Crafty cats

You can buy stuff for your cats almost everywhere in Australia. Pet stores, Kmart, Hot Dollar, The reject shop and heaps of other stores sell everything you need for your feline fur baby. However with a little skill and some time you can make some unique stuff yourself.

A pet pillow is a simple project if you have a sewing machine handy.

I used an old doona as the padding encased it in waterproof fabric by overlocking it all the way around, This makes the padded part wipe clean. You can make the pillow as big or as small as you need. Using the inner as a template I cut out two rectangles of fabric slightly larger than the inner to make the cover. Fleece is a good choice because its soft and cosy and does not fray. Put the right sides together and straight stitch around 3 of the edges. Turn your Pillowcase the right way out and fold the open edge 1cm in to create a hem then add press studs or Velcro to create a closure. Voila a pet bed and you can fancy it up anyway you please. I used my embroidery machine to put our logo on, but you could cut a basic cat shape out of another fabric and sew it on or the letters of your cats name.

Here is a fantastic link on how to make your own Scratch post, Ive not been brave enough to attempt this one yet.
http://www.marthastewart.com/919421/making-scratching-post-cats

Use your imagination and the Sky's your limit.I want to make a kitty scratching castle

Now as well as scratching cats love to climb. For the next idea you will need an old bookcase. Not got one? Check out your local free cycle page! This is from   http://www.ikeahackers.net/2010/02/cat-climbing-shelf-in-one-compact-billy.html  You could easily box a shelf in too to give your Kitty a hidey hole.  

Some of the ideas on the net are awesome. I love the concept of wall mounted shelves forming steps and a walkway for cats to climb. I may have to convince the husband we need a cat wall.

One of the best cat makes I have seen is the climb in litter box. A big Lidded storage tub with a hole cut in the lid (and sanded down to prevent injury) then place your standard litter tray in here. If you have a litter digging cat this is awesome no more scattered litter around the box! With the advantage you can disguise the box by painting it no unsightly litter tray and it contains any smells win win.