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DIY Floating Cat Bed

Only one more month until the new year is upon us, can you believe it? It’s the last Tuesday of the month and that means that it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time. Yes, I haven’t done a refashion in a couple of months for many reasons, but I’m back in the saddle today! When out thrifting, I saw this basket and it inspires me to create. How about a DIY floating cat bed?

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

Lidded Thrifted Basket for DIY Floating Cat Bed | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

It’s not much to look at but does have some cool features like this tag, the original label, and signature.

Bless our Home basket by Royce Craft Baskets | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Royce Craft Baskets - Made in the Heart of Ohio | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Royce Craft Baskets Made in the Heart of Ohio

Royce Basket Creator Signature | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Meanwhile, on the inside the basket is well-made and lined with a plastic liner for food storage.

Inside Thrifted Royce Basket | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Now what to do? Let’s roll up our DIY sleeves and get this refashion party started!

REFASHIONING AND RECREATING

First, I take out the liner, remove the label on the lid, and also the leather hinges.

Removing Basket Lid Hinges for DIY Floating Cat Bed | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, once I have the basket disassembled, I fill the lid holes with wood putty, let cure and sand smooth. Do you see it already shaping up for my vision?

Cat Basket on Lid | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After that, I head out to my workshop and dig into my wood stash to grab these pieces.

Scrap Wood for DIY Floating Cat Bed Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

With this stash, my goal is to build three cat steps as well as a wall mount for the DIY floating cat bed. Next, using my miter saw and my jigsaw, I cut pieces and assemble with screws and wood glue. It only took me about an hour and I’m ready to wrap up this part of the project.

Painting DIY Floating Cat Bed Platform Base | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I finish the wood pieces with a stain to match the basket color and then attach the platform to the wall mount. Then, to dress up the stained and patched lid base, I paint it a soft white.

While the paint cures, I use jute twine to wrap around the cat steps. Not only will this give grip and safety to the cats, but also a nice natural touch. I want my pets to live healthy lives, just like m. I use a bit of hot glue to tack it down on the underside and then wrap around tucking in the end, also tacking on the underside.

Wrapping Jute Twine on Floating Cat Step | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Last, for this part, I need to attach the basket to the platform. I cut two pieces of thin wood to attach directly into the supports. This basket ain’t going nowhere.

Attaching Cat Basket Bed to Floating Wall Mount | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STUFFED UP

Finally, it’s time to add comfort to this cat creation and start refashioning. Here is my senior cat, Lily, showing you a thrifted wool sweater that I already felted. Legit, I have a stash of them for using for oh, so many projects you can see HERE.

Thrifted Felted Sweater and Lily the Calico Cat for DIY Floating Cat Bed | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Lily, the calico cat, sleeping | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

If you want to learn how to felt a sweater, it’s super easy. You can see how in my footstool tutorial with video or my DIY wool dryer balls tutorial with video below.

DIY Wool Dryer Balls from Felted Sweater by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I take stuffing and fill up the arms and torso just a bit.

Stuffing Felted Sweater for DIY Cat Bed | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, once stuffed, I tuck it into the basket with the neck folded over and also the sleeves interlocking. I didn’t sew it up because I want to be able to take it out and launder it.

Finished Wool Cat Bed | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Neck Opening of Thrifted Wool Sweater | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Interlocked Sweater Sleeves | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

If you think your cat would do something to it, feel free to grab a needle and thread.

COMFORTING HEIGHTS

At long last, my DIY floating cat bed made from a thrifted basket and sweater is ready for action. Literally, as I just finished putting it up, Ivan comes waltzing in the back yard – haha!

Ivan Cat thinking about floating bed by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

He’s like… “what is thiiissss?’

Ivan the British Short-haired tabby cat looking up at bed | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Hanging on Tabby | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Ivan the Tabby Cat | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

It’s at this point I spam you with cute kitty pictures. {{cheesy smile}} And if you’d like to know Ivan’s rescue story and how we saved him from peril on the streets, you can read it all in his DIY cat tent post.

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

He’s up there and just keeps looking at me like, “Is this for real?” I love it.

Curious Tabby Checking Out DIY Floating Cat Bed by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Within seconds he’s settled in and blinky. If you didn’t know it, a slow blink from a feline means they’re good and you’re good.

Gorgeous British Shorthair Male Tabby Cat in DIY Floating Bed by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Chilled Out Cat in Bed by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

He heard my clicking away on my camera, so he popped up to see… then settled back into one of his random poses.

What's Up Ivan the Tabby Cat | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Cute Tabby Looking Down from Floating Cat Bed by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Cute Tabby, Ivan, Snoozing in DIY Cat Bed by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Orange Tabby Cat in Wool Bed by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

While Ivan helped me stage this set, it’s not his to keep. So, if you’d like to gift this to a furry friend or local cat sanctuary, you can find it and more in my online store.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

SHARE

At the same time, I want to hear from you! I create and share these adventures to inspire YOU. Leave some comment love down below and pin and share to inspire others too.

Create a DIY Floating Cat Bed using a thrifted basket and thrifted wool sweater (no sewing!) | project by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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While you’re at it, here are more pet fun projects like this DIY floating cat bed:

Build a DIY pet food dispenser with these free build plans by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpices.com #prodigalpiecesUpcycle Chair Parts into a DIY Cat Cave by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #cat #pets #home #homedecor

 

Comments

  1. Diana says

    Great job and so clever!

  2. Rebecca - NC says

    That is the most adorable thing I’ve seen in eons!!! What a lucky kitty!! My two would be fighting over territorial rights….. 🤣❤️ You are awesome!!😎 🥰

    • Larissa says

      wahoooo!! 😀 How fun to hear, Rebecca. I had fun building and Ivan had fun helping me stage. I just love creating for littles.

  3. Niki says

    Cool idea! You have had so many creative ideas to do with baskets. I like the color of this one- it is homey and cozy and not orange tone like some get. I’ve been wondering how your kitties and Lula are doing. Ivan looks very strong and healthy now. I happy Thanksgiving and Gods abundant blessings!

    • Larissa says

      Baskets are definitely a purposeful thing I love to work with. My pet crew is doing great and already tired of winter. haha. Thank you, Niki.

  4. Carroll Xavier says

    Love this project (very cool basket!) and the kitty pictures…they’re so good at finding anything new in the house and claiming it as their own 🙂

    • Larissa says

      I just love baskets! ;D This one just spoke to me right away. Yes, they claim EVERYTHING as their own. Thanks for the smile, Carroll.

  5. Julie says

    I was hoping there would pics of Ivan in the bed! Turned out great!

    • Larissa says

      He wouldn’t have it any other way. tee hee. Thanks, Julie!

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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.

~ 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.

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.

~ Stephanie

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

~ Stephanie

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.

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!

~ Mikki

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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!

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!

~ Sharon

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

~ Sharon

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!

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!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

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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