Did you know that July 21st is Craft For Local Shelters Day? This is a great—and inexpensive—way to help homeless pets. Of course, you can also make things for your own four-legged buddy. In this article, a local North Suffolk, VA vet lists some great DIY pet furniture ideas.

Cat Beds

There are lots of cute ways to make comfy pet beds. Get a hard-case suitcase or hatbox, prop it open, and dress it up with a coat of paint or varnish. Then, add soft pillows and blankets. This also works with wooden crates and wicker baskets. Another thing you can do is upcycle an end table. If you have the kind with doors, take the doors off, and put a comfy bed inside. To give new life to a table, end table, or coffee table with four legs, turn it upside down, varnish or paint it, and then add bedding to the bottom. Look online for more great ideas.

Rope Toys

To make a rope toy for dogs, take an old tee shirt or towel and cut it into strips. You can use different colored ones for more contrast. Braid the strips together, and then braid the braids together. Presto!

Cat Towers

You can turn an old stepladder into a cat tower in just a few minutes. Add planks to widen out the steps, and then wrap it in carpet or sisal rope. This also works with bookshelves and storage racks. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can make one from scratch out of lumber or PVC pipe.

Sweaters

Children’s sweaters can be upcycled into doggy sweaters for our canine pals. You can also make sweaters into pet beds. Look online for patterns.

Catnip Toy

You can buy catnip inexpensively in bulk, or grow your own. If you like sewing, look up cute patterns for catnip toys online. These are quick and easy to sew! For a simpler method, stuff catnip into a baby sock, and then sew the opening closed. Voila!

Kitty Tent

Did you know that you can make a kitty tent out of an old tee shirt and a wire hangar in just a few minutes? Look online for step-by-step instructions.

Please feel free to call us, your North Suffolk, VA pet hospital, for all of your furry buddy’s veterinary care needs. We are always happy to help!