How to Make a Cat Hammock in a Box

Make a miniature hammock for your favorite feline.

A cat hammock is the ultimate relaxation spot for your four-legged friend. The finished piece looks like a full-size hammock for humans, but in a miniature size. Hang the hammock inside a box and you have a place where your cat will spend hours at a time. Use an old piece of fabric that you have on hand or an old pillowcase. A pillowcase is just the right size for kittens and medium-size adult cats.

Things You'll Need

• Pillowcase
• Quilt batting
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread
• Ribbon
• Sewing machine
• Four hooks
• Wooden box
• Electric drill

Instructions

1. Turn the pillowcase inside out. Lay the quilt batting on a flat surface and set the pillowcase directly on top. Measure 1/2 inch out from the pillowcase on all sides and mark that measurement on the quilt batting.

2. Set the pillowcase to one side. Cut the quilt batting, following the mark you made earlier. Run the scissors around each side of the quilt batting. The finished piece should be slightly larger than the pillowcase. Place the quilt batting on top of the pillowcase.

3. Place one hand on top of the quilt batting as you gently pull the pillowcase down, turning it right-side out. Push back on the quilt batting and pull up on the pillowcase, stuffing the batting inside. Sew the open edge of the pillowcase shut.

4. Unroll the ribbon and cut four pieces, each 6 inches long. Fold each piece in half and sew one onto each corner, using a zigzag stitch that keeps the ribbon firmly attached to the hammock.

5. Compare the size of the hammock against the wooden box, making sure the box is large enough to hold the hammock. Drill a small hole in each corner of the box and attach a hook in each corner. Wrap the ribbon loops around each hook and suspend the hammock inside the box.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider cutting a small rectangular hole in one side of the box, giving your cat the option of crawling inside and lying below the hammock or going over the top and sleeping in the hammock.

• Avoid using a cardboard box, as it is not strong enough to support a cat’s weight.

References

• Irene Sheehy: How to Make A Cat Hammock
• Cats of Australia: Cat Enclosures and Outdoor Cat Runs