soft fleece cover. The fluffier, the better!
25. Old Jeans Cat Bed
Stuff an old pair of jeans with a cushion and tie the legs together to form a small nest. Cats love the scent of their humans, making this a comforting option.
Fun Fact: Cat Bed & Sleep Quality
Did you know that the type of bed your cat sleeps in can actually affect their sleep quality? Cats sleep an average of 12–16 hours a day, and just like humans, their comfort matters!
A cozy, well-placed cat bed can improve their sleep, keeping them well-rested and happy. According to feline experts, cats prefer warm, soft, and enclosed spaces for deep sleep.
That’s why they often curl up in tight spots like boxes, baskets, or even your laundry. These places make them feel secure and relaxed, leading to better sleep.
Temperature also plays a big role. If the bed is too cold, your cat might choose a warmer spot, like your lap or a sunny windowsill. Heated or self-warming cat beds can make a big difference, especially in colder months.
Want to improve your cat’s sleep?
Place their bed in a quiet, cozy corner away from loud noises and foot traffic. Adding a familiar blanket or a soft cushion can also make it more inviting.
At the end of the day, a well-rested cat is a happy cat. And a happy cat means fewer 3 AM zoomies! 😸
Bonus Tip: Make It Smell Like Home!
Want your cat to use their new DIY bed right away? Try adding an item of your clothing or a familiar blanket. According to ASPCA, cats find comfort in familiar scents, which can help them warm up to new beds quickly.
Cats love variety! If your kitty seems bored with their bed, move it to a new location or swap it with another DIY bed for a fresh feel.
Read: Easy 10 DIY Cat Toys You Can Make Today
You don’t need expensive materials or fancy sewing skills to create a comfy bed for your cat. With a little creativity and household items, you can make an easy, no-sew DIY cat bed in minutes.
Which idea will you try first? Let us know how your feline friend likes their new cozy space! 😻
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