Choosing a basket for your cat or dog is about more than finding somewhere for them to sleep. The right pet basket needs to be a comfortable size for your pet, practical for everyday use and suitable for the space where it will be placed.
If you love natural materials and handmade interiors, a woven dog or cat basket can also be a beautiful addition to your home.
In this guide, we explain what to consider when choosing a pet basket, including size, materials, shape, bedding and how to care for a handmade woven basket.
What makes a good pet basket?
Every pet is different, so there isn't one basket that will suit every cat or dog.
When choosing a pet basket, consider:
- your pet's size;
- how they normally sleep;
- whether they curl up or stretch out;
- the basket's dimensions;
- the material;
- whether you can add suitable bedding;
- where you intend to place it;
- how easy it is to clean and maintain.
A basket should give your pet enough space to rest comfortably without being unnecessarily large.
1. Measure your dog or cat before buying
One of the easiest ways to choose the right size is to measure your pet.
Measure your pet while they are lying in their normal sleeping position. If they regularly stretch out, take this into account when choosing the basket.
Then compare your measurements with the actual internal or usable dimensions of the basket, where these are provided.
Don't rely solely on descriptions such as "small", "medium" or "large", because these can vary between manufacturers.
What should you measure?
Consider:
- your pet's length while lying down;
- their width;
- how much room they need to change position;
- whether they like to curl up or stretch out;
- whether they prefer sleeping alone or with a favourite toy.
For handmade baskets, also remember that small variations in dimensions and shape can occur because each basket is individually woven.
2. Think about how your pet sleeps
Your pet's sleeping habits can tell you a lot about the type of basket they may prefer.
Does your dog stretch out?
If your dog regularly sleeps on their side with their legs extended, look for a basket with enough length and width to accommodate this position.
Does your cat curl up?
A cat that likes to curl into a small ball may enjoy a more enclosed or compact resting space.
Does your pet change position frequently?
If your pet moves around during sleep, allow additional space so they can change position comfortably.
The goal is to choose a basket based on your pet rather than the label on the product.
3. Choose the right material
Pet baskets are available in many materials, from fabric and plastic to wood and natural woven fibres.
Natural woven baskets can add warmth and texture to your home while providing a defined resting area for your pet.
At The Bam's Art Shop, some of our handmade pet baskets are woven from natural elephant grass in Ghana.
Because natural fibres can vary, each handmade basket has its own subtle differences in colour, texture and weave.
4. Why choose a handwoven pet basket?
A handwoven basket is made using traditional weaving techniques rather than being produced as a completely uniform mass-produced item.
This means your basket may have small variations that reflect the work of the individual artisan.
For us, this is part of the appeal of handmade baskets.
Our artisan partners create baskets for everyday uses including pet baskets, laundry baskets, storage baskets and nursery baskets.
You can learn more about the people and communities behind our baskets on our [Weavers and Artisans page].
5. Consider an open woven basket
Some cats and dogs prefer to see what is happening around them while they rest.
An open woven basket can provide a defined sleeping area without completely enclosing your pet.
The open structure also allows the basket to work naturally within a room rather than looking like a separate piece of pet equipment.
However, every animal has different preferences. If your pet strongly prefers an enclosed or covered bed, another style may be more appropriate.
6. Add comfortable bedding
A woven basket can be paired with a suitable pet cushion or washable bedding.
When choosing bedding, make sure it fits the basket appropriately and does not interfere with its structure.
A removable cushion can also make everyday cleaning easier.
Consider having an additional washable cover or cushion available so that your pet always has a clean place to rest.
7. Where should you put a pet basket?
Think about where your pet already likes to relax.
You might place their basket:
- in the living room;
- beside your sofa;
- in a quiet corner;
- in your bedroom;
- near the area where your family spends time.
Many pets like to have their own resting space while still being close to their owners.
Avoid placing a pet basket somewhere exposed to excessive heat, draughts, dampness or other household hazards.
8. Handmade baskets need a little care
Natural woven baskets should be looked after according to the care instructions for their particular material.
