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

6 DIY Cat Pillow Plans You Can Make Today

While most cats are happy to nap just about anywhere in the home and often sleep in strange positions that don’t seem at...

11 Best Poultry-Free Cat Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats are carnivores and need protein in their diet to be healthy and active. Chicken is an abundant ingredient in all types of...

KitNipBox Cat Subscription Box Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

What Is KitNipBox? KitNipBox is a subscription cat box service based in New York City, NY. It delivers toys and treats straight to...

How Much Does Cat Asthma Treatment Cost? 2025 Update

Just like people, cats can suffer from asthma. This is a narrowing of the airways and swelling of the lungs, making it difficult...

More related

150 Roman Cat Names: Powerful Names Apt for an Emperor

Welcoming a new cat into your home is an incredible moment. After the excitement of those first few days settles down and your...

Homemade Cat Toys vs Commercial Toys: Olga’s Unusual Favorites

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga. I give Olga a pack...

Do Coffee Grounds Keep Cats Away? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

A beautiful garden and neighborhood cats often don’t go hand-in-hand. Cats are notorious for digging into garden beds to defecate, and some can’t...

190 Cat Names That Start With B: Male & Female Picks

Finding a name for your new cat can be one of the most entertaining parts of adopting a new pet, but it can...

Keep reading

9 Best Cat Grooming Tools of 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Whether you have a short- or long-haired cat, there’s no doubt that finding your cat’s hair everywhere—and we do mean everywhere—is not your favorite part of the day. Grooming is an essential part of pet ownership. It helps us keep...

How Many Nipples Do Cats Have? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you’ve ever seen a pregnant cat nursing, you know that there are plenty of feeding stations to go around. Both male and female cats have nipples on their belly, arranged in two parallel rows. But the number of nipples...

A pregnant mother cat while resting on a wooden chair showing its tummy and nipples

Why Does My Cat Lie on Me? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

We all love to spoil our cats, so they tend to get new toys and tasty treats more often than we do! Seeing them napping in odd spots around the house inspires many cat owners to purchase a special cat...

cat sleeping in owner's arms

Why Do Cats Loaf? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

The “loaf” position has become quite popular on social media. If you own a cat, you’ve likely seen your cat in this position. But why do cats loaf? Some cats seem to sit in this manner all the time. Others...

Ginger cat sitting in the loaf position on the floor

Can Cats Eat Corn? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Corn is a common side dish in many culinary traditions. It’s sweet, delicious, and healthy, making it a favorite among people worldwide. You might have noticed that corn is also a common ingredient in many cat foods. Still, you know...

Can Cats Eat Corn

How to Care for a Cat After Surgery: 12 Vet-Approved Tips

The last thing that we want is for our cats to experience any kind of pain or discomfort, but surgery can be a necessary part of caring for them. Whether you’re having your cat spayed or neutered or something else...

cat in vet clinic recovering from spaying procedure

How Do Cat Eyes Work? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you’re wondering why your cat has such an air of self-importance and superiority about them, it might be because their senses are so powerful and complex that they consider us mere humans simply inferior—and rightly so! Did you know...

Scared cat with wide eyes looking at you

Why Do Cats Like the Beach? 3 Fun Reasons & Things to Consider

Why do dogs get all the credit for being fun to take on vacation? Your cat is also ready for an adventure! Granted, it takes preparation and a few safety precautions, but there’s no reason that your feline friend can’t...

Cat on the ocean beach during the day in Railay beach Thailand