Hammock for a cat: how to make it yourself? (56 photos)

Everyone knows a cat's capriciousness - sometimes even the most beautiful house from a human point of view is ignored by furry fussy creatures, preferring to sleep on the floor, on a bed, or in a refrigerator box. To avoid this and not bump into a sleeping cat in the most unexpected places, you should pay attention to cat hammocks.


Hammock for cats with battery


Beige hammock for cat

DIY hammock for a cat using a battery

A lounger hanging from a heating radiator is an ideal solution for a cat. After all, your pet will always be warm and comfortable, and it doesn’t take up much space in the apartment.

Materials required for manufacturing

A battery-powered hammock requires a rigid frame; it holds its shape and the fabric on it does not slip or curl. The cat will be comfortable in this design.

There are three main manufacturing options for a sun lounger:

  • Use an old metal dish drainer. This is an almost ready-made option; it already has fastenings for hanging it on the battery. You need to remove excess ribs from it to free up space under the bed.
  • This option is more difficult, since you need to use a seat from a highchair or seat.
  • The most difficult way is to make the base of the hammock yourself.

What tools will you need?

To make a hanging cat bed you will need:

  • basic matter;
  • padding polyester or other lining fabric;
  • material for decoration;
  • Velcro or strong tapes;
  • metal rods.

The main thing is to make the structure strong and reliable; if the cat falls out of it, then it is unlikely that it will sleep and lie there. In addition, natural fabric will ensure the reliability of the structure, but you must take into account the size and dimensions of your pet.

Step-by-step implementation of a hammock for a pet

Master class on making a bed for a cat:

  1. Cut the bed to the size of your pet. For a ton of material you will need two layers of fabric, for a dense material - one. You can make insulation with padding polyester between layers of fabric.
  2. Draw the pattern from the front side, trim the edges with decorative fabric trim.
  3. Sew Velcro fastenings or tape to the top of the hammock.

The second option is to make a frame lounger, for which you will need: a lining, main fabric and a lock.

Manufacturing process:

  1. Measure the length according to your pet and multiply by two.
  2. Measure the required width and cut out the base of the hammock with a 2-centimeter seam allowance.
  3. Fold the fabric in half with the right sides facing inward and stitch on each side. Finish the edges with an overlocker or sew with decorative tape.
  4. Turn out the resulting rectangle.
  5. Sew a padding polyester filling and place it in the base.
  6. Sew a zipper along the open edge.
  7. Sew Velcro to the edges, which will hold the frame on the radiator.
  8. Pull the base onto the frame from the dryer and onto the battery.

Wooden frame for making a hammock

Many owners like large beds, they think that the cat needs a lot of space to sleep and relax. For a wooden frame you will need: wooden planks for the base and back. Then sew the fabric base for the hammock to the size of the board. For fastening, use a chain or strong wire; attach them to the back or base using self-tapping screws.

Making the fastening

For a frame hammock, you need to take a thick wire or metal rod and use pliers to bend the frame to the size of the bed. The size is calculated according to the cat's measurements based on the cat's dimensions and weight. The sewn base is put on the frame and hung on the battery.

If a finished product (dish dryer) is used for the frame, then the excess ribs for the sun lounger are removed, and the fastening is already there; you can cover them with a fur insert so that the metal rods do not heat up too much from the heat of the radiator.

Step-by-step production of a complex for two cats

When an owner has two cats, it is necessary to build a house for them taking into account their behavior, and so that they do not interfere with each other. The behavior of cats can be different: some cats are friends and easily get along on the same site, and there are times when one of them dominates. In this case, we can assume that one of them will want to take the most comfortable and highest place. If the cats are not friends, then it is better to separate the platforms, but if they are friends, then you can build one common, but large platform at the very top of the structure.

Materials and finished house

For this design, plywood up to 12 mm thick is suitable, as well as pillars made of wooden beams measuring 50 by 70 mm and at least 4 meters long. You will also need a jute-based carpet, about 2 and a half square meters, and a rope up to 20 meters long. Corners with a side of 15 by 20 mm for the house and 40 by 45 mm for attaching platforms are suitable as fasteners. For fastening to the wall, you can use a pair of large corners, measuring 50 by 50 mm.

