14 DIY Cat Bed For Utmost Comfort (Easy To Make & Under $10)

With a house full of pets—dogs, cats, and a few bunnies—I’m constantly seeking ways to make each animal feel comfortable and happy. While my dogs love their big floor pillows, my cats are far more particular about where they sleep. Creating DIY cat beds has been a wonderful, hands-on way to show them some love and creativity. Plus, cat beds can be cozy, unique, and crafted to fit the nooks and crannies that cats naturally love. And the best part? Making your own cat bed is super affordable and fun!

Why Do Cats Need Beds?

Cats are famously known for their love of sleeping. On average, cats sleep 12–16 hours a day, and they seek out warm, secure spots where they feel safe. Having their own bed provides them with a cozy haven where they can stretch out, curl up, and observe the world without feeling vulnerable. It’s also a place where they can return repeatedly, making it a familiar and soothing spot, especially in a busy household like mine.

Creating a personalized bed for your cat is a wonderful way to enrich their environment. It gives them a designated space that’s just for them, which is a fantastic way to help them feel settled and at ease. So, let’s dive into some easy, creative, and budget-friendly DIY cat bed ideas that your feline friends will adore.

DIY Cat Bed: Step by Step

Setting up a DIY cat bed is much easier than you might think. With a few materials and a bit of creativity, you’ll have a cozy place for your kitty in no time.

Materials Needed

• Soft fabric or blanket: $5–$10
• Old sweater or t-shirt: Free or $1
• Stuffing or old pillows: $2–$5
• Cardboard box or basket: Free or $3–$5
• Hot glue gun or basic sewing kit: $5–$10

Total cost: Around $10–$20, depending on what you have available at home.

Phase 1: Choosing the Base

Pick a sturdy base that fits your cat’s size and sleeping habits. Cardboard boxes, baskets, or old crates work well, as cats love enclosed spaces where they feel hidden and secure.

Phase 2: Adding Cushioning

Add a soft layer using an old pillow, cushion stuffing, or even a folded blanket. You want it to be cozy but not too thick, as some cats prefer a slightly firmer surface.

Phase 3: Creating the Bed

Once you have your base and cushion, cover it with a soft fabric or an old sweater. You can sew or use a hot glue gun to attach the fabric securely. This extra layer makes the bed more inviting and comfortable.

Phase 4: Finishing Touches

Add any personal touches, like a toy or a familiar piece of cloth. Place the bed in a warm, quiet corner where your cat naturally gravitates.

Easy DIY Cat Bed Ideas

Here are some creative and affordable DIY cat bed ideas that can add warmth and charm to any corner of your home. Each idea is designed to be simple and customizable.

1. Sweater Bed

Take an old sweater, sew the neck hole closed, and stuff the body and arms with pillow stuffing. Shape it into a circular bed by sewing the arms to the sides. It’s warm, cozy, and perfect for chilly nights. This cozy nest costs around $5 if you already have an old sweater.

2. Suitcase Bed

An old suitcase makes a charming vintage cat bed. Clean the interior, add a cushion or pillow, and leave the top open. It’s quirky, comfortable, and cats seem to love the semi-enclosed feel. This bed can cost about $10, depending on your thrift finds.

3. Box and Blanket Bed

Use a cardboard box as the base, and place a soft blanket inside. Cut down one side for easy entry, and you have an instant cat bed. This no-cost idea is perfect for those who want a quick solution using household items.

4. T-shirt Tent

Stretch an old t-shirt over a frame made from wire hangers or cardboard, creating a tent-like enclosure. Cats adore this bed for its dark, cozy vibe. The entire project costs about $3, using items you likely already have.

5. Drawer Bed

Repurpose an old drawer by adding a cushion or blanket inside. Paint the drawer to match your decor, and place it on the floor or a shelf. This unique bed costs around $5 and brings a rustic touch to any room.

6. Basket Bed

Take a woven basket and line it with a soft cushion or blanket. Cats love the natural, enclosed shape. Find a basket at a thrift store for about $5, and you’ll have a charming, easy bed ready in minutes.

7. Hammock Bed

Attach a piece of sturdy fabric under a chair, securing each corner to the chair legs. This hammock-style bed costs around $3 and is a fun, unique choice for cats who enjoy being slightly elevated.

8. Old Pillow Bed

Repurpose an old pillow by covering it with a washable fabric. This bed is soft, portable, and incredibly easy to set up. It costs around $5, depending on the fabric you choose.

9. Wine Crate Bed

If you have an empty wooden wine crate, line it with a pillow or blanket. This bed is sturdy, stylish, and gives your cat a secure, raised place to sleep. Wine crates cost around $10, but they add a rustic charm that’s worth it.

10. Upcycled Sweater and Jeans Bed

Cut an old pair of jeans and sweater, sew them into a rectangle, and stuff with fabric scraps. This upcycled bed is cozy and environmentally friendly, costing around $5 if you already have the materials.

11. Fleece Blanket Nest

Use an old fleece blanket, knotting the edges to create a circular nest. Cats love the softness of fleece, and this project costs nothing if you have an extra blanket at home.

12. Raised Shelf Bed

If you have an empty shelf or nook, line it with a soft cushion and add a small blanket. Cats love high perches, and this raised bed provides a cozy, elevated spot. This idea costs about $5 for the cushion.

13. Cat Teepee

Make a mini teepee by securing sticks in a pyramid shape and draping a fabric over it. Place a cushion inside for added comfort. It’s adorable and costs around $10 if you already have some sticks or rods.

Dos & Don’ts in Cat Beds

• Do: Use washable materials so you can easily clean the bed.
• Do: Place the bed in a warm, quiet area where your cat already likes to relax.
• Don’t: Use fabrics that might irritate your cat’s skin or hold onto fur too much.
• Do: Experiment with different bed types to see what your cat prefers.
• Don’t: Force your cat to use the bed—let them explore it on their own terms.

FAQs

1. How often should I clean my cat’s bed?

It’s a good idea to wash the bedding every 1–2 weeks, depending on how much your cat uses it. Cats are naturally clean animals and appreciate fresh bedding.

2. Can I use any fabric for a cat bed?

Stick with soft, washable fabrics like cotton or fleece. Avoid rough or scratchy materials, as well as anything that might fray or shed fibers easily.

3. What size should the cat bed be?

Make sure the bed is big enough for your cat to stretch out in but not so large that they feel exposed. Cats like snug, secure spaces, so a medium-sized bed often works best.

4. How can I encourage my cat to use the new bed?

Try placing a few treats, a familiar toy, or a piece of your clothing with your scent on it in the bed. Cats are curious and may need a little incentive to explore a new space.

Creating a DIY cat bed is such a rewarding project, especially when you see your cat cozying up in their new favorite spot. With so many creative options, you can craft something that perfectly suits your cat’s personality and your home decor. So grab some fabric, an old box, or a cozy blanket, and let your imagination go wild—your cat will be forever grateful for their homemade haven!