Cage Mat Tutorial
Ranked #3,117 in Pets & Animals, #79,107 overall | Donates to BuckHawk Center Animal Rescue
DIY Cage Mat
A cage mat is a lovely thing. Its' warmth and comfort can make a homeless rescue feel less frightened and anxious while waiting for their furr-ever home.
The local Hawaiian Humane Society uses volunteers to sew together donated fabric remnants to make cage mats. These pet comforters line the bottoms of the cold metal cages allowing the kitties some softness and warmth. I love animals and I love sewing so this project is purr-fect for me. :)
I use mostly fabric remnants when sewing these cage mat quilts. Sometimes I cut up old cotton clothing and piece together both the top and bottom of the cage mat to keep this project more cost effective. I try to make these pet mats as sturdy and comfortable for the rescue animals as I possibly can, keeping in mind the cost so I can continue making more as my time allows.
If you can sew a semi-straight line, you can certainly make a DIY cage mat......
(Photo credit Pam Irie)
The local Hawaiian Humane Society uses volunteers to sew together donated fabric remnants to make cage mats. These pet comforters line the bottoms of the cold metal cages allowing the kitties some softness and warmth. I love animals and I love sewing so this project is purr-fect for me. :)
I use mostly fabric remnants when sewing these cage mat quilts. Sometimes I cut up old cotton clothing and piece together both the top and bottom of the cage mat to keep this project more cost effective. I try to make these pet mats as sturdy and comfortable for the rescue animals as I possibly can, keeping in mind the cost so I can continue making more as my time allows.
If you can sew a semi-straight line, you can certainly make a DIY cage mat......
(Photo credit Pam Irie)
Things You'll Need
to make a cage mat
Remnant fabric pieces
Batting or old mattress pad
Backing material
Scissors
Pinking shears
Needle & thread
Iron & ironing board
Cardboard grid cutting board
Straight edge ruler or T-square ruler
Pencil or pen
Straight pins
Batting or old mattress pad
Backing material
Scissors
Pinking shears
Needle & thread
Iron & ironing board
Cardboard grid cutting board
Straight edge ruler or T-square ruler
Pencil or pen
Straight pins
Cage Mat Tutorial - Step 1
Measure and Cut
Measure the bottom of the cat cage so the finished quilt will fit nicely without shifting. Add 1/2" to each side for seam allowance. Cut a piece of an old quilted mattress pad to this size.Using a quilted mattress pad as batting is ideal. It adds additional cushioning to make the cats more comfortable and it is cost effective in making cage bedding.
(Photo credit Pam Irie)
Cage Mat Tutorial - Step 2
Choosing fabric
Select the fabric to make a sleeping mat for cats. Choose cotton fabrics or anything soft, comfortable, washable and wearable like terrycloth.Avoid polyesters, rayon and materials that are slick or will snag easily. Launder and press fabric remnants before cutting.
(Photo credit Pam Irie)
Cage Mat Tutorial - Step 3
Cutting fabric pieces
Lay the fabric wrong side up on the gridded cutting board . Use the ruler to draw straight lines with a pencil or pen.Salvage as much of the fabric as possible into square or rectangular shapes for the cat cage quilt. Cut pieces along the drawn lines.
I use this handy cardboard cutting grid
along with this t-square aluminum drywall ruler. (An awesome combo for sewing projects!)
(Photo credit Pam Irie)
Cage Mat Tutorial - Step 4
Layout Cut Pieces
Choose the cut fabric pieces to be sewn together for the cat mat bedding. Lay into place on top of the quilted mattress pad to give you an idea of how the layout sizes up.(Photo credit Pam Irie)
A Pause for a Pet Poll
Anyone can participate in this poll, whether a Squidoo regular or not.
Loading poll. Please Wait...
Cage Mat Tutorial - Step 5
Sew the fabric sections together in a 1/2" seam on the sewing machine. Finish seams with pinking shears and press all seams flat during construction of the cage bedding for cats.(Photo credit Pam Irie)
Cage Mat Tutorial - Step 6
Lay pressed and sewn top piece of the cat cage quilt centered onto the previously cut mattress pad batting. Smooth hands over top of quilt.(Photo credit Pam Irie)
Cage Mat Tutorial - Step 7
Turn quilt and batting over so batting is facing up. Hand baste the top and batting together close to the edge of the batting. When hand basting is complete, trim any excess fabric with scissors so the edges are even.(Photo credit Pam Irie)
Make a cage mat for dogs using these same instructions. If the animal is significantly heavier, put a double layer of quilt batting in between the top and bottom.
