How to Make a PVC Cat Hammock
According to the ASPCA, cats sleep an average of 13 to 18 hours everyday. With this much of their life devoted to rest, creating comfortable spots for slumber is an important factor in the health and happiness of your cat. While a variety of beds are available from your local pet store, you can create a comfortable and durable resting place for your feline friend with denim fabric and a few basic PVC fittings. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- 1/2-inch PVC pipe
- 4 1/2-inch PVC corner joints
- 4 1/2-inch PVC caps
- Denim Fabric
- Scissors
- Fabric chalk
- Hacksaw
- Upholstery thread
- Sewing machinez
Instructions
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1
Determine the dimensions needed for your cat bed by measuring the square dimensions of their resting spots. Purchase enough 1/2-inch PVC pipe to allow for construction of a square according to the dimensions determined. Add an additional 2 feet to the total amount to accommodate for the PVC pipe needed for the legs.
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2
Cut the PVC pipe to the dimensions needed using a hacksaw. Cut four additional pieces, each measuring 6-inches in length, to use for the legs of the cat hammock.
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3
Assemble the bed by attaching each of the square sides together with PVC joints. Insert each of the legs into the remaining socket of the corner joints. To protect your floors from being scratched by the PVC legs, place a PVC cap over each of the ends.
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4
Measure the length from one side of the hammock to the opposite one. Cut out a piece of denim according to these dimensions, being sure to leave a 3-inch margin on two of the opposing ends and a 1 inch margin on the other two. The resulting denim piece will be a rectangle when cut.
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5
Thread a sewing machine with upholstery thread, and sew a 3/4-inch hem on the two ends with the 1-inch margin.
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6
Lay the fabric on a flat surface and place the pet frame on top of it. Roll both of the 3-inch margin ends of the fabric over the PVC pipe, and mark the seam placement that will be needed so the fabric will fit snugly around each bed frame pipe with fabric chalk.
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7
Sew the seam marked in Step 6 with a sewing machine threaded with upholstery thread. The resulting seams should create a looped hole on two of the opposing ends of the fabric.
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8
Remove each of the PVC pipe ends used to measure the seam in Step 6 from the PVC joints, and slide them into the loops created in Step 7.
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9
Place the PVC pipes back into the PVC joints to reassemble the bed. The pipes may fit snugly into joints, as the fabric will pull taught when the bed is fully assembled creating resistance.
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10
Ensure the bed is secure by testing it with your hand before allowing your pet to use it.
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Tips & Warnings
If your hammock begins to sag and touch the floor from frequent use, you can restore it by re-sewing the seam in Step 7.
If your cat is heavier, it may be necessary to use PVC glue to prevent the bed from collapsing. Be sure the glue is completely dry and that any fumes have dissipated before allowing your cat to use it.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
