How to Build a Cat Cave

If your cat has ever stuffed himself into a shoebox to sleep or crawled into an open brown paper bag, you know how much cats like the comfort of small spaces to hide out in. Creating a cat cave for your favorite feline provides him with a comfy and secluded place to sleep. In just a few simple steps, this project provides a cat cave as well as another feline favorite -- the scratching post.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden cable reel with a center section large enough for your cat
  • Reciprocating saw
  • Carpet remnants
  • Utility knife
  • Tape measure
  • Double-sided carpet tape
  • Sisal rope
  • Blanket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your wooden cable reel on a flat surface, with the center section perpendicular to the floor. Using the reciprocating saw, expand the circular spool opening on the top so it is just smaller than the cross sections that form the reel. The opening should be large enough for your cat to get through, as it creates the opening of the cat cave, but it shouldn't be so large that it gives the cubby inside an open feel. The cat wants an enclosure he can get in and out of but otherwise conceals him

    • 2

      Place a piece of the carpet remnant flat on top of the wooden reel. Using the utility knife, carefully cut the piece of carpet to match the top of the reel. Cut out a center opening in the carpet that matches the hole in the top of the reel.

    • 3

      Cut another piece of carpet with the same outer diameter as the first to cover the top part of the base of the reel. Cut out the center of this piece to match the diameter of the middle part of the reel. Cut a line from the outer circle to the inner circle of this piece to allow you to slip it around the center and into place.

    • 4

      Place double-sided carpet tape on the surface of both the top and lower sections of the wooden reel. Place your cut carpet pieces in place and press firmly for a few seconds to secure the carpet.

    • 5

      Cover the center section with double-sided carpet tape. Tightly wrap sisal rope around the center section, pressing it into the tape to secure. Place a small soft blanket inside the center hole and place the kitty cave in an area you desire.