Stylish home decor isn't just for people. Why not make your favorite feline friend some DIY cat furniture he or she will love?
10 Awesome DIY Cat Furniture Ideas for Your Furry Friends
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Hammock Bunk Beds
Got more than one cat? Then why not make these ingenious bunk bed hammocks so they can have their own space but still be together? This DIY cat furniture is made up of a simple wooden frame that doubles as scratching posts, and roomy fabric hammocks suspended on ropes. These hammocks are simple to make, elegant and give your cats all the space they need for snoozing.
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Mosaic Bowl Holder
Don’t make your furry friend settle for a boring plastic feeding bowl. Give her something special with this stylish mosaic-tiled cat bowl holder. Made from lightweight bamboo that’s easy to work with, and an easy wipe-clean tiled surface, this beautiful bowl holder can be made to measure for your cat’s favorite dishes. Although there are no specific instructions, this would be a quick and simple make, even for a beginner.
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Cat Bed From an Old Sweater
We bet your feline friend loves to curl up on your sweaters, right? That makes this the best cat bed for them. Reclaim your favorite tops by creating a sweater bed for your cat! This ingenious homemade cat bed is quick and simple to create—use an old sweater you no longer wear or check out a local thrift shop for a little upcycling. And best of all, you don’t need to be an expert in sewing either! This video shows you how it’s done.
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Cat Tree Made from Natural Materials
This DIY cat furniture design takes the idea of a cat tree literally. If your cat loves to loll in on a branch, create her own indoor landscape with this stylish cat tree built from natural materials. It includes branches for climbing, platforms for relaxing, and scratching posts to keep those claws in tip-top shape. Lastly, a swirl of foliage adds to the natural feel.
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Cat Condo from an Old Dresser
Every cat probably secretly wishes they had their own condo, so give them the home of their dreams and convert a dilapidated dresser into a haute home. Remove the lower section of the dresser and hide the litter litter box there, behind curtains. Make a comfy padded sitting place for her to snuggle down.
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Cat Condo with High-Level Cabin
Step up the luxury and treat your cat to this upscale cat combo climber/condo. Beautifully designed to include five levels, your cat will love the carpeted shelves, integrated scratch pad and enclosed cabin for privacy. The high perch is perfect when he wants to watch the world go by.
This cat condo can be made from scrap plywood or MDF. Shown here is white pine for the exterior and Douglas fir for the posts. It’s finished with wood stain and varnish, and makes an ideal weekend project.
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All-in-One Litter Box Cabinet
This a practical piece of DIY cat furniture that solves the problem of the litter box. Hide everything you need inside a stylish cabinet. Build your own cabinet, or adapt a shop-bought one to make things quicker and easier.
There’s a section to hold essential supplies like cat litter and air freshener, and a larger section for the litter box. You can even line the sections with carpet to clean those kitty paws before they tread litter through the house. And don’t forget to drill a few holes for light and ventilation.
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Cat Station From Vintage Secretary Desk
A vintage secretary desk makes another great DIY cat furniture base design for your very own cat condo. Ditch the lower drawers, cut out holes for feeding bowls, and add another bowl at the top for biscuity snacks throughout the day. Keep two drawers for storing essentials like cat toys, and make a padded cushion to fit the upper space. Your cat will love to stretch out in comfort, and you’ve got a stylish condo to match your décor – everybody’s happy!
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Cat Bed in an Old Suitcase
An old suitcase makes an eye-catching bed for your feline friend, and if it’s vintage, so much the better. Create a single bed for one cat, or a double-decker for two. And if you have two cases, why not make a matching bedside table with the other?
A set of old chair legs or detachable furniture legs will support the upper bunk and made-to-measure cushions provide the finishing touch. DIY cat furniture that’s simple and stylish.
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TARDIS Cat Pondo
K-9 was the first time-traveling dog in Doctor Who, but why not make yours the first time-traveling cat with this TARDIS cat condo? Rather like the real TARDIS, this condo hides a bevy of features, including shelves for sitting and a cat hammock. Everything is covered with carpet for an ultra-luxurious finish. You’ll need intermediate DIY skills for this project. In addition to the wood, you’ll also need handles, a key hole and signage. But once you’ve finished, your cat will feel totally out-of-this-world.
FAQs
How do I design cat furniture for old cats?
“Let’s call them seniors! Senior cats might have arthritis, and some may not be energetic; so think of their furniture as a cross between a spa and a retirement home,” says cat expert Stephen Quandt. “Ramps are nice if not too steep, with padding everywhere and places to scratch. Cat caves are also great, and if you line them with felted wool they will keep our senior cats warm. You can even install an electric cat bed into a perch so that your feline friend will have an extra warm place to go.”
How do I design cat furniture for kittens?
“Think ‘summer camp’ for your kid! Lots of things to climb, built-in dangly toys to swat, multiple levels, tunnels and caves,” says Quandt. “Add in a balance beam for gymnastics. The possibilities are endless and only limited by your imagination and available space.”
What materials are best for DIY cat furniture?
“Pine or other soft woods work well for scratching. Corrugated cardboard (particularly if designed as replaceable inserts), sisal rope fiber and carpet are all good materials,” says Quandt.
About the Expert
- Stephen Quandt has over 20 years experience working with cats. He is a Feline Behavior Coordinator at the Animal Care Centers of NYC, one of the largest animal shelters in the US. Previously, he spent 8 years with the APSCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in feline behavior and the Field Investigation and Response Team.
