DIY Cat Beds: 16 Genius Beds, Toys and Scratchers Made From Things You Already Own

DIY cat beds, toys and scratchers are proof that the best things in a cat’s life really are free. You can spend a small fortune at the pet store, and your cat will still ignore the fancy bed and climb straight into the box it came in. So why not lean into it? With old pillows, socks, T-shirts, cardboard and a little creativity, you can make cozy hideaways and fun toys your cat will actually use. Each idea here takes about an hour or less, and most cost nothing at all. Use non-toxic glue, skip tiny parts that could be swallowed, and always supervise play with anything that has string. Grab a box and let’s make your cat very happy..

DIY Cat Beds Start With a Cardboard Tiger House

This is the one that took over the internet. A video of a cardboard house shaped like a tiger has been watched more than 77 million times, and you can watch the cardboard tiger cat house build here. A sturdy shipping box becomes the body, round cut-outs become windows, and a few strips of cardboard make the ears and a curly tail. Paint on black stripes with non-toxic paint and add a soft blanket inside. Cats love the cozy walls, and you will love how cute it looks..

You will need: A large sturdy box, extra cardboard, a box cutter (adult use), non-toxic glue, orange and black non-toxic paint, a soft blanket.

How to make it: 1. An adult cuts an arched door and two round windows in the box. 2. Cut and glue a cardboard roof, ears and a curled tail. 3. Paint the house orange with black tiger stripes and let it dry fully. 4. Add a blanket and set it in a sunny spot.

Two-Story Cardboard Cat Castle

Got two cats or one very bossy one? Stack two boxes and build a castle. Add paper towers, arched windows, a little ramp and a few fabric flags. The top floor becomes a lookout and the bottom floor becomes a hideout. Kids love helping with this one, and if yours like building, they will enjoy these clever things invented by kids too. Of all the DIY cat beds here, this one feels the most like a fairy tale. Who will rule your castle?

You will need: Two sturdy boxes, cardboard tubes for towers, a box cutter (adult use), non-toxic glue, fabric scraps, a cardboard strip for the ramp.

How to make it: 1. An adult cuts doors and windows in both boxes. 2. Glue one box on top of the other, offset a little. 3. Glue paper towel tubes at the corners as towers. 4. Add a cardboard ramp and fabric flags.

DIY Cat Beds From an Old Pillow Donut

Cats love beds with raised sides that they can lean into. An old bed pillow can do that. Fold it lengthwise, stitch or tie it into a ring, then place a soft cushion or folded fleece in the middle. The result is a round donut bed that looks like the fluffy ones sold online. It is washable, cozy and takes about 30 minutes. If you can sew a straight line, you can make one of the comfiest DIY cat beds out there. Which pillow is ready for a second life?

You will need: An old bed pillow, a needle and thread or a sewing machine, a small cushion or folded fleece, safety pins.

How to make it: 1. Fold the pillow in half lengthwise and pin it. 2. Bend it into a ring and stitch the ends together firmly. 3. Sew a fleece circle under the ring as a base. 4. Place a soft cushion in the middle.

DIY Cat Beds in Minutes: The T-Shirt Tent

This is the classic no-sew bed that went viral years ago and still works like a charm. Bend two wire hangers into arches, cross them and tape them to a square of cardboard. Pull an old T-shirt over the top so the neck hole becomes the door, then pin the extra fabric underneath. Add a small cushion and you have a cozy tent. Tape over any sharp wire ends so they cannot poke. It is one of the quickest DIY cat beds you can make. Which shirt will become a tent?

You will need: An old T-shirt, two wire hangers, a square of cardboard, strong tape, pliers (adult use), safety pins, a small cushion.

How to make it: 1. An adult straightens and bends the hangers into two arches. 2. Cross them and tape the ends to the corners of the cardboard. 3. Slide the T-shirt over with the neck hole at the front. 4. Pin the extra fabric under the base and add a cushion.

Sock Donut Toys

Lonely socks finally have a job. Cut the tube part of an old sock into rings, roll them up and stitch the edges together into little stuffed donuts. Bright stripes look adorable, and cats love batting them across the floor. Add a pinch of dried catnip inside if your cat likes it. Make a whole basket in an evening while you watch a movie. They are soft, safe and easy to wash. DIY cat beds and toys like this cost nothing at all. How many odd socks are hiding in your drawer?

