Updated: Dec 22, 2025 · Reading time: ~10–14 minutes
Yes—cat fur can be felted, especially the soft, fluffy undercoat you collect from brushing. That said, cat fur is often shorter and smoother than wool, so it can be harder to lock into a strong shape on its own. For the most reliable results, most crafters use a wool core and add cat fur as a surface layer, or blend cat fur with wool to improve bonding.
What “felting” actually means
Felt is made when loose fibers mat, tangle, and compress into a stable fabric or form. Felt can be made from natural fibers—including animal fur—as well as synthetics (definition and overview: Wikipedia: Felt).
Two common approaches:
- Needle felting (dry): uses special needles with notches that tangle fibers together (explained under “Needle felting” on Wikipedia: Felt).
- Wet felting (wet): uses water + soap + agitation to encourage fibers to bind (basic overview: Muddy Faces: Wet felting).
Short answer: what works (and what doesn’t)
If your goal is a keepsake made from your cat’s shed fur, here’s the practical reality:
| Cat fur type | How well it felts | What to do for best results |
|---|---|---|
| Soft undercoat (fluffy “cloud” from brushing) | Usually felts best | Needle felt into a wool core, or blend with wool for strength |
| Guard hairs (longer, shinier, stiffer strands) | Can be slippery and resist bonding | Use as surface accents (whisker-like texture), not as the main structure |
| Very short / slick coat (some shorthaired cats) | Often the hardest | Blend heavily with wool; consider wet felting into a small “pre-felt” sheet first |
Many experienced felters report that success depends on the fur: fluffy undercoat tends to felt more easily, while short/slippery fur can be difficult and may need blending with wool (example discussion: Gourmet Felted: “Can I felt pet fur?”).
Best felting methods for cat fur (needle vs. wet)
Both methods can work, but they behave differently—especially with short fibers like cat fur.
| Method | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Needle felting | 3D shapes, small keepsakes, adding real fur “on top” | Precise control; great for small projects; no water/soap required | Needs a firm work surface; fingers + sharp needles require care |
| Wet felting | Flat pads, hearts, small sheets, “pre-felt” bases | Fast bonding over larger areas; can create a base sheet for later needle work | Messier; cat fur alone may not sheet as strongly as wool |
Needle felting mechanics and wet felting basics are summarized here: Felt (needle felting section) and Wet felting overview.
How to collect, clean, and prep cat fur
Collecting (no stress for your cat)
- Brush sessions: Use the fur you naturally collect from brushing or combing.
- Sort as you go: If you can, separate fluffy undercoat from stiff guard hairs.
- Avoid: Fur with visible debris, dandruff clumps, or anything damp/moldy.
Cleaning (recommended for keepsakes)
- Degrease lightly: Swish fur in lukewarm water with a small amount of gentle dish soap.
- Rinse well: Residual soap can make fibers slippery.
- Dry fully: Press between towels, then air-dry completely before storing.
Prep for felting (the “make it grab” step)
- Tease the fur: Pull it apart into airy, thin layers (not a dense clump).
- Optional but helpful: Hand-blend with wool by pulling small tufts through your fingers repeatedly until evenly mixed.
- Work in thin layers: Cat fur felts better when added gradually versus shoved in as a ball.
If you want a simple craft-oriented walkthrough for using cat hair, see: Petcube: How to Felt Cat Hair.
How to needle felt cat fur (beginner workflow)
This workflow is designed to maximize success with cat fur: build strength with wool, then “skin” it with cat fur.
What you’ll need
| Item | Why it matters | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Felting needles | They tangle fibers together as you poke | Needles are sharp; work slowly and keep fingers behind the needle path |
| Foam pad / felting mat | Protects your surface and your needles | Any dense felting pad works; replace when it gets too “pitted” |
| Wool roving / core wool | Forms a strong base shape quickly | Cat fur can be used as the outer layer for color/meaning |
| Your cleaned cat fur | Creates the keepsake surface | Add in thin layers; blend with wool if bonding is weak |
Step-by-step: a small “keepsake heart” (easy project)
- Make a firm wool core: Roll a small amount of wool into a loose ball, then needle felt until it’s firm.
- Shape it: Pinch a notch at the top, round the bottom, and keep felting until the heart holds its shape.
- Add cat fur as a skin: Lay a very thin veil of cat fur on the surface and poke it in with shallow, even stabs.
- Seal edges: Wrap wispy strands around edges and felt them down so the “skin” doesn’t peel.
- Harden (optional): Continue felting lightly until the surface feels smooth and stable.
How to wet felt cat fur (flat sheets & small pads)
Wet felting is most useful when you want a flat “pad” of felt (for a tiny frame insert, a backing, or a small keepsake sheet). Wet felting typically uses soap + water + friction to encourage fibers to bind (overview: Wet felting basics).
Beginner-friendly wet felting approach (cat fur + wool blend)
- Make a thin layer: On a towel or textured mat, lay down a thin layer of wool first.
- Add cat fur: Spread cat fur evenly on top (avoid thick clumps).
- Soap + warm water: Wet the layers thoroughly; add a small amount of soap.
- Press, then rub: Start with gentle pressing, then rub in small circles as fibers begin to hold.
- Roll to firm up: Roll the piece in a towel and roll back-and-forth to strengthen bonding.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse out soap, squeeze gently, reshape, and air-dry flat.
If you want a cat-hair-specific craft tutorial reference, see: Petcube: How to Felt Cat Hair.
How much cat fur do you need?
