How To Make a Cat Bed From a Basket

Creating a comfortable and stylish bed for your feline friend doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few simple materials and some basic do-it-yourself (DIY) skills, you can transform an ordinary woven basket into a charming cat bed that blends in with your home decor. Jenn Largesse from House One builds a two-level cat den inside a decorative basket in the video above. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how to make your own.

Materials and Tools Needed

To make a cat bed from a basket, you’ll need the following materials and tools:

• Large woven basket (approximately 22 inches x 22 inches x 14 inches)
• 1 inch x 4 inch x 6 foot board
• 1/4 inch x 2 foot x 4 foot plywood
• Wood glue
• 1-inch nails
• Cat bed or cushion (sized to fit inside the basket)
• Blanket or fabric for the top level

• Jigsaw
• Drill with a paddle bit
• Miter saw
• Pencil
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Sanding sponge
• Hammer
• Clamps
• Hot glue gun (optional)

Preparing the Materials for Your Cat Bed

The first step in creating your DIY cat bed is to prepare the basket and cut the plywood pieces that will form the two levels of the cat den.

Place the basket on the plywood and trace its outline with a pencil. Using a jigsaw, carefully cut just inside the marked outline to create a circular piece that will fit snugly inside the basket. Trace this cutout onto another section of plywood and cut a second identical piece. Sand the edges of both plywood circles smooth using a sanding sponge.

To allow your cat easy access between the two levels, take the following steps:

1. On one of the plywood circles (which will be the upper level), use a round object to mark the ends of a 10-inch opening about 2 inches from the edges.
2. Connect the circular ends with straight lines to complete the outline of the opening.
3. Drill a starter hole inside the marked area using a paddle bit.
4. Insert the jigsaw blade into the hole and cut along the marked lines to create the opening.
5. Sand the edges of the opening smooth.

Constructing the Cat Bed’s Internal Structure

With the plywood pieces prepared, you can create the internal structure that will support both levels of the cat bed. Follow these steps:

1. Using a miter saw, cut five pieces of the 1-inch-by-4-inch board to a length approximately 4 inches shorter than the height of your basket.
2. Stand the boards on end and position them evenly around the edge of one plywood circle.
3. Apply wood glue to the top edge of each board.
4. Carefully nail through the plywood and into the boards to secure them in place.
5. Flip the assembly over and repeat the process with the second plywood circle, creating a sturdy two-level structure.

Modifying the Cat Bed Basket

Create an opening in the side of the basket to provide an additional entry point for your cat:

1. Mark an 8-inch square opening near the base of the basket using painter’s tape as a guide.
2. For woven baskets, carefully cut the threads between the coils along the top and bottom of the marked area.
3. Make a single vertical cut in the center of the marked area.
4. Gently fold the resulting flaps inside the basket.
5. Secure the flaps in place using hot glue and clamps, adding a stitch if necessary for extra stability.

Assembling the Cat Bed

Carefully lower the two-level plywood structure into the basket, ensuring the side opening isn’t obstructed by any of the upright boards. Place a soft cat bed or cushion on the lower level to create a cozy napping spot, and add a blanket or piece of fabric to the upper level for comfortable lounging.

Personalizing Your Cat Bed

To make the cat bed more appealing to your feline friend and to match your home decor, consider adding toys or catnip to the bed and choose a basket that complements your interior design style.

Select fabrics and cushions in colors that coordinate with your room’s color scheme. You can personalize the basket by painting or staining it to match your interior decor. Choose non-toxic, pet-safe paints or stains.

Add a few of your cat’s favorite toys to encourage exploration of their new space. Consider sprinkling some catnip on the bedding to attract your cat to their new bed.

Encouraging Your Cat To Use Their New Bed

Some cats might need a little more encouragement to use their new resting space. Place the cat bed in an area that your cat frequently visits and feels comfortable in. Try adding bedding or items that carry the scent of your cat to make the new bed feel familiar. Consider rewarding your cat with treats or affection when they use the new bed to create a positive association.

Cat Bed Maintenance and Care

To keep your DIY cat bed in top condition, regularly vacuum or brush out any accumulated cat hair and wash the removable bedding and blankets as needed. Periodically check that the screws are tight so your furry friend stays safe.

Safety Tips for DIY Projects Involving Pets

Safety should always be a priority—especially when pets are involved. Take the following precautions:

• Ensure construction is sturdy: Verify that the cat bed is stable and all parts are securely fastened to prevent collapses or accidents when your cat uses it.
• Use non-toxic materials: Make sure all materials used are pet-safe. Avoid using paints, glues, or finishes that emit harmful fumes or contain toxic substances.
• Work in a pet-free zone: Ensure your work area is free from pets to avoid any accidents or injuries. Pets may try to play with tools or materials, which can be dangerous.

Considerations for Cats With Special Needs

Not all cats are the same, and some may have specific needs that should be taken into account when designing their resting space. If you have an elderly cat, all entry points and levels should be easily accessible. You might opt for a single-level design to avoid the need for climbing. 

For cats that are easily stressed, add extra soft bedding and consider positioning the bed in a quieter location. If your cat is larger than average, adjust the dimensions of the basket and internal structure to ensure they have ample space to relax.