Arpie's Cat Kuranda House

Hey all ! These are instructions for crafting a “cat house” cover for kuranda beds for our cats at the shelter ! This is just the basic steps and instructions- feel free to modify and make your cat house even spiffier !!

Kuranda Bed Measurements:

Length - 20"

Width - 14.5"

Height - 13"

Why? - It is important to provide a hiding space for cats in the shelter to reduce FAS - Fear, Anxiety, and Stress. These covers fit perfectly over the kuranda beds that we use in our shelter. It provides a safe, private place for kitties to hide when needed, then come out when feeling social! The fun fabrics catch the human eye and attract potential adopters. Fleece is durable and can be washed/reused many many times!

*Cat Models : Tortie - Chunky, Calico - Nugget (my cats)

Black cat - Tony (recently adopted from MCASAC! YAY)

Fleece, thread, scissors or rotary cutter, ruler, marking pen, sewing machine, (You can also sew by hand!)

Use marking pen and scissors or Rotary cutter to Measure and cut your fleece into the following pieces :

(for a 1/2" seam allowance")

1- 21”x15.5” (top)
2 - 21”x14” (front and back)
2- 15.5x14” (sides)

You can use different patterns of fleece to add interest. In mine in the example, I have used a patterned fleece for the front.

You can even sew scrap pieces together, as I have on the front piece of my example (blue Ravenclaw fabric) ! - I had two narrow pieces that I pieced together then cut to the size I needed.

Cut an opening in your front side piece, either a rectangular cut, or a circle cut large enough for a cat to step through, but not too large that it would sacrifice privacy.

Assemble the sides and top.
1. Lay your top piece, front or patterned “good” side facing up.
2. Place your front piece (with the door opening) on top, “good” sides facing each other, line up the long edges and pin/clip together.
3. Sew the pinned/clipped edge using a straight stitch with 1/2” seam allowance. Don’t forget to back stitch at the beginning and ending of each seam!
4. Repeat for remaining 3 sides- attaching them in their corresponding positions, “good” sides facing each other. *At this point you should have all 4 sides sewn to the top piece. (as shown in picture)

5. Sew adjacent sides together.

At this point, you should have a box type shape, with an open bottom

Flip your project so that your finished sides face out.

And you’re done !
You can now Fit it onto a kuranda bed.

Don't worry if your cat house isn't PERFECT. It won't affect the functionality and the kitties will love it either way!

Suggested modifications :

- Add a little extra height ( to your side pieces (1/2" or so) and create a folded/hemmed edge for a cleaner look.

- Add ties in the inside seams to affix securely to the kuranda bed

- Create a flap instead of an opening that can be pulled up to open or left down for additional privacy

- Knit, Crochet, or Sew a little blankie or bed to place inside the house! ~ 21"x16"