DIY toy guide

Upcycled Vintage Suitcase Cat Bed

A retro hard-shell suitcase turned into a cosy, characterful cat bed

An old hard-shell suitcase makes a wonderfully snug, walled cat bed — the raised sides give a cat the enclosed, secure feeling it loves, and it looks like a design piece in the corner of a room.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 minutes
Cost
£0–£10 (free if you already have the case)

🧺 You will need

  • One clean, sturdy hard-shell suitcase (a charity-shop or attic find is ideal)
  • A cushion, folded blanket or pet bed insert that fits the base
  • Optional: four small screw-in furniture legs or wooden blocks to raise it off the floor
  • A screwdriver, if you are adding legs
  • A damp cloth and mild disinfectant to clean the case first

🔧 How to make it

  1. Wipe the suitcase inside and out and let it dry fully; air it if it smells musty.
  2. Remove the top half entirely, or keep it attached and prop it fully open against a wall so it cannot fall shut on the cat.
  3. If you want a raised bed, screw four short legs or glue wooden blocks to the underside of the base half.
  4. Drop in a cushion or folded blanket cut or folded to fit the base snugly.
  5. Set it in a quiet, draught-free corner your cat already likes.
  6. Add a favourite toy or a pinch of catnip to the cushion to encourage the first nap.

💡 Tips

Cats are drawn to the walled sides, so a bed made from just the base half is often the most popular. If you keep the lid on, secure it fully open or remove the hinge pins so there is no chance of it closing on your cat. A soft-sided case works too but gives less support.

Safety: Only ever fix the lid fully open or take it off — never leave it able to swing shut. Make sure any added legs are firmly attached so the bed cannot tip, and check an old case for sharp catches, rusty corners or mould before use.

📝 Notes

Cats feel safest resting in a spot with raised sides and a clear view out, which is exactly what a shallow open case provides. It is one of the cheapest 'designer' cat beds you can make and turns a piece of junk into a talking point.

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