Make A Cat Tent: Transforming A T-Shirt

Cats love to hide, and a cat tent is a great way to give your feline friend a sense of security. Making a cat tent with a t-shirt is a simple DIY project that will provide your cat with a cosy and stylish hideaway. All you need is a t-shirt, some wire hangers, a piece of cardboard, and something to cut and bend the hangers. You can also add a cushion or bedding to make it extra snug. This tent will be the perfect spot for your cat to snooze the day away.

Gathering the materials: t-shirt, wire hangers, cardboard, etc

To make a cat tent with a t-shirt, you will need a few simple materials. The first is a t-shirt, preferably an old one. An XL t-shirt will work best, but any size will do. If you want to use a new t-shirt, that's fine too!

Next, you will need something to create the tent frame. You can use two wire hangers, or, for a sturdier option, two bamboo garden hoops. If you choose to use wire hangers, you will also need something to cut them with, like a large pair of pliers, and something to poke holes in the cardboard, like a sharp knife.

The third material you will need is cardboard. A square piece of cardboard, approximately 15 x 15 inches, will work best as a base for your tent. If your cardboard has creases in it, you may also want to use tape to reinforce it and add extra stability.

Finally, to make the tent extra cosy, you can add a cushion, cat bedding, or a piece of foam covered with fabric or a pillowcase. Using one of your pillowcases can be a great option, as cats love to be surrounded by their owner's scent.

With these simple materials, you are ready to start crafting your cat tent!

Cutting and shaping the hangers

To make a cat tent using a T-shirt, you will need two wire hangers, which you will need to cut and shape. First, cut off the squiggly ends of the hangers. You can untwist the hangers and then cut, but this is not necessary. Next, straighten out the hangers so that you have two long pieces of wire. Use the ends of the wire to poke a hole in each corner of your cardboard base. The cardboard base should be approximately 15 x 15 inches.

Now it's time to shape the hangers. You want to create two graceful curves that will go from corner to corner of the cardboard base. Shape the hangers so that they form an arch. Tape the middles of the hangers together and stick one end of each through the holes in the cardboard. Secure the taped ends of the hangers to the cardboard with more tape. At this point, you can bend the wire so that it looks neater and use pliers to straighten it out if needed.

Now that the hangers are cut and shaped, you can move on to the next step of pulling the T-shirt over the tent frame.

Creating the tent frame

The first step in creating the tent frame is to gather the necessary materials: a piece of cardboard, two wire hangers, and some tape. The cardboard should ideally be square and around 15 x 15 inches in size. If you don't have a square piece, don't worry—a rectangular piece will also work.

Next, cut the hangers to size by removing the curved hook at the top. Untwist the hangers to create two long pieces of wire. Use a pair of pliers to help with this step if needed. Now, poke a hole in each corner of your cardboard base, making sure to go at least half an inch in from each edge.

Shape the wire into graceful arches that will go from corner to corner of the cardboard. You can use pliers to help bend the wire smoothly and uniformly. Once you're happy with the shape, tape the two arches together securely in the middle, ensuring they are crossed and that all ends touch the surface.

Now, push the ends of the wire through the holes in the cardboard and bend them at a 90-degree angle. Tape these ends down flat against the cardboard, making sure it's nice and smooth so it doesn't snag the shirt when you pull it over. You can also add extra tape to the cardboard edges for stability if needed.

Finally, give the wire frame a once-over, bending and straightening as needed to ensure it looks neat. Your tent frame is now ready for the t-shirt!

Adding the t-shirt to the frame

Now that you have the frame ready, it's time to add the t-shirt to turn it into a cosy tent!

First, slide the t-shirt over the tent frame, making sure the neck hole is at the front and the bottom of the t-shirt is at the back. You can also position the neck hole in the middle and then fold and tighten the bottom of the shirt, securing it with safety pins. Pull the sleeves taut and secure them with pins as well. If you're using a cardboard base, simply pull the shirt over the frame and position the neck hole in the middle, with the bottom of the shirt trailing behind the tent frame.

For a neater look, you can tuck the sleeves in against the box. Alternatively, gather the excess fabric from the sleeves and the bottom of the t-shirt and create a knot on each side of the tent base. Tuck the loose ends of the knot in and around the knot itself to create a sleek, knotted look.

If you're feeling extra crafty, you can even cut a small hole in the back of the tent for your cat's tail to peek out! Just make sure it's not too big, so the tent remains nice and cosy.

And there you have it—a stylish and comfy hideout for your feline friend to enjoy!

Final adjustments and customisations

Now that the basic structure of the cat tent is complete, there are several adjustments and customisations that can be made to ensure your furry friend's comfort and enjoyment. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Cosy lining: To make the tent extra snug, add a soft lining or bedding inside. This could be as simple as placing a cushion, pillow, or blanket inside the tent. You could also cut a piece of foam to fit the dimensions of the tent and cover it with a fun fabric or one of your old pillowcases, as cats love the smell of their owners. This will create a comfortable surface for your cat to lounge on and make the tent feel like a cosy hideaway.
• Stability: If you're concerned about the stability of the tent, consider adding weights or supports to the base. This could be in the form of small weights attached to the corners or a heavier object placed inside, such as a water bottle. Another option is to attach the base to a sturdy surface, such as a piece of cardboard or a flat board, to prevent it from toppling over.
• Entrance customisation: You can customise the entrance of the tent to suit your cat's preferences. If you notice your cat prefers a more enclosed space, you can adjust the neck hole of the shirt to be slightly smaller, providing a cozier feel. Alternatively, if your cat likes to have a wider view of their surroundings, you can cut the shirt's neck hole a bit larger or trim the fabric around the entrance.
• Ventilation: While the tent's structure already provides some ventilation, you can enhance it by adding small holes or cut-outs near the top of the tent. This will improve airflow and ensure your cat doesn't get too warm inside, especially during hot weather. These holes can be decorated with stickers or painted designs to add a whimsical touch.
• Decorative touches: Add some decorative touches to the tent to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Consider tying a ribbon or bow around the tent's entrance or attaching small cat toys or charms to the structure. You could even paint or draw designs directly onto the shirt or add glitter or sequins for a sparkly effect. Get creative and make the tent a stylish addition to your home décor.
• Catnip enhancement: To make the tent even more irresistible to your feline friend, add a touch of catnip inside. Sprinkle a small amount onto the bedding or lining, or place a catnip-filled toy inside to entice your cat to enter and enjoy their new space.

Remember, the customisations are endless, so feel free to get creative and adapt the tent to match your cat's unique personality and preferences.

Frequently asked questions