Here’s a new one from IKEA Hacker. It’s an adaptation of the Duktig doll bed for use as a sturdy cat bed, designed especially for a slightly hefty tabby, Titina. Titina’s mom Paola bought two Hedda Rak cushion covers and sewed them to the correct size to make removable, washable covers for the existing doll bedding that comes with the Duktig. And there you have it! A less expensive alternative to the somewhat pricey Bastis Krona cat bed from IKEA. And Titina loves it!
January 29th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
I think this is a case of a good idea and less-than-excellent follow through– poor Titina looks like she is 15 pounds too large for her bed, and I can’t help but think that her face is ravaged with a depressed resignation brought about by humoring her owner!
Her dangling paw, in particular, strikes me as reminiscent of the famous “Limp Hand” associated with dwellers of opium parlors in 19th Century Limehouse– not the kind of undignified posture one associates with such a robust feline, and one, I imagine, that is brought about by this bed’s distinct unsuitability!
January 30th, 2009 at 7:51 am
I believe these photos were taken during some extremely hot weather, hence Titina’s lack of spunk. Paola mentions in her post that she was trying to create a nice cool napping spot for Titina.
January 30th, 2009 at 8:21 am
This is adorable, but I can see my ragdoll kitten Brando spilling out of this in no time!
January 30th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Great idea. I’m off to Ikea right now!
January 30th, 2009 at 8:41 am
I love this idea! We were just at IKEA the other week! Oh well. Next trip!
January 30th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Clever idea for a cat bed, think Titina needs a double size bed. My cats would love this.
January 30th, 2009 at 9:54 am
well I think she looks cute and happy!
January 30th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Oh, I think this is really sweet!Cat’s like to squeeze into spots that are a little too small for them anyway. Titina needs a pillow, though!
January 30th, 2009 at 10:17 am
*Sorry that should be cats, not cat’s
January 30th, 2009 at 11:11 am
I love this Ikea hack!
This is adorable, I don’t know that my cats would use it though.
January 30th, 2009 at 11:30 am
What a great bed for Titina! She looks like a happy kitty here. I’m glad to see someone else out there with a kitty as big as mine. My two big boys are Purrthos (18 lbs, 14 years old, diabetic for the last 5 years), a flame point Tortie Birman, and d’Artagnan, a 16 lb, 13 year old black, white, and brown tabby. They take turns sleeping on the upper corner of my living room loveseat, and I have to say, the backrest cushion really takes a beating. My other two kitties are both girls and much smaller and they tend to vary their sleeping areas more, but my old men like their creature comforts. They would love a bed like this.
January 30th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Adorable and I am definetely taking this idea!!!
January 30th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Titina is GORGEOUS. And I hope she enjoys her nice bed!
February 1st, 2009 at 10:15 pm
wow, …repressed…, unsuitability of a bed b/c of a dangling paw, …dignified posture. You don’t seem to have been around many cats. Titina just seems very relaxed to me, albeit a little too large, even her leg is dangling.
I find my Cornish Rex to be a very dignified breed but Tatia turns into a limp, I mean limp biscuit when she is relaxed. Cats ball up when it’s cool to conserve heat but when it’s warm and they feel secure some let it all hang out, like Titina, my baby Tatia and her late brother Pax. Rock on Titina and kudos to mom!
November 13th, 2009 at 6:19 am
Ha! I did that well over a year ago for my two bengal kittens! We also have created a “jungle gym” of sorts from a real tree top! It is floor to ceiling, and they love it! Widget and Toe-Foo love their adapted Duktig, and we get tons of laughs about our completely literal “cat bed” and “cat tree”! Go fot it moms…..very fun to create bedding ensembles to match any room or season!
February 12th, 2010 at 2:34 am
If it comes with a cusion in suitable size, it would be perfect.
October 12th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
I just bought the duktig bed for my cat yesterday! She jumped right up on it as soon as it was assembled! I’ve bought some cotton batting and really soft fake fur (hot pink!) to make a cushion for the bed. Muffin is on the small side (7 lbs.) so this bed is the perfect size for her!
October 25th, 2010 at 11:43 am
I went and bought one of these for my kitties, and they LOVE it. All of them want to sleep on it, it’s funny watching them steal each other’s place as one gets up to eat or potty. Such a great ‘hack’ and a wonderful use of $20. I have an old American Girl doll bunk bed back at my parents, from when I was growing up. Next time I’m there I’m going to try to snag it and offer than to the cats. I think they’d be glad for the expansion of ‘bed’ seating!!!
January 18th, 2011 at 8:38 am
this is so beautiful, do you think it is sturdy enough to be made into a bunk bed?
March 6th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
thanks for the idea! my 13-pound cat is completely obsessed with his new bed. julia is right that cats like to curl up on beds, so they need less space than you’d think. my cat has never used any other cat bed, but now spends most of his day on this one. i just put down a folded sheet or towel for him to lay on.
October 5th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
OMG I love the Ikea cat bed! I gotta get my foster kitties one of these as the lovely cat tree that I finally broke down and bought them they never use!
June 19th, 2012 at 10:32 am
I actually bought one of these beds years ago……. it was an instant hit!!! I always got strange looks when people couldn’t figure out why I had a doll bed in my house :p buy my kitty was happy