[IMAGE] Girl, I am so tired of tripping over that ugly scratching post in the middle of the living room (you know which one).
It completely ruins my neutral themed room. It sticks out like a sore thumb against the gorgeous rug I just bought. And my poor puppy stares at it like it’s an eyesore too. I spend hours making my room cute, only to have my pet gear ruin it.
Don’t even get me started on how much I spent at the pet store on all the cheap plastic junk that my dog destroyed in a week.
Enough is enough. At last I found some really cool projects to make. Some really chic diy cat stuff that fits to your home decor and keeps your cat busy.
#1: Modern Rope Sphere Pet Cave
Prep Time: 15 mins
Active Time: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: Medium
What You’ll Need:
- Large inflated exercise ball
- industrial sisal rope for cat trees
- Clear-drying craft glue
- Square metal framing rods
- Gold or mustard yellow fleece pillow
Instructions:
- Coat your exercise ball with a thin layer of petroleum jelly so the glue doesn’t stick permanently.
- Wrap your industrial sisal rope for cat trees densely around the sphere, leaving a wide circular opening near the front.
- Drench the wrapped rope in clear-drying glue. Let it dry completely for twenty-four hours before gently deflating the inner ball and pulling it out.
- Weld or glue your square metal framing rods together into a sleek cube that snugly houses your new gray sphere.
- Toss that cozy yellow pillow inside to finish the look. Your pup will love curling up here for afternoon naps.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @ajadesigns_
#2: Rolled Cardboard Cat Scratcher
I am always throwing away the Amazon boxes, and I feel as though there has to be a better use for them.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Active Time: 45 mins
Difficulty Level: Easy
What You’ll Need:
- Cardboard boxes
- Utility knife
- Ruler
- Non-toxic glue
- Acrylic paint (optional)
Instructions:
- Slice the cardboard into long, even strips. Make them match the height you want for your scratcher.
- Coat one strip with glue. Start rolling it tightly into a center coil.
- Keep wrapping more strips around the core. Add glue as you go.
- Secure the outer edge and let it dry completely before letting your pup—or your cat—test it out.
If you need more inspiration to revamp your home, these genius ideas are for cool pet projects. This diy cat stuff will save you money and keep the cardboard out of the trash.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @blackbootsandneonlove
#3: Wooden Play Arch with Ribbon Strips
White pom-poms, dark navy ribbons and bright teal fabric strips hang from a wooden dowel, raised on the A-frame side supports.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
What You’ll Need:
- Wooden dowel and two A-frame side stands
- Assorted fabric ribbons in navy and teal
- Pom-pom trim garlands
- Sisal rope for securing the base
Instructions:
- Sand your wooden dowel smooth. Attach the A-frame side supports.
- Cut your fabrics to varying lengths. Tie the ribbons and pom-pom garlands across the top dowel, alternating colors for visual flair.
- Anchor the base with sturdy knots so your pup doesn’t slide it around during playtime.
While you’re out looking for inspiration for another project, we suggest you check out these cool cat furniture DIYs for your living room.
Pro Tip: Double knot the ribbons. Excited pets will yank on them.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @charlestoncrafted
#4: Stringing Up Comfort
fucking boring bitch I swear to god your dog sleeps more then this little tiger
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: Easy
What You’ll Need:
- White wooden lounge frame
- Rust orange macrame cord
- Heavy-duty scissors
- Measuring tape
Instructions:
- Sand and paint your wooden frame white, letting it dry completely on a flat surface.
- Cut uniform lengths of your rust orange cord for the woven hammock base.
- Tie the top rungs securely, working your way down with an even square knot pattern. Keep the tension even so the fabric doesn’t sag too much in the middle.
- Tie off all loose ends tightly along the bottom rail and trim off excess string cleanly.
Let your dog smell the new lounging area before throwing the blanket on it.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @_madebylauri
#5: Sisal Rope Toy Tree
Most people purchase cheap, plastic toys that end up in the trash within the next month. Build something more lasting.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Active Time: 45 mins
Difficulty Level: Easy
What You’ll Need:
- Wood base and T-shaped posts
- Industrial sisal rope for cat trees
- Hot glue gun
- Hanging cat toys with feathers
Instructions:
- Paint your flat wooden base in a bright turquoise finish. Let it dry completely.
