How to Make a DIY Cat Hammock for Your Furry Friend

1. Trace and Cut the Hammock

   Place one of the hoops on the fleece and trace the inside with a pencil. Pin two layers of fleece together and cut out the circle.

2. Make the Hanging Strips

   Cut six strips of woven fabric each measuring 1 3/4 x 21 inches.

   A rotary cutter and ruler are helpful for this, but you can also mark the lines and cut them with scissors.

   Press each strip in half, then press the edges into the center and iron it well. Then, topstitch each strip on the open edge, backstitching at the beginning and end. Tie a knot at the end of each strip.

   Tip

   You can substitute bias tape for these strips, and simply sew the strips and knot the ends.

3. Position the Hanging Strips

   Fold each strip in half and space them evenly around one of the fleece circles with the folded side aligned to the edge. Pin the fleece circles right sides together with the ties in the middle.

   Tip

   To space the ties evenly, place two folded strips directly across from each other, then add the remaining sets of two. Viewing each set of two as a straight line makes it easier to divide the circle into six equal sections.

4. Sew the Hammock

   Sew around the circle with a 3/8-inch seam allowance, leaving an opening for turning. Backstitch over each strap as you sew.

   Turn the hammock right side out, then use a needle and thread to sew the opening closed with a blind stitch.

5. Measure and Mark the Hoops

   Measure the outside circumference of one of the quilting hoops and divide the total by six. For an 18-inch hoop, this should be about 9 2/3 inches.

   Align the two hoops by the tightening blocks and mark the outside of each hoop with the six equally spaced measurements.

   Be sure to space the markings on either side of the tightening blocks.

6. Drill Holes in the Hoops and Slats

   Hold a block of scrap wood behind the hoop and use a 1/4-inch bit to drill holes through the markings on the hoops. It helps to work on the corner of a counter so you can get some leverage while also letting the drill do the work.

   Use masking tape to hold several wood slats together. Hold the bundle behind one of the drilled holes, aligning the edges, then mark where to drill the holes at each end.

   Set the bundle on the wood block and drill a hole through each end.

7. Assemble the Hammock Frame

   Hold a wood slat on the inside of one hoop and thread a bolt through the holes. Secure it with a wing nut. Repeat this around the hoop, then repeat it again with the second hoop at the other end of each slat.

8. Attach the Hammock to the Frame

   Tie the fabric hammock to the top hoop in the frame.

   Because the tightening blocks on the hoop are centered between two supports, you won't be able to center the ties, but you can space them near the centers.

Your cat can now enjoy their little hammock-style pet bed! This sweet kitty was hesitant to try it right away, but after letting her have a treat or two, she gave it a go. Now she comes back to it again and again—even without the treats!

Keep this in a favorite spot in the house and encourage your cat to keep a few toys stored underneath. To clean the hammock, simply untie the straps and machine wash. You can also take the frame apart for storage if needed.

And while this was designed with a cat in mind, we think other small pets will love it too!