The Benefits of Using Pet Felt Rolls for Creating Custom Beds, Cat Scratchers, and More

The Benefits of Pet Felt Rolls

Pet felt rolls have become an increasingly popular choice for pet owners looking to provide their furry friends with a comfortable, durable, and stylish place to lounge around the house. As more people discover the advantages of pet felt rolls, these versatile products continue to grow in popularity.

What Are Pet Felt Rolls?

Pet felt rolls are made using high-quality felt that is woven to create a thick, cushiony texture. These rolls come in a variety of colors and can be cut to custom sizes and shapes. Pet felt is soft yet durable, making it the ideal material for creating cozy pet beds, mats, cat scratchers, and an array of other pet-related accessories.

Why Choose Pet Felt Rolls?

There are many reasons why pet felt rolls make an excellent choice for pet owners:

• Durability - Pet felt is designed to stand up to regular use, with a tightly woven construction that resists pulling, tearing and fraying.
• Easy to Clean - Pet felt can be easily spot cleaned as needed to remove hair, dirt, and other messes.
• Customization - Rolls can be cut to any dimensions, allowing for endless design possibilities.
• Comfort - The cushy texture of felt provides pets a soft, comfortable surface for lounging and sleeping.
• Stylish - Pet felt comes in fun colors like bright green, bold magenta, soothing blue, etc. It can match any décor.
• Affordability – Felt rolls offer yards of material at a budget-friendly price point.

Creating Custom Pet Felt Beds

One of the most popular uses for pet felt rolls is fashioning custom-sized pet beds. Pet felt makes an ideal bedding material for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other household critters. It’s a smart choice for lining wire cages and kennels to provide small animals a warm, gentle surface to rest on.

Tips for Sewing Pet Beds

To fashion the perfect pet bed, start by taking measurements so you can cut the felt to the proper proportions. Keep in mind your pet’s sleeping preferences as some like tight cocoons while others like stretching out.

For a basic oval bed, cut two equal oval pieces for the top and bottom, then take long strips for the sides. Sew the strips together first using tight overcasting stitches so the filling doesn’t poke out. Next, attach this cylindrical side piece to the bottom oval base. Finally, sew the top oval piece to the sides, leaving an opening just large enough to insert batting.

Use polyfill, wool, or EVEN recycled fabric scraps as a stuffing material. This adds thickness and padding. For cats that enjoy scratching, add a layer of catnip inside!

Whatever size or style you choose, be sure to check on your pet’s progress with their new bed often. You may have to adjust the dimensions as they grow. And prepare to make more when their furry friends smell a cozy new place to congregate!

Crafting Pet Felt Cat Scratchers

Another great way to put pet felt rolls to use is by transforming them into DIY cat scratchers. These provide cats an acceptable place to satisfy their instinct to claw. Saving your furnishings by redirecting those natural scratching urges.

Designing Homemade Cat Scratchers

When planning your pet felt cat scratcher design, opt for a simple shape without too many nooks or crannies, as cats prefer unencumbered surfaces for stretching and scratching. An easy way to start is by purchasing a wooden frame or base from a craft store. Then staple strips of felt fabric to the top going in alternating directions to form peaks and valleys.

Another approach is to take a piece of particle board or plywood and fully cover it with pet felt fabric on both sides. Cut slits partway across the surface to form scratchable tongues. Finish off with some catnip in the crevices to help attract curious felines. Place over a rug or carpet remnant to prevent slipping.

You can make these as small or large as desired to fit your space. Leaning upright designs are popular since cats enjoy stretching upwards. Multi-level scratchers also give cats variety. Top off your new cat scratcher with some cat toys like feathers or pom poms for even more enticement.

Tips for Long-Lasting Cat Scratchers

While pet felt is quite hardy, cat nails can eventually catch and pull the fabric loose. Here are some tips to get the most mileage from your DIY cat scratcher:

• Use tightly woven felt without loose fibers
• Check edges regularly for tears and re-staple as needed
• Layer multiple pieces of felt on high-wear areas
• Rotate to evenly distribute scratching activity
• Replace felt once heavily frayed or shredded

With regular maintenance, pet felt cat scratchers can last upwards of 2 years! Not bad considering most commercial cardboard scratchers need replacing every few months. Give pet felt rolls a try for furnishing cat scratchers that match your décor perfectly.

More Creative Uses for Pet Felt

From pet beds and cat scratchers to hall runners and cage liners, the possibilities are endless for these versatile pet felt rolls!

If you have small critters like hamsters or rabbits, use pet felt to create cozy burrowing tunnels and nesting boxes. You can easily spot clean as needed.

Protect wood floors from water spills, food scattering, and litter tracking by cutting pieces of felt to place under bowls, mats, and litter boxes. Layer for added thickness.

Prevent feline acrobatics by applying shelf liners and anti-slip pads made from pet felt to discourage walking on kitchen counters, mantles, bookcases, etc.

You can even craft playful pet toys like felt mice, balls, and crinkle tunnels. Hide treats inside and watch your furry friends pounce and play the day away!

Where to Buy Pet Felt Rolls

Pet felt rolls come in standard widths of 36 inches, though some retailers offer narrower 18 or 24 inch rolls too. Popular felt colors like brown, grey, blue, and red make it easy to match your home’s color scheme. Prices range from $15-$50 depending on the dimensions and quality.

Big box craft stores like Joann Fabric, Hobby Lobby, and Michael’s carry a small selection in stores and online. For the largest color and size selection, shop specialty retailers like Walmart or Etsy that offer pet felt rolls by the yard in an array of hues and patterns at just a few dollars per yard. You can also find great deals shopping online sites like eBay and Amazon.

Before purchasing pet felt rolls, look closely at product details and reviews to ensure you select high-quality, tightly woven felt that won’t fray or pull apart from cat claws. With the right pet felt and a little DIY inspiration, you can create stylish, functional items to spoil your fur babies for years to come.

FAQs

What's the benefit of using pet felt over regular felt?

Pet felt is more tightly woven and durable to stand up to regular use by pets. It's designed to not pull apart from scratching or fray from moisture.

Can I put pet felt rolls in the washer and dryer?

It's best to spot clean pet felt by hand rather than machine washing. Do not put pet felt in the dryer as the heat can cause shrinking or fraying.

How thick are pet felt rolls?

Standard pet felt rolls are available in thicknesses ranging from 1/8 inch for basic projects up to 1/2 inch for extra cushiony beds, mats, etc.

What size should I make a pet bed from felt rolls?

Base the size on your pet's measurements when lying down. Add a few extra inches on each side to allow room to stretch out.

Can I use 100% wool felt for pets?

Wool felt may work for some applications but wool fibers are more appealing for cats to pull on. Acrylic or synthetic blended pet felt is more durable.