Fastening the main elements

The basis is a structure consisting of 3 pillars of different heights: 220 cm, 120 cm and 80 cm. The pillars are securely attached to the base, which is a plywood sheet. These load-bearing elements are placed so that the longest one is as close to the wall as possible in order to securely secure the entire structure. The placement of the posts is marked directly on the plywood sheet using a pencil. The posts can be secured using long nails driven into the back of the sheet, but first holes of the appropriate diameter are drilled for them. For reliability, the pillars are fastened with metal corners of the appropriate size.

Marking

Using the same method, holes are marked in the platforms through which the pillars should pass. It is better to make the holes slightly larger than the size of the posts, since they are still attached using corners. If the holes turn out to be somewhat smaller, then they will then have to be further processed either with a file, or a jigsaw, or sandpaper.

Fastening platforms

Before attaching the platform, it should be tried on and, if necessary, adjusted to size. It is desirable that the platform, and all other elements, be fixed strictly horizontally. To do this, you can use a building level. For reliability, the platform is attached using corners. After this, all platforms are covered with carpet, and this must also be done reliably, otherwise the animals will tear it away from the base.

House assembly

The body of the house is assembled from 4 rectangular pieces of plywood, which serve as the walls of the house, and a hole should be cut in one of the rectangles so that the cat can crawl through it. For the floor and roof, another rectangular section is cut out. To connect all the elements of the house, it is enough to use small metal corners and self-tapping screws. The fasteners must be such that none of the elements, especially the sharp ones, come out, although many of the fastener elements will be located under the skin.

Ship assembly

The most important thing is not to forget to upholster the house from the inside, after which you can fasten the roof, which is also sheathed with the same material. The finished house is attached to the planned location using the same metal corners as in the case of platforms.

Wrapping ropes around poles

The last stage is wrapping the poles with ropes, which will serve as scratching posts for the animals. In addition, design elements for animals will be more attractive. Before wrapping the rope around the pole, it is secured with a bracket. Staples are also used for intermediate fastening of ropes, as well as for final fastening. The rope should be wound tightly, otherwise it will loosen over time. To prevent this from happening, each turn or several are compacted at once with a hammer.

Wrapping poles with ropes

Building a cat house with your own hands does not take much time and can take no more than half a day, although more complex designs take much longer. In the following video you can see how a similar structure is assembled.

How I built a cat house with my own hands. The cat is SHOCKED! /How To Make a Cat House

Watch this video on YouTube

Car transport device

Hammocks are used to transport cats that do not like containers and do not feel comfortable in confined spaces.

A car hammock for transporting cats is made of fabric and attached to the headrests, which are installed on the backs of the seats. Since the car is in motion, the structure needs strong fastenings so that the animal does not get injured during turns.

To make such a device yourself, you need to sew it from thick, waterproof fabric and add strong straps. The work is carried out according to the following scheme:

The straps must be made with special length adjustment so as not to remove the headrest every time you travel with your pet

To work you will need the following tools:

  • scissors;
  • threads;
  • lightning;
  • strap for shoulder straps;
  • plastic strap length adjusters;
  • ruler.

After the fabric is cut, the parts need to be sewn. The result should be a hanging place, as in the picture.

In such a hammock, the cat is securely covered on the sides and does not feel trapped

You can also knit or crochet a hanging bed using macrame and tie it under a chair, coffee table or in a closet. The pet will definitely appreciate the care and efforts of the owners, and will love this comfortable, safe place to sleep and relax.

Benefits of a hammock

Before you understand how to properly make a hammock, you should understand why most people prefer this particular device over a regular lounger, which is much easier to make. All thanks to features that most pet owners simply do not know or forget about:

  1. The hammock perfectly follows the shape of the pet’s body, making the sleeping place almost perfect. For humans, a bed that is too soft can lead to curvature of the spine, but cats consider this bed the most comfortable of all existing options.
  2. The hammock can be placed almost anywhere. In addition, it can be transported to some other place at any time. In the winter season, most owners place the structure on heating radiators so that the pet feels warm, and in the summer you can hang the device on the window.
  3. Varied choice. There are a huge number of options and master classes that allow you to make a hammock for a cat on a battery with your own hands. What can we say about the fact that some owners place the structure directly under the ceiling. So each person will be able to choose something unique that suits their interior.
  4. Easy to manufacture. Despite the fact that for most people a hammock is some kind of luxury item that is not available to “ordinary mortals,” making one is not difficult. The materials can be very diverse, and you don’t need any professional tools.

