This is my third project with my new sewing machine (the first two being throw pillows and pajama pants). I never bought Boots a bed because cats notoriously sleep wherever they want – in his case, the bed, the couch, the floor, or his favorite chair (formerly my studio chair, but it’s okay, I have two).
But it was getting cold enough for him to actually sleep next to me instead of at the foot of the bed, and I kept seeing him lying next to his toys even when he wasn’t playing with them, like he wanted something of his own. I was probably overthinking due to liking my cat too much because I spend more time with him than with other people. But even if he didn’t like it, I didn’t mind having another just-for-fun project to do.
So I browsed Pinterest for some ideas before making my own pattern. I wanted it to be covered, tent style, so I could stop leaving cardboard boxes in the living room for him to sit in. And I ordered some adorable fabric from a shop on Etsy, because making my own meant I could make it super cute. Also if I’d bought one, I probably would’ve had to look in the dog supplies, because I have a huge cat.
I lined the whole thing with white cotton broadcloth and filled the bottom with a few layers of quilt batting for even thickness. It has a zipper that is actually up-cycled from one of those plastic bags that sheets come in. The “tent poles” are old wire hangers – I made a casing on the seams between the two layers of fabric – and I made a binding around the doorway.
Boots was all over it during the creation process, but once I finished, he played in it for a few minutes and then seemed to lose interest. Until the next day, when he couldn’t go outside because of the rain and decided to sit in his tent bed instead. So we will see if this thing gets any use, but at least it looks better in my living room than a cardboard box.
Here are links to the ideas that inspired me, including a very budget-friendly no-sew version, and some photos of the finished product.
Mini Tent Tutorial This one seems significantly smaller but has detailed instructions.
Pyramid Cat Tent This tutorial is explained simply by the photos.
Puppy Hut (& dog leash) A free project pattern from Bernina.
Cat T-Shirt Tent Basically free and no sewing skills required! Bonus: 26 Hacks for Cat Owners