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DIY Cat Cot from Upcycled Headboard Parts

I’m a gal of my word, so I’m coming to you today with the second part of my upcycled headboard project I first showed you a day ago. Call me crazy, but I’m not one to toss perfectly good wood. Even wood that has large slots routed into it. haha. One may think…whaaaat?? Hang with me as I create a DIY cat cot (or dog cot)…a sort of hammock for our furry friends.

Headboard Parts Before Upcycle | prodigalpieces.com

Not only do I love to create for my family and friends of the biped sort, but our family also consists of our pets and animals that we love like family. You can see how I’ve made natural cat toys HERE or an upcycled sweater for my beloved dog, Teddy. So, it makes perfect sense to me to create a cozy spot for my little girl, Lily. You can see her featured in my DIY cat grass using upcycled hyacinth bulb vases in the video below.

Easy & Fun DIY Cat Grass Tutorial Video by Larissa of Proidgal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Or here she is in one of her favorite spots. Notice she has the Garfield pose going on. Yes, Lily, we all feel Mondays.

Calico Cat Napping in Larissa of Prodigal Pieces' house | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #calico #cat

DIY TIME

It’s time to get my build party started. Keep in mind that I’m calling this a cat cot, but you can make this as large (or as small) as your pet needs fit. The options are limitless if you’re willing to try.

TERMS OF USE: If you want to create a pet cot of your own, you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own. 

First, I chop those pieces in half with my miter saw making them about 8″ long.

Cut Bed Post Using Miter Saw | prodigalpieces.com

However, as you can see, the pieces have slots and not equally so. That’s okay. I have a plan to remedy that situation. Next, I dig into my dowel stash for pieces to work as supports. Every good DIYer should have a stash of dowel…I always do! I cut the ¾” dowel into 19″ pieces. Then, to assemble it all, I use my drill with a forstner bit to make coordinating holes in my posts. Here it is in dry fit form.

DIY Cat Cot Assembled with Dry Fit by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Then, to finish it off, I use wood glue and my brad nailer to make it stable and secure. I debated on filling the slots with scrap ply, but I really didn’t need to as this hard maple is sturdy enough to do my job. Especially because I drilled through the entire post so the dowel will act as support as well.

Last, but not least, I dress it up with a fun color of spray paint. It’s the same color I use on my upcycled bar stool.

Spray Painting DIY Cat Cot Green | prodigalpieces.com

NEXT STEPS

I now have my cat cot frame built, but I need to sew up the fabric part. If you’re not into sewing, you can definitely do this with seam tape and a snap machine or similar. They key is to make it fit your frame, whatever size it is. Also, feel free to design this however you like. I’m only sharing what I did that works for me.

STEP 1

First, I measure out a large piece of fabric. My cut is 38″ W x 38″ L. I’m using a denim wash linen, but any heavier fabric would be best (upholstery, canvas, etc).

Cut Piece of Denim Linen Fabric for DIY Cat Cot | prodigalpieces.com

STEP 2

Then, I center the cat cot frame on the square and cut up the corners to the inside edge of each post.

Cutting Fabric for Pet Cot | prodigalpieces.com

Step 3

Additionally, we want to mark the inside as well. I trace the actual post, but also create an arch from dowel to dowel. This marks where I am cutting on the curve.

Cutting Corners of Cat Cot Fabric | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces
Notice I cut up to the mark of the actual post, and not on the curve.

Denim Linen Cat Bed Cot Cutout | prodigalpieces.com

That’s because we need to make different cuts to allow the fabric to bend (or ease) in the proper fashion. I make 5 slits in each corner.

Easing Fabric into Rounded Corner | prodigalpieces.com

With this in mind, I then iron all the edges and corner with a half-inch seam allowance preparing them for sewing. Stitch your edges down and you’re ready for the final steps

STEP 4

Afterward, I need to create the flaps that attach the cot to the frame. I place the cot and frame on the floor with the tops down. Then, I fold my flaps in and under the dowel braces and pin.

