Is this crochet cat pod pattern free?

Yes. The pattern is available for free on the blog post, and a printable PDF version is also offered in the Etsy shop.

What skill level is this crochet cat cave-style cat pod?

Advanced beginner. The pattern uses basic stitches with some shaping through increases and decreases.

What yarn and hook do I need for this cat pod?

Use super bulky (#6) blanket yarn and an H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook, or the hook size needed to match gauge.

What size is the finished crochet cat pod?

The finished cat pod is about 13 inches wide/tall and 12 inches deep, with an 8-inch entrance opening.

Do I need to use a ring or hoop for the opening?

A ring or hoop is recommended because it helps the opening stay sturdy and hold its shape.

How do the mouse ears and tail hold their shape?

Wire is threaded through the ears and tail to help them stand up and keep their shape. The wire ends are capped with a small drop of hot glue to help prevent scratching.

Crochet cat cave pattern (free mouse ears cat pod)

Want to make your cat the cutest little hideout ever? This crochet cat cave pattern creates a cozy cat pod that looks like a mouse, with sweet ears and a fun tail. It’s soft, warm, and works up quickly with super bulky blanket yarn. Keep reading for the full free pattern.

Handmade crochet cat cave pattern featuring a cozy mouse-inspired cat pod with ears and tail. A gray and white cat looks out from the round entrance. Text overlay reads “free crochet pattern CAT CAVE.”

Why you’ll love this crochet cat cave pattern

Free and beginner-friendly (advanced beginner)
Super bulky yarn = fast and extra cozy
8-inch ring keeps the opening sturdy
Mouse ears + tail make it adorable
Great for cats who love to burrow and nap

Gray and white cat resting inside a soft crochet cat cave with mouse ears and tail, made from chunky blanket yarn. DIY crochet cat pod pattern for beginners.

Cats love to hide!

Cats are natural hiders, and that’s why cozy cave-style beds are such a hit. Whether it’s a box, a basket, or a little nest, most cats feel safest when they have their own snug space to curl up. This crochet cat cave pattern creates a soft cat pod that gives your kitty that “tucked away” feeling—perfect for relaxing, snoozing, and staying warm.

This cat pod bed is also great for pets who love to burrow and nest. If you have a small dog who likes cozy spaces too, it can work as a small dog bed (as long as the size fits your pet).

Crochet cat cave pattern details

Below you’ll find everything you need to know before you start, including the skill level, materials, finished size, and gauge.

Skill level

Advanced beginner—This easy crochet cat pod pattern uses basic crochet stitches and involves some shaping.

Materials needed

Crochet hook size H-8 (5 mm): Or the size needed to match gauge.
Super bulky weight yarn (#6): I used 2 skeins of Bernat Blanket Tweeds in the yarn color Ivory (416 g/15 oz).
8 inch macrame ring or craft hoop: For the cat cave opening.
Wire (14 inches/35.5 cm): 6 inches for the mouse tail and two 4-inch pieces for the ears. I used 18 gauge wire.
Hot melt adhesive: To add a drop of hot glue to both wire ends to prevent scratching.
Yarn needle: For weaving in ends neatly.
Scissors: To cut your yarn.
Stitch markers: To help keep track of your stitches.

PDF version

View a printable PDF file version of this pattern in my Etsy shop: mouse ears crochet cat pod pattern

Finished measurements

The DIY crochet cat bed measures 13 inches wide/tall and 12 inches deep. The entrance opening measures 8 inches.

Cat peeking out from a crochet cat pod shaped like a mouse, featuring round ears and a curled tail. Made with plush speckled yarn from a free crochet cat cave pattern.

Gauge

14 stitches and 11 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)

✅ Too many stitches in 4 inches? Try a larger hook.
✅ Too few stitches in 4 inches? Try a smaller hook.

Crochet abbreviations

sc = single crochet stitches
sc2tog = single crochet decrease
ch/chs = chain/chains
st/sts = stitch/stitches

Pattern notes

The pattern is written in US terms.
The side facing you is the “right side.”
The stitch count is listed at the end of every round.
The chain at the start of each round does not count as a stitch.
Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch of the round.
Repeat instructions between the asterisks (*) for the rest of the round.

