Suitcase Pet Bed

Intro: Suitcase Pet Bed

In this Instructable I show you to make a cat bed from an old suitcase.

STEP 1: Check Out My Quick Video Tutorial!

In this video I show you how to make the suitcase pet bed.

Along with the video you can follow the (easy) steps below :-) Youtube Video

STEP 2: Gather Your Materials.

For this project I use the following materials:

• An old suitcase (I like the vintage style suitcases but you can use any you like).
• Something to elevate the suitcase. I used some wood poles.
• Varnish for the wood (optional)
• Foam filling for the mattress (you can also use a pillow instead).
  
• Fabric and zipper to sew a sheet. Or if you don't want or can't sew, you can just use a pillow case.

And I used some tools like screwdrivers and pliers, a knife, A sewing machine and a saw.

STEP 3: Remove the Top

I first remove the top.

It depends on your suitcase, but in my case the hinges came loose pretty easy and I was able to pull them out.

You can also keep the top, but make sure it's secured in some way so I won't close when your cat is inside.

STEP 4: Make the Mattress

I get the measurements from the suitcase and cut the mattress in the right size.
So it's fitting nicely into to the suitcase.

STEP 5: Making the Bed Sheet

Next step is going to the sewing machine and make a nice little bed sheet.
I added a zipper so it will be easy to wash it later when the cat used his/her bed.

If you don't have a sewing machine you can also replace the mattress and sheet for a nice fitting pillow and case

STEP 6: Attach the Legs

Get or create 4 legs. You can make them yourself or get them from an old stool or so.

If you're suitcase is not super stiff you can add some plywood to make the bottom a bit stronger.

Screw the legs to the suitcase (and plywood)

To give the legs a bit more of a 'vintage' touch I varnished them.

STEP 7: Fit the Mattress

Not all left to do is for the mattress and look at your result.

STEP 8: Let's See If the Cat Likes It..

That's it :-)

Thank you for checking out my Instructable!

Of course every suitcase is different, but I hope it this tutorial could inspire you to also make something nice for your pet.

Please also check out my youtube channel.

Comments

[boocat]

This is not only clever but absolutely adorable. Thanks for sharing!

[KarenP177]

If you're not using a layer of plywood in the bottom, I would strongly suggest using some fender washers to give the legs some stability and keep the screws from working their way through the suitcase.

I would also suggest putting the zipper in the end of the mattress cover. Be sure to make it the full length of the end. To get the cover over the foam, turn the cover inside out. Then match up the closed end of the cover with the end of the foam and turn the cover right side out as you pull it over the foam, tuck the end of the foam inside the open end, and zip shut!

[Bob-Bee]

Thanks for your addition KarenP177!
I had to do it with materials I had directly available, but a full length zipper in the end of the mattress would've been easier yes ;-)

[srudy]

What an adorable pet bed! Any cat would love it.

[Bob-Bee]

:-) Thank you Srudy

[annfill]

I enjoyed your cool video. Cute cat bed. Thank you.

[Bob-Bee]

Thank you Annfill :-) Glad you enjoyed it!