Before you toss that old suitcase, consider how you can repurpose it to meet your furry companion’s needs. Smaller dogs and cats love a cozy bed and a suitcase may become the ideal snooze spot. Before committing to this bed, make sure your pet can fit safely and easily inside one side of the suitcase.
EditSteps
Choosing a Suitcase
Look for old luggage in your basement or attic. If you don't have any, try the local thrift store. When choosing the suitcase, consider the following:
Is it big enough for my pet?
Is it best left intact or should it be cut in half to accommodate the pet? Does the design permit this?
Is the suitcase safe, as in no dangling bits or pieces your pet might get caught up in. (Cut off or remove anything you're concerned about.)
If the suitcase is moldy, falling apart, filled with bugs, etc., discard it and look for a better one. Your pet deserves a healthy bed!
Plan how you'll use the suitcase for your pet. Will it be a handy portable bed for when you travel? If so, you probably will want to your pet's items in one side and the bedding in the other. Or, perhaps are you're just looking for a cute bed to keep at home, in which case, storage of items won't be required.
Test the suitcase to see if your pet will sit in it. If your pet is leery of suitcase (some pets have an aversion to even seeing suitcases in the home if they associate them with you leaving), he may not want to even go near the suitcase. Before you go through the effort of creating bedding from the suitcase make sure Fido or Felix has no problem plopping down and making himself at home.
Be aware that your dog or cat may be more enticed once soft bedding is in the suitcase. Provided you're game, going ahead and making up the bedding portion may be enough to convince your pooch or kitty to give it another go.
Cleaning the Suitcase
Clean out the suitcase. While cleaning it, remove any straps or other items that may either be harmful to your pet, provide a chewing temptation or will potentially compromise the design.
Consider using a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust and/or debris. A handheld vacuum cleaner can be helpful.
Use a clean cloth to polish and clean both the inside and outside of the suitcase, depending on what it's made from.
Remove the hinges from the suitcase if you plan to only use one side. However, if you are creating a travel case where you will store some of your pet’s items on one side, leave this part intact.
Depending upon how they are secured, use a screwdriver to easily (and safely) unscrew each hinge and separate the luggage.
If leaving the lid in place, ensure that there is a special hinge that prevents the lid from slamming shut on your pet's head should he accidentally bump the lid down. You may need to add such a hinge.
Designing the Bed
Try simply transferring the pet’s current bed to the suitcase. If there is any way possible to make this work, turn to the pet’s current bedding first. The pet’s scent will create a more inviting, comfortable environment for your pet and increase the likelihood he will want to sleep in his new bed.
Shop for new bedding if the pet’s current bed doesn’t work with the suitcase design. Take measurements of the luggage’s inside before you shop. Hit the pet store first to find bedding that is comfortable but also designed to be laundered.
Another approach is to use an older pillow that you no longer sleep on, cover it with one of your old warm and cozy sweaters (wool or cashmere will be much appreciated) and then stuffed into the suitcase. Your pet will smell your odor and will appreciate the comfy pillow fill and the delicious texture of natural animal fibers.
Edit Tips
Keep the bedding removable; that way it will be easy to keep clean by regular washing.
Consider spraying the inside and outside of the luggage with Scotch Guard protective spray. Pets get messy, so this will protect the bed casing a little better, making it easier to wipe down.
Consider laying down plastic sheeting along the bottom of the suitcase in the event your pet soils the bedding and it leaks through.
Edit Things You'll Need
Suitable, clean old suitcase
Cleaning gear (soapy water, clean cloth, etc.)
Screwdriver, scissors etc. to help tidy up parts of the suitcase
Bedding (either the pet's own or new bedding or repurposed bedding)
Additional accessories if adding any
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