You will need: Old clean socks, scissors, a needle and thread, a little stuffing, dried catnip if you like.

How to make it: 1. Cut the sock tube into 2 to 3 inch rings. 2. Roll each ring outward to make a fat donut. 3. Tuck in a little stuffing and catnip. 4. Stitch the edges closed securely.

Cardboard Scratcher Pad

Save your couch with a free scratcher made from shipping boxes. Cut cardboard into long strips the same width, then roll or stack them tightly inside a shallow box. The cut edges give cats that satisfying rough surface they love to dig into. It costs nothing and you can replace it whenever it gets worn. Put it right next to their favorite scratching spot on the furniture. These simple scratchers pair perfectly with your DIY cat beds. Is your sofa already looking a little shredded?

You will need: Flattened boxes, a ruler, a box cutter (adult use), non-toxic glue, a shallow box or tray for the frame.

How to make it: 1. An adult cuts cardboard into strips about 2 inches wide. 2. Stand the strips on their edges inside a shallow box. 3. Pack them tightly, gluing a few as you go. 4. Sprinkle a little catnip on top to invite scratching.

Cozy DIY Cat Beds: The Plastic Tub Igloo

A round plastic storage tub turned upside down makes a cave cats feel safe in. An adult cuts a smooth round doorway in one side and sands the edges well. Then slip a knit sweater or a fleece cover over it so it feels soft and warm. Add a cushion inside. Cats who like to hide will claim it right away. Make sure the door is big enough to walk through easily. These cave-style DIY cat beds are perfect for shy kitties. Will your cat move in tonight?

You will need: A round plastic tub, a utility knife and sandpaper (adult use), an old sweater or fleece, a cushion.

How to make it: 1. An adult cuts a round door in the side of the tub. 2. Sand the cut edge until it is completely smooth. 3. Stretch an old sweater or fleece over the tub. 4. Cut the fabric at the doorway, fold it inside and add a cushion.

The Easiest DIY Cat Beds: A Laundry Basket

Your cat already loves the laundry basket, so make it official. Pick an old basket with smooth sides, line it with a folded fleece blanket and set it somewhere sunny. Some people tie a soft cushion inside so it does not slide. It is the easiest of all the DIY cat beds on this list, and it costs nothing. Bonus: your clean laundry stays fur free because the cat has its own basket now. Do you have an old basket gathering dust?

You will need: An old laundry basket with smooth sides, a fleece blanket or cushion, soft ties.

How to make it: 1. Wipe the basket clean and check for sharp edges. 2. Fold a blanket to fit the bottom. 3. Tie a cushion in place if you like. 4. Set it in a sunny, quiet spot.

Wine Cork Toys

Natural corks are light and bouncy, which makes them perfect cat toys. Wrap some tightly in colorful yarn and glue the ends. Others can get little felt ears glued on so they look like mice. Use non-toxic glue and skip small beads or googly eyes that could come loose. Toss a few on the floor and watch your cat chase them around. Keep any yarn short and tight so it cannot unravel. Between naps in their DIY cat beds, cats need something to hunt. Ready to start a cork stash?

You will need: Natural corks, yarn, felt scraps, non-toxic craft glue, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Glue the end of the yarn to a cork. 2. Wrap the yarn tightly and glue the end down. 3. For mice, glue on small felt ears. 4. Let the glue dry fully before play.

Paper Roll Treat Puzzle

Smart cats get bored, and this puzzle keeps their brains busy. Stand empty toilet paper rolls upright in a shallow box and glue them together. Drop a few treats into some of the tubes. Your cat has to reach in with a paw to fish them out, just like hunting. Start with only a few tubes filled so they figure it out, then make it harder. It is free, recyclable and super entertaining to watch. These puzzles keep cats busy between naps in their DIY cat beds. How fast will your cat crack it?

You will need: 10 to 20 empty paper rolls, a shallow box, non-toxic glue, cat treats.

How to make it: 1. Stand the rolls upright inside the box. 2. Glue them to the box and to each other. 3. Let the glue dry completely. 4. Drop treats into a few tubes.

