An Original Cat Bed from a Recycled Monitor
Would you like an ecological and unique idea to pamper your best friend? Here’s how to recycle an old computer monitor and turn it into an original cat bed. By following these simple steps, you can make a really special space for them!
How to make an original bed for your cat
The first thing you should do is find an old computer monitor, a relatively simple task, because, due to technological advances in recent years, almost all of us have replaced our old monitors with flat screens with higher resolution.
If you threw yours away, don’t worry, we’re sure that if you put your request on Facebook. you’ll soon find someone who’ll donate one. You’ll help them out and help the environment by recycling.
Ideally, it should be a monitor between 15 and 19 inches, so that your kitty feels comfortable inside. Once you have the monitor you should get down to work, which is the best part of all.
The next step is to dismantle the monitor. You must be very careful here. You can choose to ask a technician to help you disassemble it, as monitors, like televisions, tend to store a slight charge on their capacitors for a few months. However, if you want to do it yourself, go ahead, but be aware of the dangers.
To disassemble it, turn the monitor upside down. They all come apart in a very similar way. You will need a flat screwdriver, a Philips screwdriver, pointed and cutting pliers, and some linseed gloves.
Remove the base. It’s important that you do this, so that your furry friend’s bed is stable and horizontal. They usually have a small plastic latch that holds them to the monitor. Find it, press it, and slide it, it will come out with ease.
Find all the screws you see and loosen them. Keep them for when you are going to close it. Once done, remove the casing.
You’ll notice that there’s a metal cover. Find the screws that hold it and loosen them.
Remove the monitor. This is where you need to be careful with electricity. We also recommend that you look for a professional to tell you how to do it or remove it completely, releasing it from the casing, being careful not to touch the capacitor, which can’t be recycled.
You’ll notice that the base is holding the circuit board. Separate as many as you have and place them in a box. What you’ll also notice is that there are screws everywhere. Some of these parts are usually held in such a way that they will have to be slid out of the base to release them.
Once you have the casing, the monitor frame, and the base free of other elements, assemble it again with the screws that you saved.
Final steps
Perfectly clean the entire monitor, both outside and inside with a solvent so that you can paint it to your liking.
When it’s clean, apply two coats of the plastic solvent, so you don’t have a problem when you apply the color. Choose a color that goes with your cat’s eyes or something that contrasts with his coat as a base.
Be creative. To decorate the monitor you can use cat footprint labels, draw some feline silhouettes on the side or even use the keys of a keyboard that you no longer use to spell out your cat’s name. Imagination is your only limit.
Finally, take its measurements and look for a suitable cushion for its base. Remember that the thicker it is, the cozier it will be. Put its favorite cloth inside too to help it get used to it.
Don’t worry if it doesn’t get into it straight away. Your cat is curious enough to approach its new original cat bed. When it realizes how cozy its new bed is, you probably won’t be able to get it out!