And these are just the main advantages highlighted by pet owners who have a hammock in their apartment. However, in order for the product to be correct, it is necessary to carefully study the basic criteria that the design must follow so that the cat feels as comfortable as possible while resting in the new crib.

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Cat sofa gathered with ribbon bows

To sew a cat bed with your own hands, you need to take:

  • fabric in two colors, used can be used;
  • ribbons to match the main colors - ready-made or made independently from fabric;
  • padding polyester;
  • sewing tool.

Master class: how to sew a cat bed

The pattern must be made keeping the proportions suggested below. Decide on the size of the sleeping area for animals yourself, depending on the dimensions.

On the cut out parts, mark the places for threading the ribbons.

Sew around the perimeter of the sofa, leaving 12 cm open areas on each side for filling.

Turn the product inside out.

Fill all areas with filler, paying special attention to the side walls, since maintaining the shape of the sofa depends on their stability. Sew along the perimeter of the bottom pillow, sew up the remaining open areas with a hand blind seam

Sew along the perimeter of the bottom pillow, sew up the remaining open areas with a hand-blind stitch.

Tuck the side walls and tie the ribbons, securing the connection. The bed is ready!

What should a place to relax be like?

Having decided what the place to sleep should be, you need to take into account its placement. A quiet corner of a distant room or a place near a window is suitable for this (even the window sill itself can serve as the basis for a sleeping lounger).

Taking into account the cat's needs, the resting place should be:

  • as high as possible (cats love heights);
  • necessarily soft (they are known couch potatoes);
  • preferably warm (a place near the radiator);
  • be sure to be quiet (sleep is health).

If we take into account the owner’s wishes, we will add to this list:

  • environmentally friendly (wooden surfaces should not be treated with paint or varnish);
  • made from materials that are easy to wash (with spare covers).

Hammock for cats with battery mount

Many cat owners prefer to purchase a hammock, the design of which involves attaching it to a radiator. Usually it is made in the form of a kind of fur sofa on a durable, rigid frame with hooks for fastening. The hooks are made in a rounded shape for easy placement on traditional battery sections, or square for mounting on modern square radiators

A heat-loving cat will really like a hammock placed on a radiator. Sphinxes, who constantly suffer from the cold due to the lack of a warm fur coat, will especially love this cozy place. And other cats will like to hide in a hammock hidden behind a curtain. This is a kind of “secret room” for a pet.

Although a hammock placed on a radiator should be treated with caution. Constantly staying near a hot radiator can adversely affect the quality of the coat, becoming dry and brittle, and reduce the animal’s immunity.

If the cat has some diseases associated with purulent inflammation, or she has recently undergone surgery, then the high temperature near her sleeping place can worsen her condition.

However, for a structure intended to be mounted on a radiator, you can find another place. If a cat likes to sleep next to its owner, then it is quite easy to wean it from this habit by hanging a hammock on the headboard. She will be next to her owner, but she will have her own bed.

What is a cat bed and why is it needed?

A cat bed is a place where the cat will sleep (rest). A bed is sometimes called a crib. Such beds are usually installed next to the cat's house or scratching post. After all, the pet must understand where its territory is located. The bed should be in a warm and dry place. In addition, the chosen place should be cozy. If the cat does not like the bed, it will choose another place to sleep and rest, and the bed will remain untouched.

The bed should be comfortable and cozy

When choosing a bed, you need to take into account the cat's preferences. If your pet chooses soft places to sleep (sofa, chair, etc.), then the lounger should be soft. If a cat likes to sleep on your fur coat, then the bed should be fluffy

In addition, it is important to consider the place where the animal likes to sleep. So, if the cat likes to sleep, for example, under the table, then the purchased crib can be placed under the table

Later, when the cat gets used to its bed, it can be moved.

Wicker hammock

The next option for making a hammock is suitable for needlewomen. A product made using the macrame technique is as similar as possible to the wicker counterpart often found in dachas and private homes, the only difference being their size. The master class below will help you figure out how to make a hammock for a cat using this technique.

For production you will need:

  • threads for weaving macrame (you can use threads for knitting);
  • a wooden plank approximately 70 cm long (depending on the distance between the chair legs);
  • two carabiners for fastening the finished product;
  • ruler for precise measurements;
  • tape for fixing threads;
  • scissors;
  • drill;
  • small saw.

Using a ruler and pencil, you need to mark the middle of the plank, and then saw it in half. However, you can take two smaller planks.

