Why Your Cat Will Love a Handmade Knitted Bed
Cats can be particular when it comes to where they sleep. As natural burrowers, they love enclosed spaces that make them feel safe and secure. A handmade knitted cat bed provides the perfect cozy spot for your favorite feline. These beds have many advantages over standard cat beds.
The yarn used in knitted cat beds regulates temperature well. The open weave allows for breathability while still providing warmth and insulation for naps. The soft yarn is gentle on your cat’s paws and body, cradling them in comfort. Unlike cardboard or fabric, knitted beds retain their shape and don’t flatten out over time.
Knitted cat beds come in a variety of fun shapes and sizes perfect for any cat. Small round basket beds or couches allow your cat to curl up inside. Beds shaped like caves or hiding spots give your cat a sense of security. Larger beds work well for multiple cats or very big kitties. You can find novelty beds like little sweaters or animal shapes to match your cat’s personality.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best knitted cat bed designs and where to find knitting patterns to make your own. Read on to discover why a handmade knitted bed is the purr-fect place for your cat to lounge.
Cozy Cave Style
Cats love cozy, enclosed spaces that make them feel secure and provide warmth. Cave style knitted beds are designed to appeal to a cat’s natural instincts. These circular beds feature a hood or domed covering, with only one opening as the entrance. The protective top creates a den-like environment that cats find comforting.
Knitters can choose to use chunky, thick yarns which add to the insulation and snugness inside the cave bed. Soft textures like wool or cotton work well. The interior often has a padded or cushy bottom, increasing overall comfort. Popular color choices are earth tones like brown, tan, grey or black that resemble the inside of a real cave. However, bold colors can also make fun and playful cave beds for pets.
These hideaway-style beds are perfect for placing in a corner, underneath furniture or in other cozy nooks around the home. They provide cats with security and the satisfaction of being able to retreat to their own private space. Cave beds are especially great for anxious or shy cats who need a safe spot to curl up in. The protective enclosure and warm interior allow feline friends to truly relax and unwind.
Open Round Beds
Open round beds provide cats with a cozy place to curl up while still allowing them to observe their surroundings. The circular design gives cats just enough privacy without making them feel confined.
These beds are often made of soft yarn or fleece in muted colors like gray, brown, or beige that blend into a home’s decor. Their neutral hues also make it easy to find one that matches your cat’s fur color. For example, a medium grey bed would complement a Russian Blue or British Shorthair. An open round wicker bed in natural undyed cotton would look lovely with a ginger tabby cat.
The openness of a round bed makes it easy for cats to get in and out. Low retaining walls around the edges keep them from rolling off while sleeping. Round beds work well in small spaces since they don’t take up much floor area. And because there are no hard corners or crevices, they can simply be wiped clean as needed.
Cat Couch Designs
Cat couches and sofas are designed to look like miniature human furniture but tailored for feline comfort. They often have higher walls on three sides to make cats feel enclosed and cozy, along with built-in pillows and cushions on the floor. The high-backed cushioned designs provide extra comfort for cats who like to stretch out or get into different lounging positions.
Many cat couches have tiers, steps, or platforms along one side or in the corner to add vertical space for perching. This allows cats to climb to different levels in their napping spot for a varied perspective. The tiered levels can also add hiding spots and nooks that appeal to a cat’s natural instincts.
Cat couches frequently include dangling toys or interactive elements to keep cats entertained. Some have tunnels built into the sides or openings along the bottom for peeking out. The cozy, enclosed spaces allow cats to play or observe while feeling safe and secure.
With patterns like couches, loveseats, sectionals, and ottomans, cat couches mimic full living room sets. They provide felines with their own designated spot to relax in style right alongside their owners. The human-sized designs fit seamlessly into home decor. From floral prints to modern textures, cat couches come in many styles to match different furniture aesthetics.
Novelty Shaped Beds
A fun way to spice up your cat’s sleeping space is with a novelty shaped bed. These beds come in playful designs like animals, vehicles, foods, and more. The novelty shapes add visual interest and mental stimulation for your curious cat.
Animal shaped beds let your cat pretend to be a different creature while they nap. Options include shark beds, dragon beds, hippo beds, and more. Just make sure the shape still allows your cat to curl up comfortably.
For the car-obsessed cat, try a bed made to look like a miniature bus, train, race car, or even airplane. These will satisfy your cat’s inner thrill-seeker. Just be sure the materials are soft and cozy, not plastic or harsh edges.
Food shaped beds like tacos, eggs, and cupcakes make an adorable addition to your cat’s space. They look like human food but maintain a soft, rounded shape for sleeping. These food beds often feature cute, colorful designs.
While shaped beds add fun flair, ensure they remain soft and cozy for sleeping. Look for beds made of soft fabrics like faux fur or fleece. Avoid hard plastics or rigid shapes that prevent natural curling. The interior should be cushioned and the edges rounded for comfort. This allows your cat to relax while enjoying the novelty shape.
With so many novelty shaped beds to choose from, you can find the perfect option to brighten your cat’s napping and keep them entertained. Just maintain the comfort so your cat can sleep soundly, even if their bed looks like a shark’s open mouth!
Hanging Beds
Hanging beds provide a unique cozy perch for cats to lounge and nap. These hanging pod designs suspend from the ceiling, window, or other anchor points via ropes, chains, or straps. The suspended pod forms a cozy cocoon that sways gently as kitty curls up inside for a nap or place to retreat.
