How to Make a Cat Cave with Old Clothes? A Complete DIY Guide

Learn how to make a cozy DIY cat cave with old clothes in just a few simple steps. Save money, recycle sustainably, and give your cat the perfect hiding spot at home.

Introduction

Cats are natural explorers, comfort seekers, and private loungers. One of the most heartwarming gifts you can give your feline companion is a cozy cat cave — a snug, enclosed space where they can feel safe, warm, and hidden. While many pet stores sell fancy cat caves at high prices, you don’t need to spend much. With just a few old clothes and some creativity, you can easily build a sustainable, eco-friendly, and unique DIY cat cave at home.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Why cats love caves and enclosed spaces
Benefits of making your own cat cave from old clothes
Step-by-step tutorials for different styles of DIY cat caves
Safety tips when using recycled materials
Creative variations to make the cave fun and stylish

By the end, you’ll have everything you need to turn unused clothing into your cat’s new favorite sanctuary.

Why Do Cats Love Cat Caves?

Before diving into the DIY steps, it’s worth understanding why your cat is drawn to hidden spaces like boxes, bags, and caves.

Instinctive Need for Safety
In the wild, cats seek shelter in burrows or caves to avoid predators. Even domesticated cats retain this instinct, feeling secure when they’re hidden.
Warmth and Comfort
Cats love warmth — their ideal ambient temperature is higher than humans’. A fabric-lined cave traps body heat, making it the perfect nap spot.
Privacy and Stress Relief
Cats often retreat when overwhelmed. A cat cave offers solitude where they can recharge without being disturbed by it owner.

Benefits of Making a Cat Cave with Old Clothes

Repurposing clothes into a cat cave has multiple advantages:

Eco-Friendly – You reduce waste and practice upcycling.
Cost-Effective – No need to spend $50–$100 on a store-bought cat bed.
Scent Familiarity – Old clothes carry your smell, making cats feel more bonded and secure.
Customizable – You can adapt the design, size, and softness to suit your cat’s personality.

Materials You’ll Need

The good news is that you probably already have most of the items at home. Here’s a checklist:

Old clothes (sweatshirts, hoodies, sweaters, jeans, or t-shirts)
Cushion, old pillow, or stuffing (from unused bedding)
Wire hangers or cardboard (to create structure, if needed)
Scissors
Needle and thread (or hot glue gun for no-sew methods)
Safety pins or clips (temporary fix for beginners)

Optional:

Fleece blanket scraps for added softness
Catnip to attract your cat
Decorative touches (buttons, fabric patches, ribbons – but avoid choking hazards)

Step-by-Step DIY Cat Cave Tutorials

Here are three easy designs you can try with old clothes.

1. The Hoodie Cat Cave (Quick and Easy)

This is one of the simplest DIY cat caves and takes less than 15 minutes.

Instructions:

Take an old hoodie or sweatshirt.
Place a pillow or cushion inside the body of the hoodie.
Fold the sleeves inward and tuck them under the pillow.
Pull the hood over the pillow to form a cave-like entry.
Place it in your cat’s favorite corner.

Your scent on the hoodie will attract your cat instantly!

👉 Example: Cat cave

2. The Cardboard & Clothes Tunnel Cave

If your cat loves tunnels and crawling through spaces, this method works perfectly.

Instructions:

Get a medium-sized cardboard box.
Cut a round or oval entry hole in one side.
Wrap the box in old sweaters, jeans, or t-shirts for padding. Secure with pins or sewing.
Place a pillow or blanket inside.

Now your cat has a sturdy enclosed hideaway with a soft fabric finish.

3. The Sewn Sweater Igloo Cave

For those comfortable with light sewing, you can make a durable igloo-style cave.

Instructions:

Use a thick old sweater. Cut off the sleeves.
Turn the sweater inside out and stitch the armholes shut.
Insert stuffing or an old pillow to create the base.
Fold the body of the sweater into a dome shape, stitching the edges together so that it forms a rounded igloo with a small entrance.
Line the inside with a fleece blanket.

This creates a long-lasting and machine-washable cat cave.

Safety Tips When Using Old Clothes

While this DIY project is fun and inexpensive, you need to ensure your cat’s safety:

Avoid small items (buttons, zippers, beads) that your cat might chew or swallow.
Check for loose threads — cats can get their claws stuck.
Wash fabrics first to remove perfumes, detergents, or dust.
Ensure stability — caves should not collapse on your cat when they move inside.
Non-toxic glue only if you use adhesives.

Making It More Appealing for Your Cat

Sometimes cats ignore a new bed at first. Here are ways to attract them:

Sprinkle a little catnip inside.
Place the cave near their favorite resting spot.
Add one of their toys or blankets inside for familiarity.
Encourage exploration with treats.

Creative Variations

Want to get more stylish? Try these fun ideas:

Travel Cat Cave – Use an old backpack lined with a sweater for a portable cave.
Double Cave – Use two sweatshirts to make a larger two-entrance cave for multi-cat homes.
Theme Decor – Sew fabric patches shaped like fish, moons, or stars.
Convertible Cave/Bed – Design it so the cave can flatten into a bed when your cat doesn’t feel like hiding.

Why DIY Cat Caves Are Better Than Store-Bought

While store-bought cat caves are attractive, DIY versions have advantages:

Cheaper (almost free)
Eco-friendly (recycle old textiles)
Bonding – Your cat senses your effort and smell
Custom Fit – You can size it exactly for your cat’s body

For comparison, commercial cat caves like felted wool cat caves can cost between $40 and $100.

Conclusion: A Cozy Hideaway for Your Cat, Made with Love

Cats love enclosed spaces, and a cat cave made from old clothes is the perfect blend of comfort, sustainability, and creativity. By repurposing what you already have, you give your furry friend a warm retreat without spending money — and without contributing to textile waste.

Whether you try the quick hoodie version, the cardboard cave, or a more advanced sweater igloo, your cat will appreciate the thought and warmth behind it.

So, grab that unused hoodie or sweater and start building today — your cat will soon have a favorite new spot for napping, hiding, and feeling safe.

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