Stepping back a little from the edges of the slats, holes are drilled with a drill, where the threads of the future hammock will be threaded in the future.

It is important that everything is symmetrical, otherwise the hanging bed will be skewed to one side

The thread runs along the entire length of the bar, exits through both holes and is collected at the top into a knot to which the carabiner will cling. The length of the thread is measured independently, depending on the height of your chair. The hammock should provide space for the cat to be comfortable, but it should also not drag on the floor.

Next, a double thread is threaded into one of the holes. This is where weaving the borders of the hammock begins. Again, the length of the product will depend on the size of the chair. During the work process, it is recommended to try on your workpiece several times.

Photos 18-27 clearly show the weaving process. Most often, standard knot patterns are used for weaving in this technique.

For convenience when weaving, the thread serving as the base can be secured with tape. This way it will not move to the side, and the pattern will be more accurate. As the work progresses, the tape can be easily removed and the thread can be fixed lower.

The end of the chain is threaded through the hole on the second bar and securely fastened. Exactly the same actions from photos 16 to 27 are repeated with holes from the opposite end of the planks.

When the base for weaving is ready, it’s time to start creating the pattern itself. It is worth noting that the proposed option is one of many different ornaments. If you wish, you can modify it or replace it altogether.

To begin with, multi-colored threads are secured to the top bar. In this case, 4 green and 4 white alternate.

The mesh effect is achieved thanks to the knots. The further element of the pattern is reminiscent of knitting, however, it is still weaving in the macrame style, achieved by alternating threads.

At the last stage, the threads are fixed on the second bar in the same way as on the first. All excess is cut off, and the finished fabric with the pattern is carefully sewn together with the border of the hammock. All that remains is to install the finished hanging bed and invite the main critic.

DIY hammock for dogs in the car

An example of how to make a hammock for a dog in a car with your own hands. Of course, it’s better to buy such a device; the store has a very large selection of car covers for dogs, but if you decide to save money, then this problem is completely solvable. If you have a sewing machine, you can sew such a hammock in a couple of hours.

You will need 3 meters of suitable fabric, old towels and 4 meters of webbing.

The main task is to choose the right fabric for the hammock, which will mainly protect from moisture, plus wear-resistant, dirt-proof, etc. In general, a good quality nylon or waterproof tarp is best. You will use towels as a liner, take bath towels - a good option. The towels are folded in three layers and covered with fabric to create a soft pad. The device is equipped with four adjustable attachment points using parachute buckles and a strap. By attaching two pieces to each end, the padded piece will hook onto four car headrests, making this device safe and, well, dogs comfortable.

There are many options, for example:

Slipper-shaped bed

To make this original bed, you will need 4 pieces of dense fabric: two pieces measuring 38 cm x 54 cm and two pieces 42 cm x 52 cm. These fragments should be sewn in pairs, leaving small holes for filling with insulation. After filling, the workpiece should be quilted to increase strength, and the open areas should be sewn up with a hidden seam, then the sole should be connected to the upper. Such a cozy “cave” will become your furry pet’s favorite resting place.

When thinking about the idea of ​​a cat bed, you can use your creative imagination and please your furry pet with different options for comfortable and cozy places to relax. And the pet will definitely respond to the owner’s care with affection and purring.

Floor hammock

This hammock is convenient due to its mobility. It is suitable for curious cats who prefer to relax in the company of their owners. It can be moved from one room to another if the pet follows the owner. To make such a design you will need the following tools:

  • drill:
  • jigsaw or saw;
  • yardstick;
  • sandpaper;
  • pencil;
  • drills measuring 3 by 4 and 3 by 8;
  • needle and thread.

And these materials:

  • 1x2 boards and 1x4 245 cm;
  • 3/4 tongue and groove 122 cm;
  • 3/8 tongue and groove 30 cm in the amount of five pieces;
  • soft durable fabric 25 by 65 cm;
  • thick cord or strap.

Following the instructions in the photo, you can make a floor hammock with your own hands.

You can make a hammock like this in just a few hours.

From a sweater

If you decide to sew a bed from a sweater, remember that it is best to choose natural, fairly warm and dense yarn. If the yarn is scratchy, your cat may not like it.

Prepare the following materials in advance:

  • old wool sweater;
  • padding polyester or unnecessary pillow;
  • scissors;
  • thread;
  • a needle.

