Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

4 Free DIY Cat Hammocks You Can Build Today (With Pictures)

british short hair cat in hammock

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 the best DIY pattern to get you started.

divider 3 paws

The 4 DIY Cat Hammocks

1. End Table Cat Hammock by Martha Stewart

DIY Cat Hammock
Image By: Martha Stewart

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.

Materials Fabric, twill tape, cotton batting
Tools Scissors, sewing machine
Skill Level Easy

2. Macrame Cat Hammock by Master Gamak

Materials Polyester cord, metal ring
Tools Scissors, ruler
Skill Level Intermediate

This macrame cat hammock from Master Gamak is sure to make your cat happy. Every cat loves to be up high, and this hammock can even swing if your cat sets it in motion. If you already know how to do macrame, then this one is going to be easy for you. If not, surely you have a friend who can help you learn.

The best thing about this DIY hammock is that you can choose your own color: pink for the girls, blue for the boys, or a mixture of both. Either way, your feline pal is sure to love this one.


3. DIY Cat Hammock For Wire Cages by Pet Helpful

DIY cat hammock for kennels
Image credit: Pet Helpful
Materials Thread, fabric of your choice, mattress pad covers, Polypro webbing, carabiners for hanging
Tools Scissors, sewing machine with medium-weight needle
Skill Level Intermediate

This cat hammock from Pet Helpful does require some sewing, but it’s perfectly designed to hang inside wire kennels. According to the author, the original design was aimed at improving the lives of shelter cats, but this hammock can be equally fun for your cats at home. You can choose your fabric based on what your cats like, and even use a different fabric for each side for a reversible hammock!


4. DIY Window Basket Cat Bed by Cat Toy Lady

Materials Medium to large basket, poly rope
Tools Scissors
Skill Level Easy

Sometimes, you want to create a hammock/basket for your cat to sun itself in by the window, but you don’t have to budget or the know-how to take on some of the projects. That is where the DIY window basket cat bed by The Cat Toy Lady comes in.

This window basket is simple to make, with no sewing or tools required. All you need is a medium to large basket, some poly rope, a pair of scissors, and a window to hang the finished product. The Cat Toy Lady gives detailed instructions for this simple project, and your cat will undoubtedly love it when it’s complete.

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

We hope these plans have given you some inspiration to make a hammock for your cat. Cats live for lounging and napping (and they look so cute doing it!), so giving them another place to stretch out and chill will make their day. Hammocks are also a great way for a cat to stay cooler during the warmer months. So, click on one of the plans listed in this article and get started. Your cat will thank you!

Next on your reading list:


Featured Image Credit: Ben Schonewille, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Why Is My Cat’s Stomach Gurgling? 8 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

If your cat’s stomach is making odd noises, you may be wondering what’s going on and what causes it. Cat stomach gurgles are...

How to Give a Cat a Head Massage: 4 Vet-Reviewed Tips & Benefits

You wouldn’t think giving a cat a head massage would be something your feline would like, but you would be surprised. While not...

22 Amazing DIY Gifts for Cat Lovers You Can Create at Home (With Pictures)

Not all cat lovers own cats, which makes spoiling your cat-obsessed loved ones with cat-themed goodies even more important. There’s a wide selection...

My Cat Walked on My Keyboard & Broke Something, What’s Wrong?

Computers and cats are two of the most baffling items in a lot of homes. And, in the same way, every cat has...

More related

How to Prevent Diabetes in Cats: 7 Vet-Reviewed Tips

Feline diabetes is a severe illness that can drastically decrease cats’ quality of life. Pets with this condition cannot properly use glucose because...

My Cat Killed a Bird: What to Do & Prevention Tips (Vet-Verified)

If you have an outdoor cat, chances are there will be a time that they bring you a dead bird. This experience is...

What Do You Do if You Find a Stray Cat? 4 Vet-Reviewed Steps to Take

Stray cats are common in almost every part of the world. As such, it’s not rare for you to run into a stray...

9 Best Cat Beds in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats take legendary naps. As crepuscular creatures, they’re likely to “cat nap” through most of the day and then become active around the...

Keep reading

Cat Pouncing: Vet-Verified Behavior Explained & Solutions

Cats love to pounce! While it’s a normal activity that’s linked to their hunting skills, there are times when your cat’s pouncing can become a bit too enthusiastic and cross the line into aggression, particularly in indoor cats that don’t...

Burmese cat face before pounce hunting to toy mouse at home

Can Indoor Cats Get Ringworm? Vet-Reviewed Signs, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

If you’re a cat parent, you know how important it is to keep your feline’s health in good shape. Since ringworm is a recognized skin condition in cats, you need to know if your cat can suffer from it and...

Ringworm lesion in cat

Can Cats Eat Artichokes? Vet Reviewed Facts & Safety Guide

Artichokes are delicious vegetables that can be savored as treats. There are many ways that you can enjoy artichokes, and they also happen to have nutritional benefits. If you want to share something you enjoy with your beloved cat, you...

Can Cats Eat Artichokes

Can Pregnant Cats Have Catnip? Vet-Verified Risks & Safety Guide

Catnip is an herb with a wide variety of uses and is most well-known for the strange behavior that it causes in cats. While it’s harmless and non-addictive to cats of all ages, including nursing felines and kittens, giving catnip...

Can Pregnant Cats Have Catnip

Can Indoor Cats Get Toxoplasmosis? Vet Reviewed Signs & Prevention Tips

As cat owners, we want to keep our cats safe. But we also want to keep our family safe. It seems like when you hear about toxoplasmosis, you have to choose between your cat or your safety. Cat owners everywhere...

tired sick cat lying on bed

Is Scented Litter Safe for Cats? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Several online sources suggest that scented litter is bad for cats. It’s alleged to cause recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to irritation caused by fragrances added to mask the smell of cat pee. Others argue that scented litter should...

Catster_Is Scented Litter Safe for Cats

Why Do Cats Hate Closed Doors? 6 Vet-Verified Likely Reasons

As any cat owner knows, cats have a lot of quirks and idiosyncrasies. One of them is a hatred for closed doors, no matter what lies behind them. Sometimes, this innate drive to get into the closed room could lead...

cat sitting near the door at home

How Do Cats Clean Themselves? Normal Behavior & Advice (Vet-Reviewed)

Cats are known for their impressive ability to self-groom. However, there is a line between healthy grooming and compulsive grooming. Likewise, some cats under-groom. Both compulsive grooming and under-grooming occur due to other underlying health problems. Understanding what’s normal for...

white himalayan cat grooming hepper pod bed

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.