Cage Mat Tutorial - Step 8
Cut out backing material
Lay cat cage quilt top face down onto the right side of the backing material. Pin into place if necessary and cut along the edges of the batting.In this sewing project, I chose to use a small portion of a flat sheet as backing. You can use fabric remnants pieced together on the back as you did the front if your prefer.
(Photo credit Pam Irie)
Cage Mat Tutorial - Step 9
Sew the three layers together in a 1/2" seam from the edge, rounding the sewn stitches gently at corners. Leave an opening approximately 10" in length along one edge to allow for turning the quilt.Remove basting stitches. Trim around the rounded corners with scissors.
(Photo credit Pam Irie)
Cage Mat Tutorial - Step 10
Turn cat cage quilt right side out through the opening. Fold opening edges under and pin in place. Use sewing machine to stitch this opening closed.(Photo credit Pam Irie)
Cage Mat Tutorial - Final Step
Top stitch along a few of the seam lines on top of the finished cage mat bedding to reinforce the layers and strengthen the quilt. Take the finished cat bedding to the local animal shelter or Humane Society. The kitties will thank you and you'll walk away feeling better knowing you gave some comfort to a deserving animal.Better yet, donate some DIY cage mats and bring a dog or cat back home to love.
Remember.....DON'T SHOP. ADOPT!
(Photo credit Pam Irie)
After reading this page, do you think you could sew a cage mat?
-
-
scarlettohairy May 1, 2012 @ 10:23 pm | delete
- I could sew a cage mat but I doubt if I will. I think it's a great idea and wonderful cause! I just have so many other projects I need to get done! Great directions. The photos help so much.
-
-
-
karmicchristian
Feb 28, 2012 @ 6:41 am | delete
- Very creative and thoughtful too!
-
-
-
ChrissLJ Feb 18, 2012 @ 4:42 am | delete
- Yes. For added comfort, I also often find old comforters at the local thrift stores or garage sales (about $2) and use it for extra padding. Each twin sized comforter can pad 4-6 crate mats with larger comforters making even more.
-
-
-
vallain Feb 12, 2012 @ 11:23 pm | delete
- I should get my sewing machine fixed first. This is an excellent project. Thanks for being a friend of the animals.
-
How about some love for the animals (and some love for this page) with a thumbs up?
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
more veryirie lenses
by veryirie
I'm in love with pets. They expect nothing and often that's what they get. :( I hope you can help to change that....one animal at a time. Please share... more »
- 84 featured lenses
- Winner of 38 trophies!
- Top lens » Used Furniture - DIY Ideas
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- Pet Food Bank - Help for Animals Pet Food Bank - Help for Animals
- My PDF Pattern to Make ADOPT Me Vests for Dogs - Dog Vest Pattern My PDF Pattern to Make ADOPT Me Vests for Dogs - Dog Vest Pattern
- Make a Bandana for Dogs Make a Bandana for Dogs
- When Doody Calls - The Scoop on Poop When Doody Calls - The Scoop on Poop
- The importance of dog blood donation! The importance of dog blood donation!
- Retired Racing Greyhounds Retired Racing Greyhounds
PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge
Amazon Price: $79.95 (as of 05/30/2012)
"Absolutely perfect. As soon as I took it out of the container, my cat immediately went up to it, smelled and started scratching. After scratching for a few minuted, she crawled up on it and "lounged". Then she got down, looked through the oblong holes, tried to get through and couldn't. She scratched some more and got up on it again and fell asleep." - Amazon customer, Nancy
Premier Pet Products FUNKitty Egg-cersizer Cat Toy
Amazon Price: $4.29 (as of 05/30/2012)
"I got this for my house cat who is overweight and needs more excitement in her life. I think she really enjoyed this toy. It is what it says it is and works very well. It is not cheap quality and seems like it will last for a long time. Im definitely glad I got this product." - Amazon customer, CatSauro
