Looking for a DIY cat house that doubles as stylish home décor? This DIY cat bed tutorial walks you through building a retro, vintage TV-inspired cat house that’s cozy for your cat and cute enough to make your guests want one for their homes. Whether you’re upgrading your pet’s sleeping situation or just need an excuse to use power tools, this project is beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and guaranteed to make your cat mildly appreciative (which is the highest level of cat praise).
What You’ll Need
*this article includes Amazon.com affiliate links to items I used. For full affiliate disclosure please see the bottom of the page.
- 1″ x 12″ x 6′ pine board (~$11)
- 1/8″ x 2′ x 4′ white melamine handy panel (~$12)
- table saw
- mitre saw
- Wood glue
- Brad nails or screws (I went with just glue and clamps)
- Jigsaw (for that retro TV screen cutout)
- Drill + 2″ hole saw bit (for the “channel knobs”)
- Sandpaper
- Wood stain and clear coat
- Soft cushion, old towel, or faux sheepskin for inside
How to Build Your DIY Cat Bed
1. Build the Box
Set your table saw blade so that only ¼” of the blade is above the table surface.
Set your rip fence to ¼”.
Carefully run your 1″ x 12″ board over the blade to create a groove. Repeat on the other side of the board (same face)
Repeat this cut moving your rip fence 1/8″ (the blade width/kerf) at a time so that the blade is cutting more towards the centre of the board. Stop when your melamine fits snugly.
If managing a 6′ board across the blade several times is too cumbersome, you could cut your DIY cat bed pieces first, then create the grooves on smaller pieces. Note: run every board through on both sides before moving the fence or your grooves won’t line up.
On your mitre saw, cut the 6′ board down to
- (2) 12″ lengths
- (2) 18″ lengths
Using wood glue, sandwich one side board between the longer top and bottom board and clamp until dry.
2. Cut the front and back
Cut your white melamine on the table saw, melamine side up. (For even better results apply painters tape to your cut lines before cutting to stop any chipping)
The front and back of your DIY cat house will be 18 ½” wide by 12 ½” – this extra bit accounts for the board tucking into the groove (dado) you’ve already cut.
Test for fit, adjust accordingly, and then glue the backer into place and clamp until dry.
(Ignore the seam on mine – I was using up some scrap melamine from another project.)
3. Cut the “TV Screen”
Mark 2″ in from three sides on the melamine. On the last (short side) mark a line at 3 ½”.
Round the corners by tracing a bowl or quart can of paint.
Drill a hole into the TV cut out section and then use a jigsaw to cut the screen out.
4. Add the Retro Knobs
Use a 2″ hole saw to cut the dials out. I lined up the top off the upper dial with the top of my TV screen cut out and repeated with the bottom of the bottom dial. Find the centre between the top and bottom dial and cut the third 2″ hole. Mine ended up spaced 1″ apart.
- These are NOT decorative
- Cats WILL stick their paws through them
5. Slide in the front
Apply a bit of wood glue to your dado grooves and slide the front of your vintage TV cat bed into place.
If you want to finish the interior of your DIY cat house, now is the time. I was worried the smell would be too off-putting in a small space and might stop the cats from using it, so I left it at bare wood.
Attach the remaining side panel to the box using wood glue and clamp until dry.
6. Add feet
You will have about 12″ of your 6′ board leftover. From this, cut 4 rectangles at whatever size you want. If your DIY cat house will be under a window, cut the legs so that the TV top will be at the same height as the sill. (I have low windows so my legs are 2 ½” high by 3: wide.
To be extra-fancy, I decided to cut an ∼33º angle on each leg.
These too are attached using only wood glue. (It’s ridiculously strong!) You don’t need the 5th leg like you see in the photo – my Otis is extra-sized, so there was a bit of concern about the DIY cat bed being strong enough to hold his weight.
He’s been in it and I can confirm that the 5th leg is overkill even with a 20lb cat.
7. Sand, stain, and seal
Sand everything smooth using 220 grit sandpaper, then apply the stain of your choice or skip and go straight to the clear coat.
8. Add the Cozy DIY Cat Bed Inside
- Insert a plush cushion, old towel, or faux fur
- Watch your cat ignore it for 3–5 business days
Real Talk: Will Your Cat Actually Use It?
Eventually.
After:
- All of the cardboard boxes and paper bags in the house have been thrown out
- The smell of the sealer has faded
- Judging your craftsmanship
- Knocking something expensive off a shelf
- They are sick and tired of the dogs cold nose up their warm little @$$
Then… they’ll move in like they pay rent.
Styling Tips (Because This Isn’t Just a DIY Cat House… It’s a Lifestyle)
- Place near a window for prime bird-watching TV
- Drill two holes in the top and insert cat “stick toys” to act as extra fun and look like antennas
- Add plants nearby for that “Pinterest but make it cat” vibe
- Choose wood tones that match your décor (or pretend they do)
FAQ – People Also Ask
❓ What is the best material for a DIY cat house?
Plywood or solid wood works best for a DIY cat house because it’s sturdy, safe, and holds up to scratching, lounging, and dramatic exits.
❓ How do I make a DIY cat bed comfortable?
Use soft, washable cushions like faux fur or foam inserts. A cozy interior turns your DIY cat bed into a five-star feline resort.
❓ Are DIY cat houses safe for cats?
Yes! As long as edges are sanded smooth, finishes are non-toxic, and there are no loose parts, your DIY cat house is perfectly safe.
❓ Why won’t my cat use their new DIY cat bed?
Because cats.
Give it time, add a blanket that smells like them, or sprinkle a little catnip to speed things up.
❓ Can I customize my DIY cat house design?
Absolutely! Paint it, wallpaper it, add legs, or go full mid-century modern. Your DIY cat house can match your style (even if your cat doesn’t care).
🧡 Final Thoughts
This DIY cat house / DIY cat bed is one of those rare projects that:
- Looks impressive
- Is really pretty simple
- Uses one board (and some melamine)
- Makes your pet slightly happier (huge win) and
- Saves you a TON of money because these things retail for around $60 US!
And honestly?
If your cat ignores it… at least YOU still have a really cute vintage TV.
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