If there’s one thing that all cats love to do, it’s sleep! Adding different places for your cat to sleep is a great way to make sure they have plenty of enriching activities and areas to explore. Most cats love to sleep off the ground or floor, so a cat hammock might be popular.
There’s no need to shell out for an expensive pre-made version, though, as we’ve rounded up 10 of the best DIY patterns to get you started. From simple hammocks using cheap materials that can be built in less than an hour to stylish hammocks that need a few DIY skills and tools, you’re bound to find the perfect option for your cat!
1. Wicker basket hammock
If you have playful cats, they’ll love this wicker basket hammock! It’s super easy to make; just don’t hang it too high up so your cats can’t get in. Choose screw hooks with a strong enough weight limit. This is the perfect hammock for an outside catio as well.
Skill level: Beginner
- Wicker basket
- Bedding
- Strong twine
- Screw hooks for ceiling
- Drill
- Wall plugs
2. Ladder hammock and activity center
Got an old wooden ladder in the garage? Then you can easily create this upcycled ladder hammock and activity center! You’ll need to secure wooden platforms using screws and attach a fabric hammock at the base. Your cat will have plenty of fun once this is constructed. We’d be tempted to paint the ladder using a non-toxic paint for an even more eye-catching effect. Wrap sisal rope around the base of the legs to create a scratching post too!
Skill level: Medium
- Old wooden ladder
- Cat bed or fabric hammock
- Wooden platforms
- Screws
- Sisal rope
- Cat toys
- Glue
- Drill
3. Under-table cat hammock
For cats that love to be close to their owners at dinner time, this under-table hammock is the perfect solution! You’ll need minimal materials: just a small piece of carpet and string or chain to attach to the legs of your table. Easy!
Skill level: Beginner
- Carpet scrap
- Chains or rope
- Screw hooks
- Drill
4. Minimalist wall hammocks
These simple fabric wall hammocks look stylish and will suit any home. You can hand-stitch the fabric to create loops to slide through the supports or use a sewing machine. You can either place these hammocks high up near a few shelves so your cat can easily climb in and out, or place them closer to the floor so your cat can just jump in.
Skill level: Medium
- Metal shelf supports
- Brackets
- Screws
- Wall plugs
- Fabric
- Needle and thread
- Sewing machine (optional)
- Drill
- Interesting Read: 21 DIY Cardboard Cat House You Can Build Today (with Pictures)
5. End table cat hammock
This end table cat hammock couldn’t be easier! All you need is an end table with a big enough space underneath to accommodate your cat’s hammock, as well as a few craft supplies. The hammock can easily be removed for washing, and you can customize your fabric options to suit your décor or change it with the seasons.
Skill level: Beginner
- Fabric
- Twill tape
- Cotton batting
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
6. Cat Chair Hammocks
Another great option for cats who love to sleep near the table is a chair hammock. Made from a piece of fabric or a soft cat bed, these can easily be secured to the struts under your chairs using twill tape secured to the corners. If you have multiple cats, there’s only one thing for it: multiple chair hammocks!
Skill level: Beginner
- Fabric or soft cat bed
- Twill tape
- Needle and thread
- Sewing machine (optional)
7. Macramé-style cat hammock
If you’re a talented macramé creator, then it shouldn’t take long for you to make a comfy hammock for your cat! You can choose whatever design for the hammock and supporting strings that you prefer, even coordinating with any other macramé plant hangers that you already have.
Skill level: Advanced
- Macramé rope
- Metal or wooden frame
- Wooden support
- None
8. No-sew easy cat hammock
Looking for an easy cat hammock that you can build in just a few hours? This is the perfect choice. It’s freestanding, so there’s no need to drill holes in the wall. You can build the legs as tall or short as you like, or even create more than one, so your cat can choose what height to sleep at! The hammock section can be created using two fleece blankets that are knotted around the pipes, so you don’t even need to do any sewing!
Skill level: Beginner
- Plastic piping
- Plastic pipe fittings
- Fleece blanket x 2
- Scissors
- Interesting Read: 9 Proven Ways to Discipline Your Cat (with Pictures)
9. Cat hammock stand
This stylish and minimal cat hammock stand is easy to create yourself if you’ve got a medium level of DIY skills and basic tools. This adorable hammock has two levels: The lower level has a soft cushion and the top level is a comfy hammock. Add a toy for your cat to play with, or customize this hammock stand by using a bright fabric or a non-toxic paint for the wood.
Skill level: Medium
- Wooden batons
- Canvas fabric
- Cushion
- Nails and screws
- Non-toxic varnish or paint
- Cat toy
- Saw
- Drill
- Hammer
- Paintbrush
10. Summer outdoor hammock
If you love relaxing in your outdoor hammock on a hot summer day, then what about creating a similar design for your cat? Attach wooden brackets to the wall to hold a handmade hammock made from a bright fabric. Watch as your cats all investigate their new bed — they might even all try to get in there together!
Skill level: Medium
- Wooden brackets
- Screws
- Wall plugs
- Fabric
- Thin rope
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Interesting Read: 6 DIY Cat Fence Ideas You Can Build Today (with Pictures)
Featured Image: Manthem, Flickr
