Ever find your feline friend claiming prime real estate on your bedside table, knocking over water glasses, alarm clocks, or your latest read in the process? Or perhaps they prefer burrowing under the bed, emerging covered in dust bunnies? Many cats crave a secure, cozy den near their humans, especially at night. Instead of buying yet another cat bed that might get ignored, why not integrate their sleeping space seamlessly into your bedroom furniture? Creating a DIY cat bedside table hideaway is a fantastic weekend project that satisfies your cat’s need for security and your desire for a tidy, stylish bedroom.
This project isn’t just about giving Whiskers a new nap spot; it’s about clever space utilization and customization. You get to choose the furniture piece, the fabrics, and the finishes, ensuring it perfectly matches your bedroom décor. Plus, repurposing an old or inexpensive bedside table is an environmentally friendly and budget-conscious approach. It transforms a simple piece of furniture into a dual-purpose haven – storage and display for you up top, a snug sanctuary for your cat below.
Choosing Your Base: The Bedside Table
The foundation of your project is, naturally, the bedside table. Not just any table will do. You need something sturdy and appropriately sized, both for your space and your cat. Look for tables with an existing cabinet or a lower shelf area that can be enclosed.
Key considerations include:
- Size: Ensure the internal space is large enough for your cat to comfortably turn around and stretch out a bit. Measure your cat when they’re curled up and add several inches all around. Also, consider the table’s overall footprint – will it fit neatly beside your bed?
- Structure: A table with a pre-existing enclosed cabinet is ideal, as much of the ‘box’ structure is already done. Open-shelf tables work too, but will require adding side panels. Avoid tables made of flimsy particleboard if possible, or be prepared to reinforce them. Solid wood or sturdy MDF are generally better choices.
- Style: Think about your bedroom aesthetic. Do you want a modern, minimalist look, or something more rustic or traditional? Thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces are treasure troves for inexpensive bedside tables ripe for upcycling. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders!
- Ventilation: This is crucial. The enclosed space needs airflow to prevent it from becoming stuffy or too warm. Plan for how you’ll incorporate ventilation – perhaps by leaving a gap at the back, drilling decorative holes, or creating a larger entrance.
Avoid tables with drawers directly beneath the tabletop if you intend to use the space below for the hideaway, unless the drawer section is entirely separate from the lower cabinet area. You need uninterrupted vertical space for kitty comfort.
Gathering Your Supplies
Once you’ve selected the perfect bedside table, it’s time to gather your tools and materials. The exact list will depend on your chosen table and design, but here’s a general rundown:
- Safety Gear: Safety glasses, work gloves, dust mask (especially if sanding or cutting).
- Measuring & Marking Tools: Tape measure, pencil, ruler or straight edge.
- Cutting Tools (if needed): Jigsaw (best for cutting entrances or modifying panels), handsaw, or utility knife for thinner materials.
- Fastening Supplies: Wood screws, L-brackets, wood glue. Maybe a drill with various bits.
- Finishing Supplies: Sandpaper (medium and fine grit), primer, pet-safe paint or sealant, paintbrushes or rollers.
- Fabric & Cushioning: Soft fabric for the interior lining (like fleece, faux fur, or durable cotton), cushion/pillow insert or foam padding, fabric scissors, staple gun or fabric glue.
- Optional Extras: Small tension rod and curtain fabric for a ‘door’, decorative trim, catnip spray.
Important Safety Note: Always ensure any paints, sealants, or glues used are non-toxic and fully cured before allowing your cat access. Cats can be sensitive to fumes, and they might chew on surfaces. Check labels for “pet-safe,” “non-toxic,” or “zero-VOC” options. Allow ample drying and airing time, typically 48-72 hours in a well-ventilated area away from your pet.
The DIY Process: Step-by-Step
1. Preparation and Cleaning
Start by thoroughly cleaning the bedside table, inside and out. Remove any hardware like knobs or hinges if you plan to paint or modify those areas. If the surface is glossy or previously painted, give it a light sanding to help the new primer and paint adhere better. Wipe away all sanding dust with a damp cloth.
2. Planning the Entrance and Modifications
Decide where the entrance for your cat will be. A common choice is the side panel facing away from the bed, or the front if it’s a cabinet door. Measure and mark the opening. A circle or arch shape often looks appealing, but a simple square or rectangle works too. Ensure it’s large enough for your cat to get through easily – consider their widest point (usually their shoulders or hips). If your table has an open shelf, you’ll need to measure and cut side panels (and possibly a back panel) from thin plywood or MDF to enclose the space. Plan how these panels will attach – usually with wood glue and small screws or L-brackets from the inside.
3. Cutting and Sanding (If Necessary)
Carefully cut out the entrance using your jigsaw or saw. Take your time for a clean cut. If you’re adding panels, cut those to size now. After cutting, sand all raw edges smooth. This is important for safety – no splinters for kitty! Sand any other rough spots on the table as well.
4. Assembly (If Adding Panels)
If you added panels, now’s the time to attach them. Apply wood glue to the edges where the new panels meet the existing table structure. Secure them further with small screws or L-brackets from the inside for stability. Ensure everything is square and solid.
5. Painting and Finishing
Apply a coat of primer, especially if you’re painting over a dark color or bare wood. Let it dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once dry, apply your chosen pet-safe paint color. You might need two coats for full coverage. Allow ample drying time between coats. Consider applying a clear, pet-safe topcoat sealant for extra durability and ease of cleaning, especially around the entrance and inside floor. Remember that crucial airing out period!
Verified Tip: To encourage your cat to use the new hideaway, place a familiar blanket or an item of your worn clothing inside initially. The familiar scent can make the new space feel safer and more inviting. Patience is key; some cats take time to adapt to new furniture.
6. Creating the Cozy Interior
Now for the fun part – making it irresistible! Measure the interior floor dimensions. Cut foam padding or select a small pillow insert to fit. Cover the padding or pillow with your chosen soft fabric, securing it either by sewing a simple cover or using fabric glue/staple gun on the underside. Alternatively, you can line the entire interior (floor and walls) with fabric using a staple gun or strong fabric glue for an extra plush feel. Just ensure staples are flush and secure. A simple, washable cat bed or folded blanket placed inside also works perfectly.
7. Optional Door/Curtain
Some cats prefer more privacy. You can easily add a curtain by installing a small tension rod inside the opening and hanging a piece of lightweight fabric from it. Hem the fabric edges for a neater look. Ensure the fabric is easily pushed aside by your cat.
8. Reassembly and Placement
Once everything is completely dry and aired out, reattach any hardware you removed. Place the comfy cushion or bed inside. Position the finished bedside table hideaway next to your bed. Ensure it’s stable and won’t wobble.
Introducing Your Cat to Their New Den
Don’t force your cat inside. Let them discover it on their own terms. You can pique their curiosity by placing a few treats near the entrance or just inside. Use positive reinforcement – praise them or offer a treat when they explore it. As mentioned, familiar scents help. Rubbing a bit of catnip inside can also attract some cats. Be patient; it might take a few days or even weeks for them to fully embrace their new spot. Ensure their other favorite sleeping spots are still available so they don’t feel pressured.
Building a DIY cat bedside table hideaway is more than just a practical solution; it’s an act of love that acknowledges your cat’s needs while enhancing your own living space. It provides them with that essential sense of security, being close to you during the night in their very own safe haven. Plus, you get the satisfaction of having created something unique and functional with your own hands. Happy building, and happy napping to your feline friend!