- Wrap the vertical post and horizontal T-bar tightly with sisal rope, securing sections with hot glue as you go. Add bright orange pom-poms to the ends.
- Tie various dangling toys from the horizontal bar using natural twine.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @diy.library
#6: A-Frame Scratching Triangle
Building your own cat stuff makes your place look sleek without losing the homemade touch.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Active Time: 45 mins
Difficulty Level: Easy
What You’ll Need:
- 3 pieces of pre-cut plywood
- 1 roll of industrial sisal rope for cat trees
- Wood glue
- Heavy-duty staple gun
Instructions:
- Glue the side panels into the V-groove top plate.
- Secure the wooden base plate.
- Wrap the sisal rope tightly around the angled sides, securing every few rows with staples.
Common Mistake: Don’t leave space between the wraps of the rope. Your dog will probably ignore it, but cats don’t like loose strings.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @buda_pets_shop
#7: The Ultimate Hanging Hammock Side Table
Is your dog always hogging your favourite armchair so you have no room?
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
What You’ll Need:
- Two-tier black metal side table
- Heavy canvas fabric
- Striped webbing straps
- Heavy-duty sewing machine
Instructions:
- Measure the bottom shelf space between the legs of your side table to determine your hammock sizing.
- Cut a rectangle of heavy canvas. Hem all four edges cleanly.
- Attach the striped webbing straps to each corner of the fabric panel using a reinforced X-stitch pattern.
- Tie the straps tightly around the upper shelf supports of the table so the canvas sags nicely.
Give your dog a cozy spot right next to your couch that actually looks stylish.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @crasy_about_diy
#8: Curving Birch Wall Steps
The climbing path is made of pale bent plywood boards and fitted with dark charcoal plush mats.
Prep Time: 1 Hour
Active Time: 2 Hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate
What You’ll Need:
- Birch plywood panels
- Dark charcoal commercial grade faux fur fabric
- Heavy-duty mounting screws
- Wood glue
- Jigsaw
Instructions:
- Cut your birch panels to size using a jigsaw, curving one into a hammock shape and leaving the others flat for steps.
- Sand all edges smooth so your pup doesn’t get splinters if they decide to investigate.
- Securely fasten strong heavy-duty cat wall shelf brackets directly into the wall studs to support the weight safely.
- Wrap and staple the dark charcoal plush mats onto each wooden surface for traction.
- Mount the platforms in a staggered stairway pattern leading up to the curved lounge bed.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @liorce
#9: Mid-Century Modern Litter Box Hider
Sneaky style. Your dog won’t even realize that this is a litter box and neither will your guests!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
What You’ll Need:
- 3/4-inch birch plywood panels
- 4 mid-century modern furniture legs with mounting plates
- Heavy-duty wood glue and finishing nails
- A large hole saw attachment for your drill
Instructions:
- Cut your birch plywood into a simple cube box, leaving the front panel off for now.
- Secure the pieces using wood glue and finishing nails along all inside seams.
- Mark the exact center of the front panel and use your hole saw to cut out a clean circle entryway.
- Attach the front panel to the main cube structure.
- Screw the mounting plates and wooden legs to the bottom four corners.
Pro Tip: Sand every cut edge before you assemble the piece so that it looks store-bought.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @monmagasingeneral
#10: Chunky Knit Hideaway Cave
Most people buy cheap, brightly coloured plastic beds for their dog which clash with their clean living room, but you can solve this instantly with this cute chunky knit cave.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: Moderate
What You’ll Need:
- Extra-thick jumbo chenille yarn in crimson
- Sturdy inner mesh mold
- Large crochet hook
Instructions:
- Make a heavy magic ring using the crimson chenille yarn.
- Crochet in continuous spiral rounds, steadily increasing stitches to shape the dome.
- Leave an open arched doorway near the bottom edge.
- Slip the finished knit shell over your round mesh mold to lock in the sturdy dome.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @petlovede
#11: The Ultimate Boho Macrame Hanging Nest for Your Pup
Prep Time: 15 mins
Active Time: 45 mins
Difficulty Level: Medium
What You’ll Need:
- Natural cotton cord
- Sturdy steel ring
- Plush pet cushion
- Sharp scissors
- Measuring tape
Instructions:
- Secure your steel ring to a stable hook.
