How to Tie a Cat's Paw Knot

The cat's paw knot is often used to attach a fishing line to a hook. It is also a good way to attach a rope to a hook. This knot usually won't slip and doesn't need constant strain to hold it. Follow these steps to attach a cat's paw knot to a lifting hook.

Instructions

1. Hold a rope with your hands about one to two feet apart. Keep your palms facing out.

2. Twist your hands around once to make two loops facing you. Twist your hands around one more time to make one more twist in the rope.

3. Strengthen the knot, if you like, by making one more twist. Bring the two loops together.

4. Place the two loops together over a hook. You can also place it over a post or rail where the load is perpendicular to the post. Tighten the knot by pushing upward on the knot with one hand while pulling downward on the two ends with the other.

5. Untie the knot by slipping the loops off the hook. Pull at both ends of the rope and the knot will come undone.

Tips & Warnings

• Synthetic rope works best for practicing knots.

• This knot should be able to take a load at either end of the rope.

• Use the cat's paw knot for joining an eye to a ring or strongly joining eyes that are in the end of two lines.

• This type of knot is like the lark's head knot, but with an additional twist in the line.

• Don't use this if you need a very secure knot. It has been known to slip.