DIY toy guide
No-Sew T-Shirt Cat Tent
A cosy hideaway from an old t-shirt and a wire hanger
Cats crave enclosed, elevated hideouts where they can watch the world unseen. This classic no-sew tent turns a cardboard box, two wire hangers, and an old t-shirt into a snug den — no sewing required.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- 20–30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
🧺 You will need
- 1 old t-shirt (adult size)
- 2 wire coat hangers
- 1 square piece of cardboard (roughly 35–40 cm)
- Tape and safety pins
- Pliers (to bend and blunt the hanger ends)
🔧 How to make it
- Bend each wire hanger into a wide arch. Use pliers to fold or cap any sharp ends so nothing can scratch your cat.
- Cross the two arches to form a dome and tape them together securely at the top.
- Push the four hanger ends through the corners of the cardboard base and bend them flat underneath, taping them down so the frame stands firm.
- Pull the t-shirt over the frame so the neck opening becomes the tent doorway at the front.
- Gather the excess fabric at the back and secure it underneath with safety pins, keeping all pins on the outside, away from your cat.
- Pop a soft blanket inside and place the tent in a quiet, favourite corner.
💡 Tips
A worn t-shirt that already carries your scent makes the tent far more inviting. Place it somewhere your cat already likes to rest, and add a treat or a sprinkle of catnip inside to encourage the first visit.
Safety: The critical safety point is the wire: every cut end must be folded over and blunted or capped so it cannot poke or scratch. Keep all safety pins on the outside of the fabric. Check the frame regularly and retire it if the wire works loose.
📝 Notes
Machine-wash the t-shirt cover as needed and re-fit it over the frame. Inspect the wire join every few weeks.