Recently I've been trying to think of more ways to earn a few bob extra. I love making things and have decided to add to my range of handmade items.

So I've decided on numerous cat related items to start with. I've been making some catnip, Valerian and peppermint toys, but haven't quite finished the 'range' yet, so they will follow soon.

Tonight I have finished the first prototype bed though

What I'd like to know, is if I do go on and make these would you buy one? I'm not asking people to commit right now, I would just like an idea of how many I'm looking at volume wise. I am going to be making them before offering for sale, as I sometimes get stuck for a while unable to do anything due to my disabilities. I'd hate to take orders and not be able to complete them in a timely manner.

The sizes that will be available are:

45cm x 30cm x 5cm (carrier size) £25.00
60cm x 40cm x 15cm (1 adult cat, sprawled out) £35.00
90cm x 50cm x 15cm (2+ adult cats) £45.00

Prices are only a rough idea at the moment. They do look expensive, but you do get a lot for your money

See pictures and descriptions below for an explanation:

First of all I'll start with the inner bed case. This is made of water proof material (incase of accidents!) that is wipe clean. It has a small zip on one end where you can add more filling if desired once the filling starts to compress. This does take a long time though, I'd say perhaps once a year minimum life on the filling you get originally. The filling is polystyrene balls or what you will likely know as the filling for bean bags.

I chose this filling because in winter months it holds the heat well and due to the thickness of the beds there is no worry about your kitty being cold on the floor, unlike most beds I've seen which are really too thin to prevent this in colder weather. Plus kitty moulds into the beans the same way our bottoms do on a big comfy bean bag



Secondly we have the main cover for the bed. It's a hard wearing fabric, the same kind used for school trousers, the kind of material that doesn't crease very easily (sorry, I have totally forgotten what material it actually is ). One end of the bed has a Velcro fastening which make it easier to remove the inner bed for times when you want to wash the cover. It simply slides in and out, no more sweating trying to get a large item through a small opening!


Lastly we have the topper! I have a few different furs available at the moment, though I do intend to expand on colours and patterns when I can get hold of some more good quality stuff. The topper you see below is a Dalmatian pattern and is a short length faux fur. It is fastened to the top of the bed with poppers. This means it can be easily removed to wash and then replaced. Plus it also means you can buy different toppers to suit your mood, decor or just have a spare so you can take one off to wash and have a spare to use in the mean time.


Other furs available to start with are:

Giraffe print. This is a very short faux fur, but lovely and smooth.


Leopard print. Also a very short fur, but equally as soft.


Beige ribbed. This is a short hair (probably about the same length as the Dalmatian fur) and is beautifully soft. For those who aren't keen on animal print.



Here is a finally picture of Tinks testing the merchandise As you can see she is very impressed (actually she is licking her lips after eating the treat that tempted her into position )


I do have ideas for creating a pillow frame around the back and sides, but it needs development to get it right. My hubby also wants to have a go at making a wooden frame for the beds to slot into to add even more class. From what he has described to me, they will look super!

At the moment the basic bed design you see above is what I'm focusing on, with a view to the other bits mentioned being optional extras soon.

So what are your thoughts, are you tempted?

oooh i would be interested certainly!

I'd need a couple though lol, one for billy n miso, and then one for the cats downstairs.

Sadly i dont think i could use them for my fosters as i need to be able to boil wash anything they come into contact with!

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Thanks for replying hun

What appeals to you most if you don't mind me asking

BTW, that's my little fatty in the last pic Though you can't see what I mean when she is sat down, lol.

ok the things that appeal to me:


1 - the small size is perfect for my low wide windowsills.... and the cats love to snooze up there.

2 - washable full covers and wipe clean interiors

3 - the ability to match/coordinate with the decor

4 - able to do a quick change of the toppers for a weekly wash.... i think they should be sold with 2 toppers as standard... one to be washed and one to be worn so to speak!



Can i ask.... will you be making it possible to custom order different sizes? e.g. could i have one that fitted the dogs bedtime crate

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I was thinking of selling them with two covers anyway, so thanks for confirming that one as an idea

I've chosen to do the covers that way because I've bought many beds over the years and it has always been a pain when you get a lovely bed, but can't wash it! Or if you do it goes all out of shape, or disintegrates. Glad you like those points

I would like to do even bigger ones for dogs eventually, but depending on how big you mean I'm not sure at the minute as my table is only little. Though I guess unless you're talking huge it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

hehe not huge, the dogs are a terrier and a crestie, and they sleep in a 30in crate with the door open - they just prefer to be in a den at night, so it actually fits in with similar sizes to your large bed.

you know me though, i'm decorating so i need green or yellow toppers!

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Ahh well that's perfectly manageable and I'm sure I can find some nice yellow or green fluffy stuff for your pooches too

excellent!

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These looks great and very well made. Great work! I would be interested in ordering at least one at some point. Pleased to know that they will come with 2 covers as well.

Will you be able to post the other colours that you think that you will have available at some point?

Tinks is very pretty. Is she a blue cream BSH?

Really good idea Aurelia! I had a sort of foam pad thing that went into my cat carrier, but when I washed it it went completely mishapen, and I couldn't sort it out as the cover wasn't removable. The waterproof inner part is a great idea, as my Annie has a tendency to erm.... have "accidents" in her carrier on journeys to the vet!

Maybe be sliiiightly out of my budget as I'm just a poor student, but I'm sure they would be very popular!