Your pet is more than just a friend; they’re part of your family. And like any other family member, they need a warm, interesting place to relax, play, and grow. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or hire a contractor to make your home more pet-friendly, which is a good thing. You can make simple, cheap DIY projects that your pet will love with a little creativity, some tools, and some time on the weekends.
This guide has a lot of fun and useful projects you can do at home with your playful dog, curious cat, or small animal like a bunny or guinea pig. These projects are made to be comfortable, safe, and interesting, and they will fit in perfectly with your home décor.
Why Do Your Own Projects
Made just for your pet. Each pet has its own likes and dislikes. A custom project lets you meet their needs, whether your cat likes to perch, your dog needs a warm place to sleep, or your rabbit wants more stimulation.
Affordable and rewarding. It can cost a lot of money to buy high-end pet furniture. You can save money and reuse things you already have by doing DIY projects. Also, it’s nice to make something that your pet uses and enjoys every day.
Better fit in with your home. Store-bought pet gear often stands out or doesn’t match your style. You can make it look cleaner and more intentional by matching the finishes, colors, and materials to your space when you build it yourself.
Make Your Own Multi-Purpose Pet Bed
Good for: Cats and dogs
Level of skill: Beginner
Time: 2 to 3 hours
How it works: Your pets will love having their own little space, and you’ll love having a place to keep their toys, leashes, and grooming tools.
Things:
- A wooden crate or a low shelf unit (like the IKEA Kallax)
- A soft cushion or small mattress
- Bins or baskets for storage
- Paint or stain (optional)
How to make:
- Pick a sturdy base that is low to the ground, like a crate or cube shelf.
- Sand and paint or stain as you like.
- Put soft bedding on top for your pet to sleep on.
- Store toys or gear in the compartments below.
Bonus: Put wheels on the bottom to make it easy to move.
Mountable Cat Shelves or Climbing Wall
Good for: Cats
Skill level: Intermediate
Time: 4–6 hours
Why it works: Cats are good at climbing and watching. They feel safe and like they own the space above them.
Items:
- Wall anchors and screws
- Sisal rope
- Carpet scraps or mats
- Wall brackets and wood planks
How to make:
- Cut the wood to the length you want for the shelves.
- Put carpet on some parts to give you traction and places to rest.
- Use brackets and wall anchors to mount it securely.
- Use sisal rope to wrap around vertical areas to make a scratching post.
Pro tip: Set up shelves in a stair-step pattern to make a way to climb.
DIY Feeding Station
Good for: Medium to large dogs
Level of skill: Intermediate
Time: 3–4 hours
How it works: Elevated feeders help your dog digest food and ease strain on its neck. You can also add hidden storage underneath.
Things Needed:
- A jigsaw or hole saw
- A wooden box or an old cabinet
- Paint or stain
- Two bowls made of stainless steel
How to make:
- Cut and measure holes in the top of your box or cabinet that are the same size as a bowl.
- Sand and finish as you like.
- Put the bowls in and fill them with food and water.
- Use the space below to keep food containers, scoops, or treats.
Small Pet Activity Station
Good for: Ferrets, guinea pigs, and rabbits
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 2–3 hours
Why it works: Small pets do best when they have a lot of different things to do. DIY stations have tunnels, places to chew, and platforms for exploring.
Things:
- Cardboard boxes or wood that hasn’t been treated
- PVC pipes or tunnels
- Zip ties or glue that is safe for pets
- Fleece blankets or mats
How to make:
- Cut holes in boxes for people to get in and out of to make mazes and hideouts.
- Use PVC tunnels to link the boxes.
- Put in steps, ramps, or ledges to make it easier to climb.
- Put fleece on the inside to make it more comfortable and warm.
Safety note: Don’t use paint or glue that could hurt your pet if they chew on it.
Hidden Litter Box
Good for: Cats
Skill level: Intermediate Time: 3–5 hours
How it works: Litter boxes aren’t pretty, but putting them in furniture can make your home look cleaner and more put-together.
Items:
- A small cabinet or bench
- A jigsaw
- Paint or stain
- Holes or mesh for ventilation
How to make:
- Make a hole in the side or back of your cabinet that is big enough for a cat to fit through.
- Take out or change shelves so that a litter box fits.
- Put a mat inside to catch litter that gets away.
- Add mesh or drill holes for air to flow through.
Notes: Put in baking soda packets or charcoal filters that soak up smells.
A Window Perch
Good for: Cats and small dogs
Level of skill: Beginner
Time: 2 hours
Why it works: Pets love to lie in the sun and watch the world go by.
Things:
- A floating shelf or a wooden board
- Brackets
- A cushion or mat that doesn’t slip
- Anchors and screws
How to make:
- Use heavy-duty brackets to put a floating shelf at the level of the window.
- Put a soft pillow or bed on top of it.
- Make sure the shelf can hold your pet’s weight.
Tip for safety: Always check the mounting hardware again, especially if you have a cat that likes to jump around.
DIY Toy Bin
Good for: Any pet
Level of skill: Beginner
Time: 1 hour
Why it works: It keeps your home clean and makes pets want to play.
Things to Bring:
- A basket or crate made of wood
- Stickers or paint
- Optional: wheels and a label for the chalkboard
How to make:
- Write your pet’s name on a crate or paint it.
- Put up a chalkboard sign so you can write down what’s inside.
- Keep balls, stuffed animals, chews, and other things in one neat place.
Bonus for training: Teach your dog to “clean up” by putting toys back in the box.
Last Thoughts: Build with Love and Safety in Mind
You don’t have to make your own pet projects hard to be meaningful. You can make things your pet will use and enjoy for years with just a few simple tools and a free afternoon. These projects will not only make your home look better, but they will also make your pet’s life better and strengthen your bond with them.
Before You Start Building
Always use materials that are safe for pets and not toxic. Stay away from sharp edges, small parts that can come off, or builds that aren’t stable. Make each project fit your pet’s size, personality, and needs.
With these tips in mind, you can make your home a place where pets feel just as loved and cared for as any other family member.
