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DIY Cat Tent Tutorial

When the last week of the month rolls in, I’m always excited to bring you my latest Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION project for you. What is refashion? I like to think of it as a great way to take our cast-off fashion and turn it into something useful for ourselves, our home, or as gifts. You can see how I make a shirt into a sling bag, a bed sheet turned jumper, or sweaters turned dog coat. For today, I’m taking this thrifted t-shirt and turning it into a DIY cat tent for my sweet little Ivan. (You can see his appearances in these past posts).

Thrifted T-Shirt Before | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION series hosted by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Come learn to create for you and your home | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Yes, I have a strong affinity for all animals, so creating for them fits right into my passion. For instance, here are some past projects HERE.

THE BACKSTORY

With all that in mind, let’s get this DIY cat tent complete for our little man. If you aren’t familiar with the story of Ivan that I’ve mainly shared in my free email newsletter, let me fill you in a bit. Back in May, my oldest son was on his way home from work when a little orange ball ran out in front of his car. He stopped so not to hit this “thing”, but then it went under his car.

Mr. I got out to see what it was and found a very, very sick and tiny little orange tabby kitten on… Orange Street. He called me to see if he should bring it home and, of course, I told him yes. My daughter had her district track meet that day, so we only got to see this precious kitten for a second before having to leave. We knew he was hanging on by a thread.

Injured Kitten Receiving Treatment | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Sick Kitten Closeup | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After a visit to the vet the next day, it’s affirmed that Ivan has conjunctivitis, ear infections, ticks, fleas, and dehydrated at 3-weeks old. He was given a slew of meds, and we had strict instructions how to care for him. As you can imagine, all six of my kids and I fell head-over-heels in love. However, I didn’t have enough me to go around to care for him, so I told Isaac that if he wanted to keep him after he healed, he would need to be fully responsible for him.

Ivan and Isaac Collage | DIY Cat Tent | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Ivan has had surgery to remove a large polyp in one nostril and that cleared his ear infection on one side. There is still one polyp in the other nasal passage, but after seeing a specialist an hour away recently, it looks like it can be removed at some point.

Ivan in Sink Playing | DIY Cat Tent | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

GETTING BIG

However, he currently at 8-months old, doesn’t have any infection in that ear. Loula is his mommy and takes care of him incessantly.

Ivan and Loula Napping | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Ten-year-old Lily, on the other hand, misses her days of independence. She would rather only allow either of them near her when she feels like it. This below is a miracle.

Lily and Ivan Napping Together | prodigalpieces.com | #prodigalpieces

SLEEPY IVAN

As I’m sure many of you know, cats sleep up to 16 hours a day. I have surmised I need to get in touch with my cat side. tsk. Wouldn’t that be nice to nap like that? In lieu of the DIY cat tent, here is an example of me finding Ivan all over the house.

Ivan Sleeping in Kitchen Sink | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Ivan Napping in Bathroom Sink | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Funny Ivan, a British Shorthair Tabby Napping | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Male British Short-hair Tabby Cat Sleeping | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

While Ivan loves to nap, he’s also an adorable cuddle bug in juxtaposition to Lily, who is all barn cat (where we got her from). Don’t get me wrong, we love all our animals for their individual personalities that make our family a blessing. At the beginning, we also noticed his markings are unique and find he is a British short-hair tabby. They’re known for their sweet disposition, they don’t talk much, unlike Lily chatterbox, and love to be with you. He is a healing balm for my family who is going through much, just like Loula came at the right time this time last year.

ANOTHER RESCUE

Apparently, the word is getting out we are the cat family because…meet Monty. My daughters found him while walking Loula in September.

Monty the Stray Cat | DIY Cat Tent | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

He was bleeding, emaciated, and terrified. After coming back with food two times a day in the same spot, we soon realized he is not feral, but a fixed old man who just wanted love. We gave him probiotics, a flea pill, and oodles of love. Thankfully, we saw his fur coming in, but winter is bringing in the cold temps. While I tried to find him a home, I built him a cat shelter with a storage tub, foam for insulation, and an opening for him to get in and out.

DIY Cat Condo | DIY Cat Tent | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

We set it up one day and he was interested because we put food in it. However, would he sleep in it? The next morning, before dawn, I walked Loula down to see him. He was not only curled up inside peacefully asleep, but he pulled the blanket over the opening! haha!

Monty Peeking Out of DIY Cat Shelter | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After a hopeless search for a home, my sister agreed to bring him into her heated barn to stay. He is adjusting awesomely, his fur is grown in, and he brings dead prizes to her. She has two cats and a large dog already inside and Monty is happy to have the barn to himself.

CAT TENT TIME

Like you, we like to treat those we love with care and an occasional treat. Ivan can sleep wherever, but why not create a fun spot to let loose, right?

Kitten DIY Cat Tent Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

It only takes about twenty minutes to make, is made of household materials, and will certainly be a hit for your furry friends. If you’d like to make one of your own, here are the steps written out, but the video gives the best visual detail.

Supplies & Materials for DIY Cat Tent by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Tools & Materials
  • large cotton t-shirt (have fun picking one!)
  • sweater (wool is a great one to use as it is very durable and natural)
  • two wire hangers
  • 3 sheets of sturdy cardboard (I used double-wall) – 15″ x 13″ or any shape or size you want
  • hot glue gun/hot glue sticks
  • masking tape or similar
  • scissors
  • wire cutters
  • spray adhesive
  • awl or nail to make holes
  • cellophane paper – if desired
  • yarn & pom-pom makers – if desired

STEP 1

As I mention, I create a video to fully demonstrate how to assemble this tent. However, I am adding very simple steps in text as well.