Keep them away from prolonged dampness and excessive moisture unless the manufacturer specifically states otherwise.
Check the basket regularly for:
- loose or broken fibres;
- damaged sections;
- sharp or protruding material;
- structural changes caused by chewing or scratching.
If your pet likes to chew woven materials, supervise their use and remove the basket if it becomes damaged.
9. Can cats and dogs share the same type of basket?
Some woven pet baskets can be suitable for either cats or dogs, but suitability depends on the individual basket and the size and behaviour of your pet.
A basket suitable for a small cat may obviously not provide enough room for a larger dog.
Always check the individual product dimensions rather than assuming that a basket described as a "pet basket" will suit every animal.
Natural style for your home
Pet products don't have to look out of place in your interior.
A handmade woven basket can complement natural materials such as wood, linen and cotton, while colourful woven designs can add character to a more colourful family home.
Because each basket is handmade, it can also bring the texture and individuality of traditional basket weaving into an otherwise contemporary room.
Handmade pet baskets from The Bam's Art Shop
Our handmade pet baskets are created through relationships with artisan weavers in Africa.
We work with artisan partners across countries including Ghana, Senegal, Kenya and Cameroon, with a focus on long-term relationships, traditional skills and responsible sourcing.
Our Ghanaian woven pet baskets are made using traditional techniques and natural fibres such as elephant grass.
Each basket is made by hand, giving it its own individual character.
If you're looking for a handmade woven cat basket or dog basket in the UK, explore our collection of handmade pet baskets.
[Shop Handmade Pet Baskets]
Pet basket buying checklist
Before you buy, ask yourself:
☐ Have I measured my pet?
☐ Have I checked the basket's actual dimensions?
☐ Does my pet curl up or stretch out when sleeping?
☐ Will there be enough space for your pet to change position?
☐ Is the material suitable for your pet?
☐ Can you add a suitable cushion or bedding?
☐ Have you checked the care instructions?
☐ Does your pet chew or scratch woven materials?
☐ Is the basket going somewhere safe and comfortable?
Frequently Asked Questions
What size basket should I buy for my dog?
Measure your dog while they are lying in their usual sleeping position and compare their measurements with the dimensions of the basket. Allow enough space for them to change position comfortably.
What size basket should I buy for my cat?
Consider your cat's usual sleeping position and compare their size with the basket's dimensions. A cat that curls up may prefer a smaller basket, while a cat that stretches out will need more room.
Are woven baskets suitable for dogs?
A woven basket can provide a resting space for a dog when the particular product is designed and sold for pet use and is appropriately sized. Check the individual product information before buying.
Are woven baskets suitable for cats?
Yes, some woven baskets are designed for cats and other pets. Always check the dimensions and product information to make sure the particular basket is suitable for your cat.
Are handmade pet baskets durable?
Traditional woven baskets can be sturdy, but durability depends on the material, construction and how the basket is used. Pets that chew or aggressively scratch their baskets may damage natural woven fibres.
Can I put a cushion inside a woven pet basket?
Yes, a suitably sized pet cushion or bedding can be used inside a woven basket, provided it fits appropriately and does not interfere with the basket's structure.
How do I clean a woven pet basket?
Follow the care instructions supplied with your individual basket. Natural woven materials generally need to be protected from excessive moisture and prolonged damp conditions.
Are your pet baskets handmade?
Yes. Our pet baskets are handmade by artisan weavers using traditional basket-weaving techniques. Small variations in colour, shape and weave are part of the character of a handmade product.
Discover more handmade baskets
If you love the natural look of woven baskets, explore more of The Bam's Art Shop:
Handmade Bolga Baskets – colourful Ghanaian baskets for storage, shopping and everyday use.
Kenyan Sisal Baskets – colourful and natural baskets woven from sisal.
Handmade Laundry Baskets – practical woven baskets for laundry and household storage.
Handmade Moses Baskets – traditional woven baskets for your baby's nursery.