How to Make a Cat Hammock: Zero-Waste DIY in 5 Minutes
Are your closets overflowing with old t-shirts you never wear? Is your four-legged buddy on the hunt for a new high spot to survey their kingdom? Look no further!
Today, we're combining creative upcycling with a love for cats in this DIY cat hammock tutorial made entirely from things you already have.
Forget complicated, overpriced structures.
This project is the perfect example of "Zero Waste": it won't cost you a thing, it gives your clothes a second life, and it's a great activity to do on a weekend afternoon with the kids.
What You Need to Make a Cat Hammock
No time to craft? A suction cup cat window perch goes up in 30 seconds.
The beauty of this DIY is that you already have everything at home. To make this cat hammock, you'll need:
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1 old cotton t-shirt: Choose a slightly thick one for comfort. A size M or L is ideal. Pick a color your cat likes (or one that matches your decor!).
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1 sturdy metal hanger: Be careful here: you need a wire hanger that's fairly rigid, not the kind that bends too easily.
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A pair of scissors.
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Your hands (and those of your little helpers!).
⚠️ Important note on size: This DIY cat hammock tutorial is suited to small to medium cats (think domestic shorthair). If you have a large cat, as the many shoppers looking for a Maine Coon cat tree or giant Maine Coon cat tree suggest, this craft won't be sturdy enough. For them, go with our reinforced XXL cat trees.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: It's Child's Play
Ready? Grab your hangers! Here's how to make a cat hammock without any sewing.
Step 1: Prepare the Frame
Take your metal hanger. The goal is to reshape the bottom triangle into a more square or rectangular shape to create a wider sleeping surface.
Gently pull the bottom bar outward, and flatten the hanger's "shoulders." You should end up with a shape that looks like a diamond or a kite. Tip for kids: This is the "Hulk" step! Let them pull on the hanger (under supervision) to bend it out of shape.
Step 2: Dress the Hammock
This is the easiest part of this DIY cat hammock tutorial. Slide your reshaped hanger inside the t-shirt, just as if you were putting it away in your closet.
The hanger's hook should come out through the neck of the t-shirt. Adjust the fabric so the hanger lies flat inside and the fabric is slightly taut over the metal frame.
Step 3: Secure the Bottom (The No-Sew Method!)
The bottom of the t-shirt is open, and your cat could fall right through. To close the bottom without a sewing machine, we'll use the knot technique.
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Using the scissors, cut vertical strips along the very bottom of the t-shirt, through both layers of fabric. The strips should be about 2 to 3 inches long and about 3/4 inch wide.
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Next, tie the knots! Take a strip from the top layer and the matching strip from the bottom layer, and tie them together firmly (make a double knot).
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Repeat all the way across. This is the kids' favorite step: they get to close up the "sleeping bag" themselves.
Where to Set Up Your New Cat Hammock
Your creation is ready! All that's left is finding the perfect spot. Thanks to the hanger's hook, this design is very versatile. The data shows you love the idea of a cat window hammock, and it works perfectly well:
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On a window handle: This is the prime spot (as long as the handle is sturdy) for watching the birds.
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Under a chair or coffee table: To create a cozy, discreet hideaway.
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On a curtain rod or wall hook: Just make sure it's securely fastened.
And in winter? The radiator becomes the most coveted spot: its gentle warmth makes for an unbeatable nap. Our guide to a cat hammock for windows or radiators compares both spots in detail. And for a ready-to-use option, check out our radiator cat beds.
Safety First
Before letting Kitty climb up, always test the strength of your setup by pressing down on it with your hand.
Make sure the attachment point can support your pet's weight plus the impact of a possible jump.
Conclusion
And that's it! You've followed our cat hammock tutorial all the way through. In no time at all, you've made a hanging bed that's machine washable (just remove the hanger) and completely free.
Your cat will love the familiar smell of your old T-shirt and the gentle sway of their new throne. Feel free to share your creations in the comments!
🐾 No time for DIY? Our ready-to-use cat hammocks, cat-approved.
Not in the mood for DIY? We've got you covered.
This tutorial is perfect for a creative afternoon, but if you'd rather give your cat a sturdy, washable cat hammock that's ready in 30 seconds, our collection is here for you. And for the larger cats mentioned above, we also have XXL structures built to go the distance.
📚 Sources and References
- International Cat Care. Scratching. icatcare.org
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Environmental Enrichment. vet.cornell.edu
- TICA (The International Cat Association). Maine Coon (breed profile). tica.org
- LOOF. Maine Coon Standard. loof.asso.fr
Frequently Asked Questions
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An old T-shirt and a sturdy hanger are all you need: it's a 100% upcycled DIY, with no sewing and no special tools.
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Built on a robust hanger, it can hold an adult cat weighing 9 to 13 lbs (4 to 6 kg). Always check that it's sturdy before letting your cat use it.
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Place it somewhere quiet and elevated, then add a blanket that smells like your cat and a few treats: most cats take to it within a few days.
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It works best for cats that love to perch. For a senior or less agile cat, choose a low setup that's easy to get into.
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