How to Build an Inexpensive Cat Condo

Kittens often like a soft, enclosed space they can curl up in, sleep in, hide in, take a cat nap. This article explains how to make a simple cat condo out of household items that your kitten will love!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• laundry basket or similar sized container, safe and waterproof
• soft, thick blanket or cushion for bedding
• an unwashed t-shirt
• a cloth (an old table runner is perfect) about 15" wide, and long enough to wrap all the way around the container at least once

1. Obtain a laundry basket or other suitable container with sides higher than the kitten's height lying down, but not so high she can't jump in easily. Arrange the bedding in the bottom and along the sides.

2. Place an unwashed t-shirt or other soft garment that still holds your scent on top of the bedding, to soothe the cat. You can add a small, soft toy in a corner of the bed for her to snuggle. I don't recommend a catnip toy here, because if she becomes excited, she may upset the bed!

3. Drape the cloth or runner across the width of the basket and run it all the way around at least once, overlapping the ends, creating a canopy. Make sure that the bottom of the bed sits firmly on the runner so it won't pull loose when the kitten enters under it. You may wish to anchor the cloth with duct tape if necessary.

4. Show the kitten her new canopied condo!

Tips & Warnings

• Periodically, you'll need to tighten the cloth so it doesn't droop into the bed.
• If the bed is rectangular or oblong, center the runner so the kitten can get in from either end.
• Wash the bedding and t-shirt periodically, but always replace the t-shirt with one you've worn, so the kitten can nap with your scent against her body.
• Be careful that the box allows for plenty of air circulation, and that the bedding doesn't bunch up so the kitten can't breathe.