Hanging beds come in different styles and sizes. Some feature an enclosed rounded pod for security and privacy, while others have open mesh sides for ventilation and visibility. The pods may be made of soft knitted yarn, sturdy woven fabrics, plastic, wood, or other materials.
Installation is also an important consideration for hanging beds. Some designs have integrated hooks or loops to easily hang from a suitable anchor point like a ceiling beam, wall hook, or sturdy window frame. Other beds may require installing a separate anchor like a ceiling hook, or using hardware like carabiners or chain links to suspend the bed. Proper installation helps keep the bed secure.
Hanging beds are a great option if you have the space and anchor points, as they utilize vertical area and keep the floor space below open. Kitties seem to love snoozing in suspended cocoons as they rock gently and provide a cozy enclosed napping nook up in the air. With the range of styles available, you can find the perfect knitted hanging bed to delight your cat.
Heated Beds
Keeping cats warm and cozy is especially important during colder winter months. Heated cat beds provide a toasty refuge that helps regulate your feline’s body temperature. These beds typically contain an electric heating pad or microwavable insert that generates gentle warmth from below.
Heated beds designed for pets contain thermostats to automatically regulate the interior temperature. This prevents overheating and keeps your cat safe. The coils and wiring are insulated as well. Heated beds only raise your cat’s ambient temperature by a few degrees, but this can make a big difference in comfort.
Look for heated beds made of soft, machine-washable materials like faux shearling or fleece. These will keep your cat cozy while being easy to maintain. Make sure to follow all manufacturer instructions carefully. Don’t allow your cat to chew or scratch the wiring. Providing a heated bed is an ideal way to give your feline friend a warm, soothing place to sleep when it’s cold outside. The gentle heat allows cats to fully relax their muscles for a deeper, more restorative sleep.
Outdoor Beds
For cats that love spending time on the patio or porch, an outdoor cat bed is a must-have. Outdoor beds are designed to withstand the elements while keeping kitty comfortable and cozy.
Look for outdoor beds made of weather-resistant materials like wood, wicker, or vinyl. These materials can handle some rain and snow without getting ruined. Make sure to bring the bed inside if there’s going to be heavy rain or storms.
Elevated outdoor beds allow air to circulate underneath, keeping the bed cooler on hot sunny days. They also prevent dampness from wet ground. Hammock-style hanging beds are another good outdoor option, as they air out well and provide security for kitties who like being up off the ground.
Water-resistant cushions or pillows filled with poly-fill make outdoor beds more comfortable. Avoid beds with foam or feathers, which will get ruined if they get wet. The cushion or pillow can be removed and washed periodically.
Placing your cat’s outdoor bed in a covered spot like under an eave or porch will protect it from the elements. And your kitty will love having their own special spot to relax and watch the birds on your patio or porch!
DIY Knitting Patterns
Knitting your own cat bed is a great way to create a custom bed exactly the way you want. It also allows you to choose fun novelty yarns or makeovers of basic bed shapes. Here are some tips for knitting your own cat bed.
Choose the Right Yarn
When knitting a cat bed, choose a yarn that is soft and durable. Good options include wool, cotton, acrylic, or wool/acrylic blends. Stay away from yarns with long fuzzy threads that can snag on kitty claws. Washable yarn is best for easy care. For extra coziness, try a chunky or boucle yarn.
Size It Right
Measure your cat in a lounging position to determine the right sized bed. Add 4-6 inches beyond their length/width for comfort. For depth, 3-5 inches is sufficient.
Knitting Pattern Ideas
Some classic knitted cat bed designs include:
- Round beds – Knit a basic bowl shape in stockinette stitch. Easy and customizable.
- Cat cave – Knit a flat square then stitch sides together, leaving an opening. Creates a cozy nook.
- Cushions – Knit a simple rectangle then stitch sides to form a pillow bed.
- Rippled beds – Alternate knit/purl stitches to create bumpy texture. Adds visual interest.
Step-by-Step for Beginners
If you’re new to knitting, start with a simple garter stitch pattern. Cast on the number of stitches for your desired width. Knit every row until you reach the length. Bind off. Stitch the sides together and add stuffing to create a cozy cushion. Work slowly, check size periodically, and follow kit directions closely. With practice, you’ll be knitting cute beds in no time!
Add Fun Touches
Customize your knitted cat bed with fun embellishments:
- Pompoms for whimsy
- Tie on jingle bells or crinkle material
- Embroider names or shapes
- Use novelty yarns like fur, eyelash, or glitter
With the right yarn and pattern, you can create the purrfect handmade bed for your feline friend. Knitting is very rewarding and your cat will love their new bed!
Conclusion
Knitted beds provide many benefits for cats and their owners. By allowing cats to fulfill their natural instinct to burrow and nest, a knitted bed can help reduce stress and provide comfort. The cozy, enclosed feeling gives cats security while also keeping them warm.
Throughout this article, we’ve covered various styles of knitted cat beds that cater to different cat preferences. The cave-style and heated beds are ideal for cats who like to burrow and stay extra cozy. Larger couch-style beds work for stretch-out sleeping positions. Novelty and hanging beds add fun while still providing comfort. And outdoor knitted beds let cats relax in the fresh air.
When choosing a knitted bed, consider your cat’s personality and sleeping habits. An anxious cat may prefer an enclosed cave while a adventurous cat wants a hanging bed perch. Adding a knitted bed to your home is an easy way to enhance your cat’s happiness and give them a space of their own. A happy cat leads to a happy home. Knitted beds are a comforting touch that both cats and owners are sure to love.