Take the sweater and turn it inside out. It is necessary to immediately cut and sew up the neckline, and also sew the sleeves together from one to the other at armpit level. Fill the latter with padding polyester and distribute it evenly. Also fill the lower part of the sweater with padding polyester or put a small pad commensurate with the width of the sweater to form the bottom. The pillow will save you a lot of time and make the lounger more dense. Then sew up the bottom of the sweater and sew the sleeves to the bottom of the lounger - they will serve as sides. That's all, you've given an old sweater a second life, and your cat a comfortable bed.

Construction instructions

For a novice builder, it would be best to choose a hammock option that involves a wooden frame. After all, wood is quite easy to process, and can also be purchased at any hardware store for mere pennies. It is recommended to make the frame according to a certain algorithm of actions.

  1. Creation of the main part. It will be located behind the radiator, so you don’t have to stand on ceremony with its appearance. However, it is this part that will bear the main load, so the part must be made with the highest possible quality. Dimensions are usually calculated based on the dimensions of the battery. However, in most cases it will be enough to connect two 30-centimeter slats and two 15-centimeter slats together in a rectangular shape. The cross-sectional area of ​​the parts should be approximately 8 square centimeters.
  2. Attaching the rafters. As soon as the main part of the frame is ready, it is necessary to attach two more thick slats to it, onto which the hammock itself will later be attached. This part must be connected using several screws. The size of the slats is calculated based on the weight of the cat. They should be placed at a distance of 30 centimeters from each other and connected to each other by another transverse rail, which provides additional compaction and the ability to withstand heavy loads.
  3. Decorative works. As soon as the main frame and rafters are ready, you can begin decorative work. Here everything depends on the owner’s imagination and his capabilities. For example, you can upholster all the wooden parts with some beautiful fabric that matches the interior. Or decorate the tree with a beautiful design and then treat it with a burner. Some craftsmen even paint the parts in an antique style and attach various retro decorations to them to make the hammock frame look more luxurious. The choice is simply huge.

All that remains is to attach the hammock itself. This can be done using ordinary nylon ropes or any other material that is lying around the household. If it is possible to insert rings into the fabric, then you should use it. Thanks to such elements, the hammock can always be tightened so that the cat feels more comfortable on it.

What you need to prepare

First of all, think about what you will make the hammock frame from. Suitable for this:

However, the simplest option involves using thick steel wire or rod up to 8 millimeters thick.

Choose the right fabric. A piece of furniture upholstery or fur coat is suitable for this.

It is important that the material is easy to sew and is slightly elastic. It is better not to use thin options, because textiles, among other things, also serve as an insulating barrier that protects the cat from excess heat from the radiator

In general, the scheme is quite simple and looks like this:

When working on the drawing, take into account the size of the pet. Remember, nothing bad will happen if the hammock is too big, but the cat will most likely ignore a small one. When you have several pets at home, make a double model.

If you have a Soviet cast-iron radiator at home, keep in mind that the hooks should be in the space between its ribs.

Having made the base, we proceed to the cover itself. A bag of two rectangular pieces is sewn according to the dimensions of the frame. It should fit tightly onto the base and not slip off it. All you have to do is hang the finished product on the radiator and invite the cat to appreciate your efforts.

Option for window

As mentioned earlier, some pets simply love to sit on windowsills and watch what is happening outside. To make their holiday more quality, you can place a hammock at the “observation point”. However, this must be done as correctly as possible (especially for those who live on the upper floors of apartment buildings).

In this case, among the materials, it would be best to give preference to metal, since it is more reliable, which means that the owner will take virtually no risks when placing a cat on such a hammock.

It is best to pick up corners at a hardware store, since they are the easiest to work with for a novice builder, and they look quite decorative if you paint them with special paint.

The frame should look like a sleigh, with fabric stretched over it instead of a wooden seat. Such an object must be attached to the window wall using anchor bolts. However, this should be done only after all sanding and painting work has been completed.

The main reasons why you should install a cat bed

Animal education experts recommend that every owner provide a sleeping area for their cat. The animal will know a space in which it can sleep or rest peacefully, from where no one will kick it out, push it or simply disturb it.

It is important for a cat to sleep in the most comfortable conditions for her.

Helpful information! During sleep, an animal of any breed loses a large amount of hair. Cat litter will help prevent hair from accumulating in unnecessary places.