Pinning DIY Cat Cot Flaps | prodigalpieces.com

Here is my DIY cat cot with all flaps pinned so you can have a visual.

Pinned and Prepped for Sewing Cot | prodigalpieces.com

STEP 5

Last, we need to make the cot able to hang on the frame. I debated on which to use, hook & loop, buttons, snaps, etc. While I do have a snap machine, I decide to go with hook & loop. Back many years ago, I found a huge stash of all sorts of colors of hook & loop and bought it ALL. haha. I use it all the time, so why not, right? So, I cut it to fit, pin down, and sew it on.

Measuing and Adding Hook & Loop to DIY Cat Cot | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Well..the proof is in the puddin’. See what Lily (aka. diva) thinks of this DIY cat cot I created from my upcycled headboard scraps. tee hee.

 

DIY Cat Cot GIF | prodigalpieces.com

I think we have a winner! Lily is content, even proud of this new spot to beckon us all to do her bidding. She is a riot and I love her.

Adorably Cute Calico Cat on DIY Cat Bed Hammock by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces #prodigalpieces #calico #cat #diy #giftideas

Handmade DIY Denim Cat Cot with Calico Lily by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #cat #handmade #home

Lily’s favorite spots on on rectangular or square things…a piece of cardboard, a table top, a board game, a piece of paper, or even a cloth napkin on the table. I know some cats are drawn to circles, but my girl has the right angle (pun intended)

Pretty White Calico Kitty on DIY Cat Bed by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #cat #bed #home

NAKED COT

Also, here’s the DIY cat cot without my diva girl showing her stuff. My favorite part is that it’s removable for ease of washing.

Handmade DIY Cat Hammock Cot by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #cat #diy

Finished Cat Cot Hammock by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #cat #diy #dog

And, here’s a peek at the bottom for assembly’s sake. Easy-peasy.

Bottom View of DIY Cat Cot with Linen Bed by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #linen #bed #cat #pets #dog

To conclude with a smile, do tell Lily and I what you think of the upcycled bed scrap. There are many ways to go with this even for uses outside of pets. Likewise, feel free to improvise!

Top View of Cat Cot Hammock with a Sweet Calico Cat by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #cat #diy #pet #dog #handmade

Adorable White Calico Cat on Cot by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #pets #furbaby #cat #dog

Not only is this build available in my online shop, but so much more. Come see!

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

In addition, do pin and share my DIY cat cot. With gift-giving a season worth celebrating all year, I’m sure we can make our furry friends happy.

From trashed headboard to DIY Cat Cot Hammock | Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #handmade #cats #cat #pets #dog

By the way, up next is Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time. This damaged wool sweater dress is going to get a new look. See it now HERE!

Wool Dress Before Upcycle by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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Also, more pet fun projects like my DIY cat cot:

Build a Pet Bed with Step-By-Step Plans & Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comHow to Grow Cat Grass (aka. Wheat Grass) for your Cats, Dogs, and YOU. Video tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #pets #cats #dogs #food #health #home #homedecor

 

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    Does your creative mind let you sleep?? ? Another amazing project that even someone as klutzy as I am could do!! ?

    • Larissa says

      hee hee! You made me giggle! I’m sure you can do this because you’re willing, Rebecca. 😉 I think before becoming a blogger I didn’t sleep as well, but now that I can create and share my mind is at ease. Thanks for being here!

  2. Audra says

    Super cute idea! Lily looks very content!

    • Larissa says

      She so cracks me up! She wouldn’t budge off it it. haha.

  3. Kim Banko says

    This is so fantastic! Lilly is one lucky Kitty!

    • Larissa says

      She’s a sweetie, but also demanding. haha. Thanks, Kim!

  4. Denise Zdziennicki says

    Omgosh… I have to send this link to my sister for her 2 cats… they would LOVE it! What a creative brilliant idea Larissa!! XOXO

    • Larissa says

      You’re such a fun gal, Denise! Thank you for supporting me in my DIY adventures. Now to build one my size. hee hee.

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~ Laurel

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

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2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

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I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

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2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

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2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

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Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

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Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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