DIY toy guide

No-Sew Fleece Cave Bed

A cosy hooded den knotted together from fleece and an old cushion — no sewing needed

Two layers of fleece knotted around a cushion, with a soft arch left open at the front, make a snug covered cave where a cat can hide, warm up and feel safely enclosed.

Difficulty
Medium
Time
30 minutes
Cost
Low

🧺 You will need

  • Two squares of soft fleece, about 50 cm across
  • An old cushion or folded towel for the base
  • Scissors
  • A little polyester stuffing or another towel (optional)

🔧 How to make it

  1. Lay one fleece square down as the base and place the cushion in the centre.
  2. Lay the second square on top, sandwiching the cushion between the two layers.
  3. Cut short fringes around all four edges through both layers, then tie each pair of fringes together to seal the sides.
  4. Leave one side mostly untied to form a soft, open doorway into the den.
  5. Gently shape the top layer into a low arch so the entrance stays open and inviting.

💡 Tips

  • Choose a fleece colour that hides fur so the bed looks tidy for longer.
  • Pop a worn t-shirt that smells of you inside to help a nervous cat settle.
  • Place the cave in a quiet corner or up on a shelf where your cat already likes to retreat.
Safety: Keep the knots snug but trim any long loose tails of fleece a cat could chew off and swallow, and check the ties now and then for wear. Wash the whole thing on a gentle cycle to keep it fresh.

📝 Notes

Machine-washable and endlessly re-tie-able, this den gives shy or cold-prone cats a warm bolt-hole and rescues an old cushion from the bin.