I was convinced I’d solved the cat bed problem when I spent a weekend crafting the perfect homemade lap bed for my two cats. They just stared at it like it was a foreign object. It took me months to realize that cats don’t actually want ‘cat beds’ – they want cat spaces. And what I’d built wasn’t a space, it was a trap.
Let me be clear: I’m not talking about the typical cat bed that gets ignored because it’s too small or too big. We’re talking about the kind of homemade lap bed that gets built with good intentions and lots of yarn. The ones that look like they belong in a cozy corner of a fairy tale but somehow make cats act like they’ve been cursed. After three years of working with cats and building countless DIY projects, I’ve learned that there’s more going on than simple stubbornness.
Why DIY Cat Lap Beds Often Fail
When I first started making DIY cat lap beds, I thought I understood feline psychology. I was wrong. Cats aren’t rejecting your homemade creation because they don’t love you – they’re rejecting it because it violates their fundamental spatial needs.
Here’s what I’ve observed:
• Cats prefer enclosed spaces for security, not open platforms
• They don’t want to be "carried" by their humans, they want to control their own territory
• The positioning is usually all wrong – cats like to be elevated but not in a way that makes them feel exposed
Frankly, I think most people assume cats are just being difficult when they’re actually communicating something very specific about their environment preferences.
How I Approach Cat Space Design Now
After years of trial and error, here’s what I actually do now:
- Start with the vertical – Cats need to see their surroundings, so any lap bed needs to be positioned where they can survey the room
- Use materials they naturally prefer – Linen, cotton, or even a well-worn blanket works better than anything I’ve tried
- Keep it simple – A folded towel or blanket on a windowsill works better than any elaborate design
- Consider the escape route – Cats need to be able to jump off easily without feeling trapped
I’ve seen cats literally choose a cardboard box over any of my homemade creations. Not because they’re stupid, but because that box gives them exactly what they need: a secure, elevated spot with easy exit routes.
The Mistakes I Made with DIY Cat Lap Beds
Let me be brutally honest here – I made a lot of mistakes.
First, I built too many "lounge areas" instead of thinking about what cats actually want. They don’t want to be comfortable per se; they want to feel safe and in control. Second, I got too focused on aesthetics. I spent hours on decorative elements that looked great but were completely irrelevant to feline psychology. Third, I never considered the size and proportions – cats want to be able to see out, not be enclosed.
The turning point came when I simply put a soft blanket on the couch and let them decide if they wanted to use it. It took a few weeks, but they eventually started using it. The key was removing the artificial structure and letting them define the space themselves.
What Most People Get Wrong About Cat Spaces
There’s a massive misconception that cats want "beds" or "lounging spots" in the traditional sense. What they really want is a sense of territory and control. This is where most DIY attempts go wrong. People think they’re creating comfort zones, but they’re actually creating "cage-like" structures that trigger stress responses.
Most people also forget that cats have a strong preference for certain textures. They want to feel the familiar scent of their owner’s clothing, or the texture of a worn blanket. They don’t want new, unfamiliar materials that smell like fabric softener or chemicals.
And here’s the kicker: cats don’t necessarily want to "sleep" on your lap. They want to be near you while maintaining their independence. That’s why a blanket draped over the back of a chair often works better than any structured bed.
Choosing the Right Materials and Setup
Based on what I’ve learned, here’s what actually works:
• Material matters: Natural fibers like cotton or linen, or even old t-shirts you’ve washed a dozen times
• Scent preference: Cats respond to familiar scents, so use items that smell like you or your home
• Location is everything: Near windows, high enough to see, but not so high they feel vulnerable
• Don’t overthink it: Simplicity wins every time
I’ve found that a simple folded towel placed strategically on a piece of furniture works better than any elaborate DIY project. The key is making it feel like part of the environment rather than a separate item.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Lap Beds
• Q: Why won’t my cat use a DIY cat bed I made?
A: They’re likely feeling territorial stress or the setup isn’t aligned with their natural spatial needs.
• Q: Should I make the bed bigger or smaller?
A: Smaller is usually better. Cats like to feel secure and enclosed, but not cramped.
• Q: What’s the best material for cat lap beds?
A: Natural fibers like cotton or linen work best. Avoid synthetic materials and anything with strong chemical odors.
• Q: Do cats prefer warm or cool surfaces?
A: They prefer surfaces that match room temperature or are slightly cooler. Heat lamps or heated pads can actually stress them out.
• Q: How can I encourage my cat to use a DIY bed?
A: Place it where they already spend time, use familiar scents, and avoid making it too structured or new.
After years of trying to force cats into my vision of what a perfect lap bed should be, I’ve learned something crucial: cats aren’t trying to be difficult. They’re trying to tell us something about what they actually need.
My advice? Stop trying to build cat beds and start building cat spaces. Use simple, familiar materials. Position them where cats naturally want to be. And most importantly, let them decide whether they want to use it.
If you’re still struggling with this, try this experiment: take an old t-shirt, fold it, and place it on a windowsill. See if your cat shows interest. That’s the real secret to cat comfort – not the design, but the simplicity and familiarity. If you’re still having issues, I’d suggest focusing on what your cat does want rather than what you think they should want.
