Knowing how to make a cat bed out of a blanket has two benefits.
It helps repurpose and recycle an old blanket, and allows the creation of something that our beloved companions would like.
The process is simple because one only needs to cut a blanket into circles, sew them together, and fill the result with stuffing.
Continue reading to know how to create a cat bed from a blanket that your cat would love, how to get your cat to use the bed, and more!
The Types Of Cat Beds Felines Like
Cats, like their owners, are unique. They have different likes and dislikes when it comes to sleeping places.
Some prefer to sleep high above, some prefer sleeping beside a window, and most seem to like sleeping on their owner’s bed.
Cats base their bed preference on how their owners raised them.
Cats raised in wide environments will be able to sleep anywhere and may prefer open beds (ones with no walls or covers).
In contrast, those raised in closed environments such as cages and pets with anxiety tend to prefer covered sleeping spots.
They may find it cozier to rest in a hooded, closed cat bed.
Helpful Guide On How To Make A Cat Bed Out Of A Blanket (Open Bed)
Step #1. Gather materials
To make a cat bed, you will need:
- A blanket
- Any kind of stuffing (preferably from an old pillow)
- A set of pins
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Needle and thread
You can choose to hand sew or to use a sewing machine.
Step #2. Cut circles off of a blanket
For this step, it’s best to measure your cat’s size.
For an average-sized cat bed, cut two circles with 25-inch diameters off of a blanket.
Step #3. Sew them together
Using a needle and thread or sewing machine, sew the edges of the circles together but leave approximately 5 inches unsewn.
You will use this unsewn opening to put in stuffing later. After sewing, flip the result inside out.
Step #4. Sew a smaller circle in the middle
Measure 5 inches from the edges and trace them to mark a smaller circle in the middle.
Sew the middle of the blanket while following the markings. Again, leave a 5-inch space unsewn.
Step #5. Put stuffing inside the circle
Grab soft material like polyester stuffing or cotton from an old pillow.
Fill the smaller circle with stuffing. Next, stuff the larger circle until it bulges slightly more than the smaller circle.
The larger circle should look as if it’s a donut, while the inner circle stays a bit flatter.
Step #6. Sewing everything into place
Flip the hems of the unsewn opening, and hold them together using pins. Tightly sew the opening.
Step #7. Give it to your feline friend
All that’s left to do is to give it to your furry companion!
Place it near its old bed or where it usually sleeps to see if they will be fond of your creation.
Creating A Closed Cat Bed Using A Blanket
If your cat prefers hooded, closed cat beds, then you can follow the same steps.
The only difference now is the inclusion of a cardboard box.
Pick a big enough cardboard box and cut it to size, accounting for the size of the cat and the cat bed.
Remove the box flaps and create a U-shaped cutout at the front so that the cat could quickly enter.
You can follow the previous steps in creating a cat bed, but you may choose to disregard step #4.
A bulging edge is not necessary for a closed bed because there will be cardboard walls around it.
Place another blanket over the box and allow it to drape over the edges. Carefully place the cat bed in the middle.
If you follow the steps, you will get a cozy, house-like bed for your cat to rest in!
How To Get Your Cat To Like The Cat Bed
Getting cats to like their beds is difficult.
Cats tend to avoid cat beds bought by their owners because such beds smell unpleasant to them.
Cat beds from pet stores smell like factories, which understandably does not denote a comfortable sleeping spot.
For a do-it-yourself cat bed, cats may quickly be fond of sleeping in it because it smells like their owner.
If your cat seems reluctant to use the cat bed, there are some ways to convince them.
Firstly, place the bed in its usual sleeping spot. Doing this would make it easy for the cat to adapt.
If the cat still seems hesitant, try putting something that the cat already owns.
Towels, toys, and other accessories that smell like them will rub off the pet’s scent onto the bed.
Putting treats in and around the bed will also help in convincing the cat to rest in it.
Conclusion
Cats are cute, quirky creatures that may seem picky when it comes to their resting spaces.
This pickiness is a result of how it was raised and the environment it grew up in.
Knowing how to make a cat bed out of a blanket is a great way to give your cat a sleeping space that they will surely be comfortable in.