- Cut eight long cords and attach them to the ring using lark’s head knots.
- Tie square knots down the cords to form the upper suspension lines.
- Weave a tight diamond net pattern to secure the lower basket bowl.
- Finish with a thick gathering knot and tassel underneath.
- Drop the plush cushion inside. Done!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @rustic_home_handmade
#12: Build a Cardboard Scratch Pad Your Pup Won’t Chew
Have you ever walked into a room and caught your dog trying to steal your cats favorite lounger?
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
What You’ll Need:
- Heavy cardboard boxes
- Utility knife
- Non-toxic wood glue
- Bright orange duct tape
Instructions:
- Slice cardboard into long, uniform strips. Make them match the depth of your frame.
- Coat the inside of an old shoebox lid or low cardboard tray with wood glue.
- Pack the strips tightly side by side inside the tray until it is completely stuffed.
- Wrap the outer edges neatly with orange duct tape for a clean, colorful finish.
Pro Tip: It can be dangerous to leave your homemade scratcher out in the open when your dog is overly curious; otherwise, he or she might think it’s a chew toy.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @thecookiecatcrew
#13: Weave a Hidden Loo Basket
Glossy white subway tiles contrast against warm woven wicker and fresh white roses.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Active Time: 45 mins
Difficulty Level: Easy
What You’ll Need:
- Large woven hamper
- Heavy-duty utility shears
- Standard plastic litter pan
- Extra commercial grade faux fur fabric for lining if desired
Instructions:
- Grab your hamper and find a spot where your dog won’t try to investigate.
- Cut a small arched entryway into the front of the hamper with utility shears. Make sure it’s wide enough for a cat but small enough to keep your dog out.
- Sand down any sharp fibers along the cut edge so paws stay safe.
- Slide the plastic pan right inside the enclosure.
- Style the top with a vase of flowers and a stack of books to hide the secret functionality.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @thestorybookhome
#14: Wall-mounted rope scratcher
How clever! Those little wooden plaques wrapped in twine keep your furniture claws free and look pretty good on the wall.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Active Time: 30 mins
Difficulty Level: Easy
What You’ll Need:
- Wooden plaque with pre-drilled holes
- Industrial sisal rope for cat trees
- Hot glue gun
- Leather cord and wooden beads for hanging
Instructions:
- Secure the end of your sisal rope to the back of the wood plaque with hot glue.
- Wrap the rope tightly around the center of the board, adding a dot of glue every few rotations to keep it secure.
- Thread some colorful yarn in a few spots before finishing the wrap for a pop of color.
- Tie the leather cord through the top holes and hang it on the wall.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @wrafterbuilt
Pro Level Tricks for Your Dream Pet Setup
I know what it’s like to love the look of your living room and hate to see pet furniture in it. If you want to have a custom set up that matches your decor, you will have to build it yourself.
The biggest mistake people make is getting flimsy hardware from the big-box store. Trust me on this one: you will need heavy-duty cat wall shelf brackets and you need to fasten them directly into the wall studs; otherwise, you can expect your drywall to go flying!
When you start wrapping posts for your cats, skip the cheap twine found at the craft store. Sourcing industrial sisal rope to wrap your cat trees will last you ten times longer and your cats will actually use it instead of your favorite velvet accent chair.
Take your time. Make sure the lines are clean. Try to match your wood stain to your existing shelving. This will keep your home looking gorgeous and your pup will get to watch all the good shows. Your cats will have a luxurious playground to enjoy.
Get Crafty For Your Feline
DIY projects always look better than store bought options. Plus I love having my living room clutter free. I grabbed a roll of industrial sisal rope for cat trees. Our cat is a little picky about the posts being nice and scratchy.
While my dog sleeps on the rug, I measure out my cuts. Don’t worry about making it look good. Even a lopsided cardboard scratcher would bring glee to my cat.
Hmmm…Which one of these projects are you tackling first tonight?
Amr Mohsen is a software engineer who traded his keyboard for a leash — at least on weekends. His love for dogs inspired him to share what he learns as a dog owner and enthusiast, bringing a detail-oriented, research-driven perspective to every article he writes. If it’s about dogs, he’s probably already looked it up twice.