Blog Video DIY Cat Tent Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

First, you’ll start with your cardboard and wire hangers. Using your spray adhesive, glue two of the cardboard pieces together. Then, use your awl or nail to punch holes in all four corners as video shows. After that, cut the hangers near the hook and then bend them into an arch form leaving about 1 ½” to be bent.

STEP 2

Next, place the hanger ends in the holes you’ve punched and bend inward and glue into place with hot glue. Also, use a bead of glue on the top surface where the hanger protrudes to give it a bit of support. Once you have the hangers in place, pinch them at the apex (top) and use two pieces of masking tape to join them together. When you feel it’s assembled as you like, adhere the last panel of cardboard to the base with hot glue.

STEP 3

Now you are able to add your crinkle. First, unroll about a 3-foot length of cellophane gift wrap and cut it down the center, then cut it to length. This will give you two lengths in which you could make two cat tents. So, save the other for another furry friend. Then, using your spray adhesive and working on the short side of the cellophane, begin attaching it while bunching it up and adhering as you go.

STEP 4

Obviously, any cat will tear that up, so we need to cover it. Grab your sweater (or towel or blanket, etc) and cut a piece to fit the size of the base with a bit of give to overlap the edges of the cardboard. I prefer to use natural fibers, so in this case I’m using a felted wool sweater. If you want to see how to felt or what I’ve used felted wool for in the past, see these past posts.

Next, cut the corners inward at a diagonal about 1 – 1 ½” (depending on your cardboard stack height).  This allows us to go around the wire and connect at the corners. Using your hot glue, adhere the sweater to the sides and join at the corners. The video shows this best.

STEP 5

Last, we can take our t-shirt and stretch it over the frame lining up the neck hole on one end. The rest of the t-shirt is stretched to the bottom where we can trim and adhere with hot glue. What is more, the sleeves can be tucked under as I show, but also do what you like with them. Finally, it’s at this point you can decorate as you like. Ivan loves yarn, so I whipped up a pom-pom garland while enjoying my sunny holiday. Yes, my pic is blurry because I was thoroughly enjoying myself with music on. ahem.

Making Pom-Pom Garland for DIY Cat Tent | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

ENJOY

As you can see in the video as well as below, Ivan is quite the happy camper in his refashioned DIY cat tent.

Kitten Playing with Pom-Pom Garland on DIY Cat Tent by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Cute T-Shirt Cat Tent Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Male Tabby Kitten in DIY Cat Tent with Video Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Not only does he love the hidden spot, but also the crinkly base, and especially the pom-poms. After making the pom-poms, I simply strung them on yarn and attached to the tent with thread anchoring at each corner. He is already tearing it up and I don’t mind as I can make more.

Ivan with his DIY Cat House by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

British Short-Hair Tabby in DIY Cat Tent by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Ivan is officially ready for cabin fever season (winter in Ohio) and entertained…for now.

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

SHARE

So tell me, what do you do to love on your furry friends? Leave some comment below and also pin and share this DIY cat tent tutorial to inspire others as well.

Create a cozy play house for your pet with this DIY cat tent refashioned from a t-shirt | Video Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what I do with this $1 item OVER HERE.

Plywood Table Before | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Until next time!
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While you’re at it, here are more fun DIY projects like this DIY cat house tutorial:

Amazing! Larissa of Prodigal Pieces takes a thrift store shirt to make a refashioned linen jacket. Oh, and check out the linen bloomers! DIY at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #refashion #handmade #diy #style #fashionCreate a spring vignette with these DIY fabric mushrooms from refashioned clothing by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #spring #diy #homedecor

Comments

  1. Sue Carole McCombs says

    You have the most wonderful timing. My daughter and family were adopted last week by a beautiful young cat. They have a dog they recently rescued from Ohio, (we live next door to you in Indiana).
    Anyway, the two pets are besties now and cat cozy is perfect timing for Grandma to join the fun.
    I really enjoy your site and appreciate you sharing your wonderful talents and projects..
    Sue

    • Larissa says

      Aww…that’s simply amazing! I’m so happy for you. We also rescued Monty, an injured adult male from our park down the street, that has a story I shared in my newsletter as well. back in October. I think the word is getting out! haha. Thank you, Sue.

  2. Kathy E. says

    Larissa, you have the sweetest soul! If I were a cat, I’d love to have my own little tent to do my thing. Heck, even as an adult human, I’d love to have one to spend some alone time and get away from all the life noise. We have 2 dogs here that are dearly loved….both rescues that have no interest in each other. They are spoiled with long daily walks and healthy treats, along with love from neighbors and friends. Enjoy your in-between week…my favorite week of the year!

    • Larissa says

      Right? I would love one too. I feel I need that respite too…like move to Mars. Gotta love that extended break, eh?

  3. Joanne H. says

    Very cute idea for repurposing an old T shirt, sweater, and those extra wire hangers. Ivan looks to be in cat heaven in his new tent. Lucky Ivan and all your pets to have such a caring, loving family.
    Wishing you and yours a blessed 2024

    • Larissa says

      Thank you. He’s in it right now as I type and is content as can be. Blessings to you, Joanne.

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