6 DIY Cat Beds from a Basket You can Make Today (with Pictures)
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Cats love to lie around and watch the world go by. They’re fond of baskets, especially laundry baskets, and baskets that barely fit inside. There are several different cat beds you can easily make out of a basket, a few extra materials, and some basic tools.
If you’re the proud pet parent of a cat (or several) and want to pamper them with a DIY cat bed from a basket, don’t click away! We have plans for six of them below, plus some interesting info on why cats like baskets so much.
Top 6 DIY Cat Beds from a Basket
1. Hanging Window Basket Cat Bed
| Materials: | Tray basket, small blanket or pillow, a small piece of thin plywood, two shelf brackets, small wood screws, wall anchors |
| Tools: | Drill, table saw, level, stud finder |
| Difficulty Level: | Medium |
This DIY cat bed from a basket is made from a serving tray basket you could use to serve your significant other breakfast in bed. With a couple of basic tools and thin plywood, you can create a beautiful bed for your cat that sits directly in front of a window so they can see outside! It’s a low-profile bed, so it won’t block your view. Once the DIY cat bed is mounted, you can add a small blanket or flat pillow. It should take between 1 and 2 hours to complete the project, but your cat will thank you for years to come.
2. DIY Cat Bed from a Recycled Basket
| Materials: | Used basket from Goodwill or thrift store, small blanket or pillow |
| Tools: | None |
| Difficulty Level: | Low |
You won’t find an easier DIY cat bed or a better way to make one than this! It involves a trip to your local Goodwill or thrift store to find a cheap, used wicker basket. The basket should be big enough for your cat and in good condition. Once you’ve found a suitable basket, buy it, bring it home, and put a blanket or pillow inside. Voila! You just made a DIY cat bed out of a basket and, even better, recycled it rather than buying something new.
3. DIY Recycled Baby Bassinet Cat Bed
| Materials: | Old baby bassinet, thin blanket or pillow, medium, decorative shelf bracket (optional), small blanket or pillow, wood screws, fender washers, wall anchors, macrame cord |
| Tools: | Drill, stud finder, level |
| Difficulty Level: | Low to Moderate |
There are two methods to hang this adorable, recycled cat bed from a baby bassinet. You can either screw it directly into the wall or hang it from a decorative shelf bracket. If you think your cat would enjoy the extra movement, hanging from the shelf bracket would be better. If not, attaching it directly to the wall would be your best choice. Either way, setting up this attractive, inexpensive DIY cat bed should take between 1 and 2 hours. Once you’re finished, your cat will have a place to relax, and you’ll have an exciting conversation starter.
4. DIY Sweater Bed (Recycled)
| Materials: | Cotton or poly blend stuffing, thread, fabric |
| Tools: | Scissors, needles |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This Recycled DIY Sweater Bed is adorable and easy to create for your feline pal. A cat bed doesn’t have to be difficult to make, and if you’re looking for something simple and inexpensive, this is the right choice for you. You can find old clothing at any thrift shop or in the back of your closet, so you’ll have everything you need in your household.
You can be sure your cat will love curling up in the sweater bed on a cold winter’s day for a much-needed nap.
5. Simple Wicker Basket
| Materials: | Wicker basket |
| Tools: | Electric drill, screws, washers |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Sometimes, you don’t have an entire day to spend crafting a bed for your cat, and a simple design sounds more appealing. That’s where this Simple Wicker Basket comes in. If you’re not used to basket weaving, this one may take a bit of time, but if you’re a pro, this is a simple basket to make.
Two to 5 hours are needed to make this cat basket, but it is worth it when you see the results. Your cat will certainly love it when the job is done.
6. Wall Bed
| Materials: | Wicker basket |
| Tools: | Electric drill, washers, screws |
| Difficulty Level: | Simple |
This wall bed is another simple design that almost anyone can make. As long as you have a wicker basket and an electric drill, you shouldn’t have any issues with the project. The greatest thing about this wicker wall bed is the space it can save you. The bed does double duty as a bed and perch for your cat to get up high and away from the world.
Unlike beds that hang from a cord and swing around, the wall bed is firmly attached to your wall and can be installed in a quiet, low-traffic area in your home. Your cat will surely love having their own personal cubby hole.
Why Should You Make a Cat Bed Out of a Basket?
The best part about making a DIY cat bed out of a basket is that the basket, which is the most crucial part, is already made! All you need to do is decide how to mount it or where to place it, put in a blanket or pillow, and you’re done! Your cat will love having their own little space to curl up, relax or watch the world go by through a window.
As a proud pet parent, you’ll enjoy giving your cat a place to feel safe and happy. You can even use recycled baskets and do your part to be kind to Mother Earth.
Why Do Cats Like Sleeping in Baskets?
If you’re a cat person, you’ve undoubtedly encountered your cat sleeping or relaxing in a basket around your home. Cats are drawn to small spaces innately, making baskets practically perfect. Small spaces make your cat feel more secure and safe. Also, because their soft underbelly is their most vulnerable area, cats sleep curled up in a ball to protect it.
That’s why cats love curling up in a basket, box, crate, or other small space. Often, they don’t even fit inside the basket they choose but squeeze themselves into it anyway! In short, cats like sleeping in baskets because they provide a sense of security, are comfortable, and are a peaceful place to retreat from the world when they need a cat nap!
Final Thoughts
Did you see a DIY cat bed from a basket you liked on today’s list? All the basket cat beds on our list should take very little time and effort and, depending on the plans you choose, should be cost-efficient as well. Even better, they will all look attractive and fit with most home furnishings.
Featured Image Credit: Vlad Thepesh, Shutterstock
