How to Make a Cool Cat Bed

Relaxing and chilling out is what cats do best, so why not make a cool cat bed for your favorite feline? This cool cat bed, made from breathable 100 percent polyester indoor/outdoor fabric, is the perfect alternative when soft and fluffy means hot and stuffy. This bed is the perfect place for hot weather lounging, and is raised to allow air to circulate under the bed. This cool cat bed can be used indoor or out and can be embellished to make it a very cool cat bed. This bed is 19 inches square.

Things You'll Need

  • Drill with a 1 inch drill bit
  • Glue gun with 4 fabric glue sticks
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • 24 #6 by 1/2 inch flat head Phillips wood screws
  • 24 1 inch diameter round felt circles
  • Wood glue
  • 4 round bun feet 2 1/4 inches by 5 inches in diameter
  • 4 dowels 1 inch diameter by 20 inches long
  • 1 yard of indoor outdoor fabric
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Instructions

  1. Materials

    • 1
      Indoor/outdoor fabric is ideal for a pet bed.

      Choose a fabric such as Sun N Shade indoor/outdoor fabric that is breathable and 100 percent polyester. It withstands exposure to sunlight without fading and is resistant to mold and mildew, soil and stains. This fabric is easily cleaned with a mild detergent. Sun N Shade is sold in a multitude of colors and patterns, is heavy duty and perfect for a pet bed.

      The round bun feet and dowels can by sealed and stained for added durability.

    • 2
      This cool cat bed is about 18 to 19 inches square.

      Place the four bun feet on the floor making an 18 to 19 inch square. The upper left foot is A, the upper right foot is B, the lower right foot is C, and the lower left foot is D. Place a dowel on top of A and B, a second dowel on top of B and C, a third dowel on top of C and D, and a fourth dowel on top of D and A. You now have four bun feet with dowels on top of them, making a square.

    • 3
      Drill a hole on two sides of each bun foot.

      Drill two, one inch diameter by one inch deep holes in the sides of each bun foot. Using the wood glue, glue the dowels into the holes maintaining the same diagram as your initial layout. Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours. You should now have the four bun feet with dowels inserted into the sides, making a complete square.

    • 4
      Be sure to use fabric glue sticks in your glue gun.

      Cut a piece of fabric measuring 24 inches by 24 inches. Cut out a semi-circle from each corner and make 1/4 inch cuts around the inside of the semi-circle. Fold the fabric under where you have made the 1/4 inch cuts, and glue down using your glue gun. Lay the fabric on top of your dowels. Fold the excess fabric around and under the dowel until you have the entire bed covered, except for the feet. When you feel you have a good fit, glue the fabric to the dowels using your glue gun.

    • 5
      Be sure to use flat head wood screws.

      Push each of the 24 Phillips wood screws through the center of each felt circle. Place the screws every three inches through the fabric into the dowels. If your cat is particularly heavy, you may want to add a few more screws.