There’s nothing like having a pet at home. They bring us joy, companionship, and unconditional love. (Well...OK, maybe cats have some conditions.)
If you’re looking for a way to show the Fidos and felines in your life some extra love, try your hand at one of these DIY projects, which not only create a homey environment for your furry friend, but also may make life a little easier for you!
Natural Cat Tree
Cat trees are a must for any feline owner. They give your cat a great vantage point from which to gaze over his or her kingdom, and they can also serve as a very effective scratching post. Brittany Goldwyn made her own cat tree using real tree branches, and the result is stunning. The grain of the natural wood, accented by a stone-laden base and a touch of faux fur give it a stylish design that would look great in any modern living room.
No-Slip Food Mat
If your fur child has a proclivity for frantic parkour, you know that mealtime can get messy. One great way to prevent this problem is by using a no-slip food mat! Krista at Far From Normal created this one with just a piece of cardboard, a tablecloth, and a non-slip drawer liner. The project is simple, customizable, and will keep food and water where they should be--in your pet’s mouth--instead of all over the floor.
Dog House
Dog houses are not just adorable--they also keep your pooch dry and warm outside when the weather takes a turn for the autumnal. There are so many dog house blueprints online to choose from, and you can really get creative when it comes to colors and accessories. We particularly like this pallet dog house from DIY Craftsy for small to mid-size dogs. The wood stain gives it an elegant look, and it even has a front porch area!
Cat Litter Cabinet
Cat litter boxes may be a necessity, but that doesn’t mean you want to see--or smell--them. The team at HGTV came up with this savvy two-room cabinet design that keeps the box out of sight while still giving kitties plenty of room to do their business. Since this project uses prefabricated cabinets, it’s easy enough for beginner DIY-ers. A hole on the side gives your cat an easy way to get in, while concealing the litter box from view.
Indoor Dog Bed
If your dog prefers to spend more time inside, a cozy, modern bed may be just the ticket. Camille Styles transformed an old pallet into this chic dog bed, and we love how easily it comes together. A pallet bed is big enough for most larger breeds, and she even added wheels to move it around the house. Stencil lettering adds some personality to the project, too! While Camille sewed her own pillows, you can snag some premade ones if you’d prefer. (We won’t tell. ;)
Cat Scratching Post
As any seasoned cat owner will tell you--if you want to keep your furniture intact, you’re going to need a good scratching post. If you want to find a quality post, going the store bought route will cost you a pretty penny. DIYing it, on the other hand, is pretty darn inexpensive--and simple!
Allison from Dream A Little Bigger made her own scratching post using rope, plywood, and an old rug for the base. You can also use PVC pipe as a base, like Steph and Vicki from Mother Daughter Projects. To spice things up, you can even use colored or patterned rope!
Dog Stairs
Mobility issues can make it difficult for dogs--especially older guys and gals--to get on and off beds and couches. Building your own dog stairs gives them a way to get up on the furniture and cuddle with you. We like this one from HGTV because it comes with built-in storage--perfect for extra dog toys! (Or, you know, all those books you’re going to get around to reading...some day.)
Cat Tent
Cats love to get cozy and hide in tight spaces. Constructing a tent for your feline friends will give them a snug hideaway, even if your home, itself, is quite snug! This project from Jessy Ratfink on Instructables shows you how to make a DIY tent using an old t-shirt, cardboard, and wire clothes hangers. (Sounds janky...isn't. 🥳)
Want to make these fun pet DIY projects, but don’t have the tools you need at home?
Sparetoolz makes it easy to rent them from others in your community! Got a full toolbag and want to earn some extra money? Rent them out to your fellow DIYers. We love the sharing economy for you.