How to crochet around the ring

To crochet around the ring, make a slip knot and remove the knot/loop from the hook. Pass the knot/loop through the middle of the ring, then insert the hook back into the knot/loop. You are now ready to crochet around the ring.

Close-up of the mouse-shaped crochet cat cave showing round ears and a curly tail made from soft gray and white blanket yarn.

Free crochet cat cave pattern instructions

Below is the full free crochet cat cave pattern with step-by-step instructions.

Increase rounds

Rnd 1: Make 80 sc around the 8 inch ring and join (80 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, *2 sc, sc in next 9 sts*, join (88 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, *2 sc, sc in next 10 sts*, join (96 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, *2 sc, sc in next 11 sts*, join (104 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, *2 sc, sc in next 12 sts*, join (112 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, *2 sc, sc in next 13 sts*, join (120 stitches)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, *2 sc, sc in next 14 sts*, join (128 stitches)

Work even rounds

Rnds 8-25: Ch 1, sc in each st, join (128 stitches)

Decrease rounds

Rnd 26: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 14 sts*, join (120 stitches)
Rnd 27: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 13 sts*, join (112 stitches)
Rnd 28: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 12 sts*, join (104 stitches)
Rnd 29: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 11 sts*, join (96 stitches)
Rnd 30: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 10 sts*, join (88 stitches)
Rnd 31: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 9 sts*, join (80 stitches)
Rnd 32: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 8 sts*, join (72 stitches)
Rnd 33: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 7 sts*, join (64 stitches)
Rnd 34: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts*, join (56 stitches)
Rnd 35: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 5 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 36: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts*, join (40 stitches)
Rnd 37: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts*, join (32 stitches)
Rnd 38: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts*, join (24 stitches)
Rnd 39: Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next st*, join (16 stitches)
Rnd 40: Ch 1, sc2tog around, join (8 stitches)
Sew the last 8 stitches closed with a yarn needle.

Mouse ears pattern

Round 1: Magic circle, ch 2, 8 sc, join (8 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 2, 2 sc in each st, join (16 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 2, *2 sc, sc in next st*, join (24 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 2, *2 sc, sc in next 2 sts*, join (32 stitches)
Round 5: Ch 2, *2 sc, sc in next 3 sts*, join (40 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew the ears to the top of the cat pod. Then thread a piece of wire through the center of each ear to help it stand up.

Close-up of the top of a handmade crochet cat cave showing the mouse ears and curled tail design, made with plush speckled yarn.

Mouse tail pattern

Chain 21, in 2nd ch from hook, *2 sc, sc in next ch*, fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. (30 stitches)

Thread a 6-inch piece of wire (I used 18 gauge) through the tail to help it keep its shape. Sew the tail to the back of the cat pod. Make sure it is centered between the ears.

Finishing the crochet cat cave pattern

Add a drop of hot glue to both wire ends to prevent scratching. Weave in those loose ends, then let your furry friend snuggle up and enjoy their cozy new bed!

Adorable Mouse Ears Crochet Cat Pod - a free, cozy, DIY cave bed for cats and small dogs with a boho aesthetic, made with super bulky yarn.

Crochet cat cave pattern FAQs

Is this cat cave crochet pattern free?
Yes! The pattern is free on the blog, and a printable PDF is available in my Etsy shop.

What skill level is it?
Advanced beginner. You’ll use basic stitches with a little shaping.

What yarn and hook do I need?
Super bulky (#6) blanket yarn and an H-8 (5 mm) hook (or size needed for gauge).

What size is the finished cat cave?
About 13″ wide/tall and 12″ deep, with an 8″ opening.

Do I have to use the ring?
It’s strongly recommended. The ring helps the opening hold its shape.

How do the ears and tail stand up?
Wire is threaded inside, and the ends are capped with a tiny drop of hot glue to prevent scratching.

Fluffy gray and white cat sitting inside a handmade crochet cat cave with mouse ears and a tail, made from soft speckled blanket yarn. Perfect cozy crochet cat pod pattern for pets.

More crochet for cats

Looking for crochet for cats ideas? These fun and comfy designs are perfect for spoiled kitties, handmade pet gifts, and cozy beds that double as cute home décor. Explore more free crochet cat patterns—from cat pods and caves to toys and blankets—and start your next kitty-approved project today!