A cat is happy if it has a warm, safe place to hide and laze around. Cats love to sleep an average of 12 to 16 hours a day, so having an ideal place to doze is vitally important to them. In less than 15 minutes you can create a kennel that fits perfectly to your cat in size and shape, customizing it according to his needs and character. Create a comfortable and safe kennel that your cat cannot help but love: you can use a cardboard box, a t-shirt or an old sweater.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Build a Burrow with a Cardboard Box
Step 1. Choose a cardboard box that fits your cat in shape and size
Cats feel colder than humans do; the box will keep your cat warm, providing excellent insulation from the cold and, at the same time, a safe place to retreat and relax. You can buy cardboard boxes in various colors, or with a floral, vintage or modern design. This way you can choose one that fits the style of your decor. Alternatively, you can simply use a cardboard box from the supermarket or a store near you.
- This project can be fun to do with your kids on a rainy day when the cat will need a warm place to take a nap.
- Before you begin, take a few minutes to understand what your four-legged friend needs to be comfortable and safe, thus creating a cat-proof bed.
Step 2. Cut out a square or round door on the front of the box
You can use scissors or a utility knife. For an older cat, and therefore slower, an opening that starts from the ground is advisable; a younger cat or kitten who loves to jump will like a half-height circular door instead.
- Make sure the door is large enough for your cat to get in and out comfortably.
- If your cat likes to sneak in, make a relatively small opening.
- If your cat doesn't particularly like tight spaces, make a large door!
Step 3. Customize the kennel according to your cat's needs and tastes
Does he like dark and quiet places? Does he like to look around and observe the home coming and going? Would you prefer the inside of the box to be dark and cozy or bright and light? These questions will help you design the perfect bed for your cat.
- If your cat likes to look around, remove the top of the box as well as create the door - this way you can make sure he doesn't feel isolated.
- If your cat loves privacy, then a good idea might be to attach soft fabric in front of the opening, like a curtain. For a chic kennel, you could line the whole box using the same fabric.
- Add a tube. Cut a hole in the top of the box using scissors or a utility knife. Insert the cardboard tube of a roll of toilet paper into the opening, using it as a passage for food: you can then slip in some treats without disturbing your cat.
Step 4. Add a soft and comfortable bed to the bed
It could make a difference in how quickly your cat will gladly adjust to her new nook. The sensitive whiskers and pads mean cats love to curl up on soft surfaces. Think about what your cat might like - a pillow, fur-like fabric, or even an old curtain might be for him.
- Add something that smells like you, like an old t-shirt or sweater.
- Insert one of his favorite toys inside the kennel, or use his strong sense of smell by using a little catnip.
Method 2 of 3: Create a Cat Tent Using a T-Shirt
Step 1. Create the perfect "hideout" for the most intrepid cat
This is the fastest way to make your cat fall in love with its new colorful kennel, which will perfectly match your home decor! With items that you find around the house, you can make this stylish dog bed using just a t-shirt, wire hangers, old scraps of fabric and a safety pin.
- You could use an old t-shirt that your cat already likes.
- Get one that fits your decor, whether it's light or dark, patterned or plain - the choice is yours. Or, even better, you could change it whenever you like!
Step 2. Make the structure
By modeling the hangers in the shape of an arch, you will create the internal structure of the tent that will serve as your cat's bed. Consider your cat's height and make sure the arch is high enough for him to enter comfortably. If the cat is not very large and loves cozy shelters, you can cut off the ends of the hangers, thus creating a smaller structure.
- Model the two hangers in the shape of an arch and cross them into an "X". This will be the structure of the tent. Make sure it's solid. Wrap duct tape around the "X" to secure it securely.
- Create "feet" at the bottom of the arches by bending the ends of the hangers. In this way the structure will be more solid. Wrap the feet with duct tape to protect your cat's paws from any sharp edges.
