DIY Beds & Toys
Explore the video tutorials below for sewing and no-sew options to make your own beds and toys for shelter animals.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Make a Shelter Bed
Sew a comforting bed for a shelter cat, dog, or rabbit, and see how simple it is to make a real difference. This video is a step-by-step on how to create a cozy, washable bed using basic materials and easy stitches. Every bed you sew offers warmth, softness, and a bit of home to an animal waiting for one of their own. Your handmade touch reminds them they’re not forgotten and that love is on the way.
Make a Fleece Blanket
Sew a simple, cozy, warm fleece blanket for a dog, cat, or rabbit, and bring a touch of comfort to an animal waiting for a home. A soft blanket can make their space feel safe and familiar while they rest and recover.
No-Sew Shelter Bed
For all the non-sewers out there! Learn how to make a simple, cozy bed for a shelter cat or dog using just fleece, a ruler, a marker, and scissors. This easy no-sew project creates a soft, washable bed that offers comfort and warmth to an animal waiting for a home. Every bed you make brings a little bit of love and calm to their day.
PFP Catnip Toys
Pillows for Paws Director of Sewing & Crafts, Simina Calin, demonstrates how to make catnip.toys for shelter cats. In this video, she walks you through each step of creating toys that are safe, durable, and full of fun and interest. You can stuff the toys with polyfil or use recycled clothing and fabric scraps to give them new life. These handmade toys not only provide entertainment but also comfort and stimulation for cats while they wait for their forever homes.
No-Sew Catnip Toy Socks
Watch how a toy sock enchants a shelter cat!
Here are the simple instructions:
Layer a new or gently worn, clean sock with polyester fiberfill and light catnip. Use a chopstick or similar utensil to push down the filling, adding more until it feels like a soft pillow. Leave room at the end to tie a knot.
Rabbit & Guinea Pig
Hay Rolls
-
Rolls will be consumed, so wear plastic gloves when making.
-
Fold one end of a TP roll to create a bottom.
-
Stuff the roll with as much Timothy Hay as you can.
-
Add a few small treats (i.e. Vitacraft or Kaytee for rabbits and guinea pigs) inside.
-
Keep rolls on a clean surface while working.
-
Place finished rolls into clean plastic bags to deliver easily.
Optional: Wrap rolls in craft paper with no wax or coating, tie ends with twine, and decorate with non-toxic markers. Add a cute adoption note to make them extra special, like "adopt me".
FUR-falle
Furfalle Cat Toy 🐱
Make a quick, fun toy for a shelter cat—or your own feline friend!
1) Cut one strip of fleece — about 5" x 12".
2) Sprinkle a little catnip in the center.
3) Roll it up and tie a knot in the center. Should look similar to a farfalle pasta.
4) Give it to a shelter cat or your own feline friend to enjoy!
Not Crafty? Donate Towels
Animal shelters always need TOWELS! Whether you’re replacing old ones or purchasing new ones from our Wish list, your donation will be greatly appreciated! Towels are essential for keeping animals comfortable, clean, and warm. These will go directly to the Queens Animal Care Center.
Want to make an even bigger impact? Start a TOWEL DRIVE with your neighbors, friends, colleagues, or classmates! Every towel helps.
Add A Patch To A Shelter Bed
We ask all our volunteers to please add a Pillows for Paws® patch on the beds they sew so that the shelter knows these beds were sent from us. There are three easy ways:
1) Draw a heart with our name or initials directly on the bed.
2) Sew a piece of muslin or light fabric onto the bed and draw a heart with our name inside.
3) Sew a heart with our name directly onto the bed.
