If you have a cat or a dog and you've ever left a suitcase full of clothes open in a place where the pet can reach it, you've likely had to shoo it off a time or two. But while you know your pet would probably love to turn that suitcase into a makeshift bed, you may not have considered taking an active role in the concept and actually turning it into one.

All you need to make a suitcase pet bed is a suitcase — preferably a sturdy older one you don't plan on using again — something soft to fill it with and something to use as a base. And, of course, a pet to put in it.

(The base could be optional, but if your pet tends to drive you crazy by grabbing its bed and moving it all over the place, a base could help remove that option.)

For filler you could use a traditional pillow pet bed, available at a reasonable price at most pet stores, or an old pillow or folded blanket, which would work just as well. You could glue it or sew it in somehow to make it permanent, but keeping it free and removable would allow you better access to clean both the bedding and the suitcase, and easier cleaning when it comes to pets is always the preferable option.

There are a number of options when it come to material for the base, as well. In the photo included in this post, for example — from the Flickr Creative Commons photostream of user

— the base is made from what looks like repurposed furniture legs, which could easily be attached with screws or glue and reinforced, if necessary, with a piece of plywood affixed to the bottom of the suitcase.

Other base options — displayed in some of the images in the Dornob design post

— include wooden blocks and the repurposed bottom of a swivel chair.

What materials you use and how you use them likely depends on the size of the animal the bed is intended for. For most cats, for example, an average-sized suitcase would likely work with any type of base. For dogs, it will really depend on the breed. Obviously, the suitcase pet bed might not be a practical option for larger breeds of dog.

Whatever you decide, a suitcase pet bed would make an interesting and unique addition to just about any room. And with nearly unlimited options for customizing them to match your personal design aesthetic, a suitcase pet bed could be a great personality statement — for you or your pet.

Simon A. Thalmann is the online editor for Booth Features. He can be reached at sthalmann@kalamazoogazette.com.