Step 3. Secure the t-shirt over the frame
This will be the tent cover. The t-shirt must be loose enough to cover the structure abundantly, thus allowing you to create a cozy retreat.
- Slide the t-shirt over the structure, making sure that the neckline ends up in the center of the front, like a door.
- Pull the t-shirt tightly over the tent frame, securing it at the back with a safety pin. This will make it easier to remove the fabric when washing.
Step 4. Place the tent on a comfortable base
You can choose to place it on a ready-made pillow or any other soft surface. The important thing is that your cat feels comfortable and safe, so anything can do the trick, just look for it! You could use their favorite fabric, such as a pillow, towel, felt, or even an old curtain or bedspread.
- Add something that smells like you, like an old t-shirt or sweater.
- Add one of his favorite toys, or some catnip to make the bed more palatable.
Method 3 of 3: Sew a Doghouse Using a Sweater
Step 1. Get an old sweater
In less than 30 minutes you can create a beautiful dog bed using just needle and thread! If your cat likes to bask in the sun and look around, then this is the perfect bed for him - safe, cozy and simple.
- Choose an old sweater or sweatshirt that your cat will like.
- Make sure it has long sleeves, as they will be used to recreate the shape of a cozy basket.
Step 2. Sew the inside edges of the sleeves to the sides of the sweater
All you need is an upholstery needle and thread. You can use a contrasting thread (for example red thread on black sweatshirt) or of the same color, to make the seam invisible.
- Stop when you have sewn about half of the sleeve, starting from the armpit to mid-hip.
- Repeat this step with the other sleeve.
Step 3. Fold the bottom edge of the sweater
Place the sleeves in front of the folded edge and roll it up. Make sure the cuffs are slightly overlapped. You will have created the outer ring of the kennel, which you will later pad.
- Sew each sleeve on top of the rolled edge of the sweater.
- Where on the front where the cuffs overlap, put one cuff inside the other and sew the outer edge of the cuff to the top layer.
- You have thus created a tube that you will stuff later.
Step 4. Sew a seam that goes from one "armpit" to the other
The seam can be invisible or in contrast, depending on the style you choose for the kennel. When sewing, follow a slight curve, as if to draw a crescent.
- Make sure you sew both layers of the sweater fabric.
- The more arched the seam, the more circular the doghouse will be.
Step 5. Stuff the edge of the sweater until you have a sausage-shaped ring
In this way the kennel will have a solid and soft edge at the same time, creating a safe and welcoming place that maintains its shape even if the cat enters and exits several times.
- It uses old rags, some stuffing for pillows or old clothes, thus obtaining a nice full and nice looking doghouse.
- Stuff the bottom of the kennel a little and close the neck of the sweater by sewing it.
Advice
- If your cat isn't very convinced about his new bed, try associating it with something he likes, like food, toys, catnip, or something that smells like you.
- When choosing the color of the fabric, take into consideration the color of your cat's fur: if the coat is black, a white fur fabric will be ideal!
- Getting help from children can be a fun activity on a rainy day.
- You can create another kennel to donate to the city's animal shelter.
- Let your cat gradually get used to the new kennel - it will take him some time to explore and feel comfortable in it.
- Now that you've built a simple cat bed, you can try making a cat wall basket or a vintage suitcase.
Warnings
- Check for any sharp or moving parts that could injure your cat.
- Never use painted objects: the paint may contain lead, which is toxic.
- Cats can hear high-frequency ultrasounds, so keep them away from noises that might bother them, just like mice and other rodents.
- Evaluate the risks associated with positioning the kennel for the safety and comfort of the cat. Avoid places that might bother or hurt him.
- Place the kennel on the floor, avoiding it from hanging overhead or hovering. This way the cat will not fall or get hurt even if the kennel is bumped.
- Avoid using tea tree oil, cleaners containing phenol or pine oil, mothballs, and other similar products. Do not keep them near the kennel, as they could be toxic to your cat. Learn about plants that are toxic to cats and keep them away from home.