Amount depends on the project and your cat’s coat. The estimates below assume clean, dry fur (not compacted into a tight ball). When in doubt, start small—cat fur is easiest to use as an outer layer on a wool core.
| Project | Cat fur amount (rough estimate) | Recommended structure |
|---|---|---|
| Mini heart (about 1–1.5 inches tall) | 1–2 tablespoons (loose, fluffy) | Wool core + cat fur outer layer |
| Small brooch face / mini portrait insert | 2–4 tablespoons | Wool base sheet (wet felt) + needle felt details |
| Ornament “skin” layer over a 3–4 inch wool body | 1/2–1 cup (depending on coverage) | Firm wool sculpture + cat fur surface |
Rule of thumb (for better results)
- Cat fur alone works best for small pads or accents.
- For 3D keepsakes, use a wool core and “wrap” cat fur in thin layers.
- If it won’t bind, blend cat fur with wool (even 30–50% wool can dramatically improve felting).
Troubleshooting: common problems & fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fur “peels off” the surface | Layer is too thick; not enough anchoring into the base | Use thinner layers; poke shallow and evenly; wrap wisps around edges and felt down |
| It won’t firm up (stays fluffy) | Fibers too short/slick; not enough structural fiber | Blend with wool; create a firm wool core; add cat fur as a top coat |
| Oily or sticky feel | Natural oils or residue (soap not rinsed) | Wash fur gently first; rinse thoroughly; dry completely before felting |
| Needle breaks often | Angle poking; hitting a hard surface | Poke straight in and out; use a proper felting pad; avoid stabbing deep into dense foam |
| Surface looks “fuzzy” instead of smooth | Loose ends not fully felted | Keep felting lightly across the surface; add a thin finishing layer and felt it in |
For an experienced perspective on when pet fur works well (and when it doesn’t), see: Gourmet Felted: “Can I felt pet fur?”.
Don’t want to DIY? A simple commissioning option (low-pressure)
If your main goal is a lifelike keepsake (and you’d rather not troubleshoot slippery fibers), commissioning a piece made with professional-grade wool is often the easiest path. You can still keep your cat’s fur as a meaningful element—some artists can incorporate a small amount as an accent, depending on the item.
PetDecorArt options (official details)
The table below summarizes key parameters as listed on PetDecorArt product pages (prices and timelines can change).
| Product | Picture | Price (listed) | Size / options | Materials (listed) | Timeline / policy highlights (listed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Mini Felt Pet Keychain & Bag Charm |  |
$59.90 | Mini size ~1.5 inches | Wool felt (listed as durable wool felt) | Custom order: about 2–4 weeks; photo confirmation before shipping is mentioned on the page |
| 3D Custom Stuffed Animal Clones with Wooden Frame |  |
$249.99 | Head-only or half-body; multiple frame size options listed (6–16 inches) | Handmade wool felt; “can include real whiskers or fur” is listed on the page | “Unlimited revisions” is listed on the page |
| Full-Body 3D Custom Stuffed Animals (from photo) |  |
$499.99 | Full-body portrait (from photos) | Material table lists wool body base and wool; glass eyes; resin/clay/wax parts for features | Production timeline listed as ~15–30 days; custom shipping section lists standard delivery 26–52 business days and VIP 19–45 business days; refunds after production begins may incur a 50% fee (per page) |
Want to learn what makes a quality needle-felted cat (as a buyer)? PetDecorArt’s non-tutorial guide: Needle Felted Cat: A Comprehensive Knowledge Guide.
FAQ
Can I felt cat fur without wool?
Sometimes—especially if you have lots of fluffy undercoat and you’re making a small flat pad. For 3D shapes, a wool core usually gives you a sturdier result and saves a lot of frustration.
Does cat fur felt better with needle felting or wet felting?
Most beginners get better control with needle felting. Wet felting is useful for making a flat “base sheet,” especially when blended with wool.
Do I need to wash the fur first?
It’s recommended. Clean fibers bond more consistently, and washing reduces oils that can make felting harder—especially for keepsakes you’ll keep long-term.
What if my cat’s fur is extremely short?
Use it as a surface layer (for meaning and color) and rely on wool for the structure. Short, slick fibers can be difficult to felt into a firm core by themselves.
Can I felt fur from shedding (not brushing)?
Yes, as long as it’s clean and dry. Lint, dirt, and oils are what usually cause problems—not the source of the fur.
How do I store collected cat fur?
Store fully dry fur in a clean, sealed bag or container, away from moisture. If you live in a humid area, avoid storing damp fur (that’s when odors or mold can happen).
Will a felted keepsake smell like my cat?
If you wash and fully dry the fur, it typically won’t retain a strong odor. Odor usually comes from oils, dampness, or residue.
Can felting needles hurt pets?
Yes—needles are sharp. Keep tools out of reach and never felt with a pet on your lap or within paw’s reach.
Is cat fur felting safe if I have allergies?
If you’re sensitive to pet dander, use gloves, work in a well-ventilated area, and consider wearing a mask. Cleaning the fur first can also help reduce irritants.
What’s the easiest first project?
A tiny heart, pebble shape, or flat pad—made with a wool base and a thin cat-fur outer layer.
Sources & further reading
- Felt definition + needle felting and wet felting sections: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felt
- Wet felting overview (soap + water + agitation): https://muddyfaces.co.uk/activities/art-creating/wet-felting
- Cat-hair-specific craft tutorial: https://petcube.com/blog/how-to-felt-cat-hair/
- Experienced perspective on pet fur felting variability: https://gourmetfelted.wordpress.com/2013/10/10/your-needle-felting-questions-answeredfelt-dog-fur/
- PetDecorArt product pages referenced (official parameters):
- PetDecorArt educational reading: Needle Felted Cat: A Comprehensive Knowledge Guide
