DIYs for dogs & cats: The best projects for your home

We want the best for our furry friends, but DIYs for dogs and cats are often the more affordable - and fun - choice. There are plenty of clever DIY pet projects you can try to enrich your pets' lives without breaking the bank. 

DIY cat perch

Give your cat a front-row seat to all the action outside your window by building a simple DIY cat perch. Using wood and some basic carpentry skills, create a wall shelf to extend the width of the windowsill.

Add a cozy Sherpa layer or a custom foam pillow on top so your cat has a comfy place to enjoy the view.

DIY dog nook

If you have an awkwardly sized or unused wall nook under the stairs or elsewhere in your home, some simple upgrades can make it a comfy dog nook.

Don't have a built-in space? Create a nook by using an oversized end-table or crate-style shelving. Add a dog bed and some of your pooch's favorite toys for a cozy and inviting spot for them to relax.

DIY cat tent

Cats love nestling into small, cozy spaces, so what could be better than creating a comfortable hideaway with old T-shirts and other household items? Build a DIY tent for your cat by cutting and re-shaping metal hangers into arches and stretching a T-shirt or other fabric over the top.

DIY dog toy chest

Do you need a dedicated storage space for your dog's many toys? Use old pallet wood or simple wooden crates to make a special box for dog toys. Line the inside with fabric to prevent losing smaller items between the empty slats, and add a cute, custom name plate for the front.

DIY pet prep station

There are plenty of pet crafts for simplifying and organizing your pet's food and drinking spot. Create a DIY food station for food and water bowls to better integrate them into the style of your home.