Felt Mice

Felt mice are a sweet beginner sewing project for older kids. Cut two teardrop shapes and a small belly from felt, stitch them together and stuff them with a little fiberfill and catnip. Stitch the eyes with thread instead of using buttons or beads, so nothing can come off. A short felt tail finishes it. Make a handful in different colors and tuck them around the house for your cat to find. They make great gifts with your DIY cat beds for friends with cats. What colors will yours be?

You will need: Felt scraps, a needle and embroidery thread, fiberfill, dried catnip, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cut two teardrop sides and an oval belly from felt. 2. Stitch the sides together along the top. 3. Sew on the belly, leaving a gap, and stuff it. 4. Add a short felt tail, close the gap and stitch the eyes.

Stick and Fabric Wand Toy

A wand toy is the best way to play with your cat together. Tie a few strips of colorful fabric or ribbon to the end of a smooth wooden dowel and wave it around. Cats go wild leaping and pouncing after it. It is great exercise for indoor cats and a lovely way to bond. Always put wand toys away after play, because strings and ribbons are not safe to leave out. DIY cat beds and toys like this cost almost nothing. Ready for a play session tonight?

You will need: A smooth wooden dowel, fabric strips or ribbon, strong tape or non-toxic glue, sandpaper.

How to make it: 1. Sand the dowel so there are no splinters. 2. Gather three or four fabric strips. 3. Tie them tightly to one end and secure with glue. 4. Store it out of reach after play.

Rope Scratching Post

A tall scratching post lets cats stretch all the way out. Wrap thick natural sisal or jute rope tightly around a sturdy wooden post, gluing as you go, then screw the post onto a wide, heavy base so it will not tip over. An adult should handle the drill and screws. Cats who scratch the furniture often switch to the post once they find it. Put it near the sofa and near their DIY cat beds, since cats love a good stretch after a nap. Where does your cat scratch most?

You will need: A sturdy wooden post, a wide wooden base, natural sisal or jute rope, non-toxic wood glue, screws and a drill (adult use).

How to make it: 1. An adult screws the post firmly to the center of the base. 2. Glue the rope end at the bottom of the post. 3. Wrap the rope tightly to the top, gluing every few rows. 4. Tuck and glue the end.

Vintage DIY Cat Beds From an Old Suitcase

A vintage suitcase makes one of the most charming beds around. Open it up, prop the lid so it stays open safely, and fit a cushion into the bottom half. Some people remove the lid completely for safety. The low sides are perfect for cats who like to curl up and watch the room. It also looks lovely as decor in a living room or bedroom. Thrift stores often have old cases for a few dollars. Retro DIY cat beds like this always get compliments. Have you spotted an old suitcase lately?

You will need: An old suitcase, a cushion cut to fit, a screwdriver (adult use) to remove or secure the lid, fabric spray cleaner.

How to make it: 1. Clean the suitcase inside and out. 2. An adult removes the lid or fixes it open so it cannot close. 3. Fit a cushion into the base. 4. Place it on the floor in a cozy corner.

Shelf Nook Bed From Old Blankets

Cats love being up high and tucked in. Clear one low shelf on a sturdy bookcase or metal rack and fill it with folded blankets or old cushions. Your cat gets a cozy cave with a view, and you get a tidy way to store spare bedding. Anchor the shelf to the wall so it cannot tip. Some people add a little curtain for extra privacy. Of all the DIY cat beds here, this might be the easiest to set up in five minutes. Which shelf can you spare?

You will need: A sturdy shelf or bookcase anchored to the wall, folded blankets or cushions, a small curtain if you like.

How to make it: 1. Make sure the shelf unit is anchored to the wall. 2. Clear one low shelf. 3. Stack folded blankets inside to make a soft nook. 4. Wash the blankets often.

Muffin Tin Treat Puzzle

Here is a puzzle you can make in one minute. Put a few treats in some cups of a muffin tin and cover the cups with soft balls. Your cat has to sniff out which balls hide a treat and nudge them away. It is great mental exercise and especially helpful for cats who eat too fast. Use soft balls that are too big to swallow. It is the perfect last idea for our list of DIY cat beds, toys and scratchers. Which one will your cat love most?

You will need: A muffin tin, soft balls bigger than the cups, cat treats.

How to make it: 1. Place a few treats in some of the muffin cups. 2. Cover every cup with a ball. 3. Set it on the floor and show your cat. 4. Mix up the hiding spots each time.