If your house has cats in it, you know they sleep ALL THE TIME. My guys will find the fluffiest little spot and set up residence. Literally. So when I started looking into DIY cat hammock ideas for your kitty to snooze all day on, I was excited to give them each their own special spot that was equally cute and cozy.
The best part is most of these projects are dirt cheap, use supplies you probably already have lying around the house, and take less than 60 minutes to make. No matter if your cat likes to lounge by the window, nest in the corner, or sleep high up off the ground, there is an option on this list for every kitty style.
Why Cats Love Hammocks in the First Place
Just a quick note on why cats love hammocks in the first place. Cats feel safest when they are resting in an area that is raised up off the ground, enclosed on most sides, and slightly suspended or bouncing. A hammock mimics that perfectly by cradling them while still keeping them elevated. It also has a very gentle give which resembles the soft, cushy surfaces they love so much. So when you make your cat a hammock, you are not just being adorable and crafty.
You are actually catering to their deepest instincts and providing them with something that is designed to feel amazing for them. Most cats will instantly fall in love with their hammock once they know it will not collapse under them and it is warm from you.
What You Need Before You Start Making Cat Hammocks
Some simple tools that will come in handy for several of the projects include basic sewing supplies or a hot glue gun, fabric scissors, rope, bungee cords or zip ties, wooden dowels or PVC pipes, old t-shirts or scrap fabric, and S-hooks or carabiners for hanging. Depending on which project you choose, you will not need every supply. I have listed the general supplies needed for each below so you can pick an option that best fits your skills and what you have available.
10 Easy DIY Cat Hammock Ideas
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The Old T-Shirt Hammock
This clever idea is super easy and works best with an old shirt you do not wear anymore. Grab a large, sturdy tee and cut off the sleeves and collar so you have one big square of fabric. Then take the four corners and tie them off or sew them into loops. Hang the shirt between two sets of chair legs, wall-mounted hooks, or furniture legs using rope or zip ties. The shirt is stretchy enough that it will gently hug your cat just right, plus the fabric absorbs your scent which makes it extra enticing to them.
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The Under-Chair Hammock
If you have an old wooden chair with legs slightly spread apart, your cat will love this hidden hammock made just for them. Cut a piece of sturdy canvas fabric or heavy cotton material about the size of the chair seat. Then attach the four corners to the inside of each chair leg using screws, strong rope, or zip ties. Leave enough slack so that the hammock hangs about six to eight inches below the seat of the chair. Your cat now has their very own hidden little den under the chair to cuddle up in. This is perfect for cats who love to hide.
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The Window Perch Hammock
For those cats who cannot get enough sunbathing, make this treat for them! You will need two L-shaped shelf brackets mounted on each side of a window frame. Then take a sturdy piece of fabric or cut open a canvas tote bag and flatten it out. Secure the fabric across the two brackets, tight enough that it will hold weight but with a little bit of give. Place it high enough that your cat can reach it by jumping from a table or ledge. Instant sunbathing paradise that gives them a front-row view of the outside world.
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The Bungee Cord Hammock
Your cat will go crazy for this stretchy hammock option. Simply take a square of heavy fabric and attach a bungee cord to each corner. Hook all four bungee cords onto the same anchor point on the ceiling or hook. This creates a dangling hammock that will bounce slightly when your cat lies down. The motion is barely noticeable but adds another layer of coziness. Make sure your anchor point is securely fastened before allowing your cat on it.
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The Bookshelf Hammock
Find an open spot on your bookshelf with gaps between shelves and create a mini hammock to slip in there. Cut a piece of fabric to match the width of your shelf gap and secure it using hooks or strong rope knotted through grommets in each corner. Your cat can now snuggle into their very own little sleeping shelf. This feels cozy and enclosed on three sides, which is great for cats who like to feel tucked in. You can even stuff a little washable pillow inside for extra cushioning.
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The PVC Pipe Frame Hammock
This idea is slightly more work but creates an entire freestanding hammock frame your cat can enjoy anywhere. Use four PVC pipes to construct a rectangular frame and connect the corners with PVC elbow joints. Stretch a piece of fleece or thick fabric over the frame and secure it by tying or gluing the fabric edges around the pipes. You can place it directly on the floor for accessibility or create legs using more PVC pipes. This is ideal for small apartment dwellers who cannot wall-mount anything.
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The Repurposed Shopping Bag Hammock
Did you know you can turn any thick canvas or jute shopping bag into a cat hammock? Just cut open the bag to create a big rectangle of strong fabric. Then reinforce the four corners by doubling back stitches or tying knots in the material. Hang it from two anchors using the bag’s existing handles or by attaching lengths of rope. Cats love how the natural material feels against their fur, and this option is very durable for frequent use and washing.
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The Rope and Dowel Hammock
Want something more rustic-looking? Use two wooden dowels and a length of rope or macrame cord to weave your own hammock. Drill small holes along each dowel about half an inch apart. Then zigzag or weave parallel lines of rope through the holes, tying off each end when you reach the last dowel. Hang your newly made wooden dowels from hooks mounted in the wall or ceiling. It creates a decorative piece that looks like it belongs in your living room or bedroom, not something you whipped up for your cat. Just ensure the spacing between rope holes is close enough that your cat cannot slip through.
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The Corner-Mounted Hammock
Instead of hanging your hammock from two separate points, you can also use two walls meeting in a corner. Simply cut a triangle-shaped piece of fabric and attach each corner to the wall using sturdy screw-in hooks and rope or ribbon. Let it hang low enough for your cat to jump up onto from a table or nearby piece of furniture. Cats usually feel extremely secure in this style because they are surrounded on two sides and elevated off the ground. This is also great for small spaces since it takes up very little room. It is basically a way of making use of unused corner space.
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The Upcycled Baby Crib Sheet Hammock
The perfect size and softness can be found in old crib sheets. They are ridiculously easy to find at thrift stores or from anyone with kids who have outgrown them. The elasticated cotton fabric offers the perfect amount of bounce. Simply tie each corner onto a hook, furniture leg, or length of rope. Place it at the height your cat likes to nap and watch them fall in love. It often comes in adorable pastel colors that look sweet in any room. Bonus — crib sheets are one of the easiest things to toss in the wash every once in a while. You may think washing does not matter, but it matters more than most people realize when it comes to keeping your kitty healthy and odor-free.
Tips to Make Any Cat Hammock a Success
No matter which DIY cat hammock idea for your kitty to snooze all day on you choose to build, there are some things you can do to increase the chances of your cat actually using it. First, put the hammock somewhere your cat already likes to spend time. They are creatures of habit and will be more likely to venture onto a new object if it is already within their normal hangout zone. Second, rub the hammock with your hands or place a piece of clothing on it that smells like you recently wore it. Third, sprinkle a little bit of catnip on it when you first bring it out. Most cats will come around after a day or two once they determine the hammock is safe and comfortable.
Another pro tip is to make sure you regularly inspect the areas your hammock is hanging from. Especially if you have a cat that loves to jump on things with wild abandon, knots will loosen and fabric will wear out over time. Checking and tightening every few weeks will ensure everything stays safe and secure.
Final Thoughts on DIY Cat Hammock Ideas
Just because you make your cat a hammock does not mean it has to be difficult or expensive. I love that most of these projects allow you to upcycle things you were going to throw away while creating something your cat will adore. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your cat relax in something you made with your own two hands. Start with whatever project speaks to you and do not be surprised if your cat claims it before you even finish constructing. That is just how they roll.
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