Last updated: August 15, 2026
A DIY cat bed is one of the fastest cat furniture projects you can finish in an afternoon, and you do not need to know how to sew to make one. The two most common approaches are a no-sew bed made from an old sweater or towels, and a simple sewn cushion, and both give you full control over size, filling, and fabric.
This guide covers how to make a cat bed both ways, what stuffing and fabric hold up best to regular use, and the mistakes that lead to a bed your cat ignores after the first day. If your cat already has a bought bed sitting untouched, keep that in mind while you build: even a well-made homemade bed will only get used if it is placed somewhere your cat actually wants to rest.
Quick Answer
How do I make a DIY cat bed?
- The fastest option is a no-sew sweater bed: stuff an old sweater or towel bundle and tie or tuck the opening shut.
- For something more durable, a simple sewn box cushion holds its shape longer and is easier to wash.
- Use washable, breathable fabric and stuffing, and place the finished bed somewhere warm and a little enclosed, which is where most cats prefer to sleep.
Two Easy Ways to Make a DIY Cat Bed
| Method | Skill level | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-sew sweater bed | Beginner | Under 30 minutes | A quick project with materials you already own |
| Sewn box cushion | Beginner to intermediate | 1 to 2 hours | A tidier, more durable, washable result |
How to Make a No-Sew Cat Bed
This is the fastest homemade cat bed you can put together, and it works well as a first project or a quick option while you plan something more permanent.
- Pick a base garment or towel. An old sweater, sweatshirt, or a few stacked towels all work. Choose something soft, washable, and free of buttons, zippers, or anything your cat could chew loose.
- Lay it flat and add stuffing. Fiberfill, an old pillow, or a folded blanket in the center gives the bed its shape and cushioning.
- Gather and tie the opening. If you are using a sweater, gather the sleeves and bottom hem around the stuffing and tie them off, or tuck the fabric under itself to hold everything in place without any stitching.
- Shape the rim. Push the stuffing toward the edges to form a slight rim, which many cats prefer over a flat cushion since it gives them something to lean against.
- Test the shape. Press down in the center to make sure the bed holds a bowl-like shape rather than flattening out completely under weight.
How to Sew a Simple Box Cushion Cat Bed
A sewn version takes longer but holds its shape better over time and is much easier to wash without falling apart.
- Cut two matching fabric panels. Choose a size based on your own cat curled up comfortably, with a bit of extra room rather than a tight fit.
- Add a fabric strip for the sides. This strip becomes the wall of the cushion and is what gives the bed its box shape instead of lying flat like a pillow.
- Sew the side strip to both panels. Stitch around the perimeter, right sides facing in, leaving a gap large enough to turn the whole thing right-side out and add stuffing.
- Turn it right-side out and stuff it. Fiberfill or a repurposed pillow both work well as filling.
- Close the gap. Hand-stitch the opening shut once the bed is filled to your preferred firmness.
- Wash-test the fabric first. If possible, pre-wash your fabric before sewing so the finished bed will not shrink or warp the first time you clean it.
Choosing Stuffing and Fabric That’s Safe and Washable
Fiberfill is the most common and reliable stuffing choice because it is washable, holds its loft, and does not compress into hard lumps as quickly as repurposed materials like old clothing. Fleece and cotton are both comfortable, breathable fabric choices; avoid anything with loose threads, buttons, or trim your cat could chew and swallow.
Wash the removable cover, or the entire bed if it is machine washable, on a regular basis. For care tips that apply to both DIY and store-bought beds, see our guide on how to wash a cat bed.
Making the Bed More Appealing to Your Cat
A well-built bed still goes unused if it does not match how your cat actually likes to rest. Most cats gravitate toward warm, slightly enclosed spots over open, flat ones, which is why a bed with a raised rim tends to get more use than a flat cushion of the same size.
Placement affects this as much as the bed’s shape. A spot near a sunny window, away from foot traffic, and off the cold floor if possible, tends to get used far more often than a bed tucked into a busy hallway. If you already have more than one cat, spacing multiple beds apart rather than stacking them side by side also tends to get better results.
Common Mistakes When Making a DIY Cat Bed
- Making the bed too large, which loses the cozy, enclosed feel many cats prefer.
- Using stuffing that flattens quickly and does not hold its shape after a few uses.
- Skipping a rim or edge, so the bed feels more like a flat mat than somewhere to curl up.
- Placing the finished bed somewhere cold, drafty, or high-traffic instead of a warm, quiet spot.
- Choosing fabric with buttons, zippers, or loose trim that is not safe for a cat to chew on.
When a Store-Bought Bed Makes More Sense
A DIY cat bed is a great low-cost option, but if your cat needs orthopedic support, a heated option, or you would rather skip the project entirely, our guide to choosing a cat bed covers what to look for when buying instead.
If your cat ignores the bed you just built, that is common enough to have its own guide. See why your cat won’t use the bed you bought for troubleshooting steps that apply to homemade beds too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a cat bed without sewing? Yes. A no-sew bed made from an old sweater or stacked towels, stuffed and tied or tucked shut, is a fast option that requires no sewing at all.
What is the best stuffing for a homemade cat bed? Fiberfill is the most reliable choice because it stays washable and holds its loft better than repurposed materials like old clothing or blankets.
How big should a DIY cat bed be? Size it to your own cat curled up comfortably with a little extra room. Most cats prefer a snugger, more enclosed bed over an oversized one.
Can I wash a homemade cat bed in the washing machine? In most cases yes, as long as the fabric and stuffing you used are machine washable. Pre-washing your fabric before sewing helps avoid shrinking later.
Why won’t my cat use the bed I made? Placement matters as much as the bed itself. Try a warmer, quieter, more enclosed spot before assuming the bed itself is the problem.
Is a no-sew or sewn cat bed better? A no-sew bed is faster and needs no special skills, while a sewn box cushion holds its shape longer and is easier to wash repeatedly without falling apart.
The Bottom Line
A no-sew sweater bed gets you a usable DIY cat bed in under half an hour, while a sewn box cushion takes more time but holds up better long term. Either way, washable stuffing and fabric, a slight rim, and a warm, quiet spot to place the finished bed matter more than which method you choose.