If the animal gets used to resting only in its bed, the process of cleaning the entire house will be simplified, because it will not have to waste time cleaning other furniture. In addition, clothes that have a lot of hair clinging to them will become less dirty, especially if you sit where your pet recently slept.

If the owner did not take care to get a bed, then the pet will be forced to nap wherever he has to.

It is not difficult to arrange a place for a cat yourself. Some make a little more effort and create entire play complexes, equipped not only with a place to sleep, but also with a variety of climbing frames and scratching posts. Having such personal space, your pet will be able to sharpen its claws, play with a soft toy suspended on a rope, and rub its bedding with its hind legs.

Before making a cat bed with a play complex with your own hands, it is recommended to study photos illustrating various product options. Such a bed will help preserve the integrity of the upholstery of the furniture placed in the apartment. In addition, an installed scratching post will help protect wallpaper in corners and other places where the pet sharpens its claws. Moreover, it must be taken into account that a domestic animal, unlike a street animal, does not have the opportunity to grind its claws on hard concrete or tree trunks. Cats prefer to do this in any place convenient for them. If you do not offer the animal an alternative option where it will be possible to grind off its claws, then there is no point in scolding it.

To prevent your pet from sleeping anywhere, it is better to buy a sleeping place for him, or make a lounger with your own hands

Other reasons that highlight the importance of installing a cat bed

You definitely need to sew a bed for a cat that is preparing for the birth of offspring, because otherwise the kittens will be born wherever the new mother cat decides. A comfortable place should be installed at least 2-3 weeks before the expected birth, so that the cat gets used to the place and appreciates its safety. It is important that the animal is comfortable and comfortable to be inside, so that the sides do not allow the kittens to roll out of the nest.

When creating a cat bed with your own hands, you should choose the right size. It is imperative to ensure that the animal has enough space inside not only during sleep, when it curls up, but also during “stretching”, when the cat stretches its paws. You should not make the bed too large, because animals prefer a limited space than an open one.

A cat won't sleep if it doesn't like the material or hardness of the bed.

As for the form, there are no special restrictions. The main thing is that the pet is comfortable. In addition, it is necessary that the bed fits well into the surrounding interior. The photo of cat beds shows that, in addition to standard rectangular shapes, there are also products of unusual configurations. The most fun looking beds are those that imitate the following items:

  • big boots;
  • slippers;
  • pumpkin;
  • book;
  • miniature sofa or bed;

The pillow gets dirty often, so the fabric should be durable enough to wash

  • royal throne.

Beds for kittens or cats in the form of semi-houses, which have side walls and a roof, are popular among animals and their owners. This option will also appeal to your pet, because in any case, cats are originally wild animals, so hunting instincts are inherent in them by nature. In this case, the house will serve not only for sleeping, but also for organizing a secluded place for attacking the enemy. And many cats prefer to sleep in spaces that are closed on all sides, for example, in closets, bedside tables or a sofa.

Cat beds in the form of semi-houses, which have side walls and a roof, are popular.

You should not give up simple ideas, for example, creating a hammock for your cat with your own hands. Despite the fact that some people find the design uncomfortable, nevertheless, a pet can lie in a hammock and at the same time observe what is happening around it, especially if the product is secured somewhere high. When creating a cat place, you should also take into account some characteristics of the animal, among which it is worth noting:

  1. Character. A calm animal is unlikely to need a lot of entertainment, but a playful cat is better off hanging rustling toys on strings nearby.
  2. Habits. If your pet likes to constantly hunt, it is better to make him a closed shelter in which he can safely hide.
  3. Size and weight. If the house is fixed at a height, you need to evaluate the cat's capabilities. For example, it will be difficult for overweight pets to jump onto high-lying beds, so it is better to place them directly on the floor.
  4. State of health. Injured or visually impaired cats need to install the sleeping place as close to the floor as possible so that they can climb inside without unnecessary movements.

The choice of materials for the bed will depend on the preferences of the cat

Purpose of a hammock

If you observe the behavior of cats, you can find out that most often they look for cozy places. These could be a basket of laundry, a closet, a pillow or a blanket on a sofa or bed. It may take a lot of time and effort to accustom your pet to a specially designated place.

In this case, a hammock is an irreplaceable thing, since it has the following qualities:

  • made of pleasant material;
  • repeats the position of a sleeping animal;
  • installed near a heating source.

A hammock can actually be placed anywhere, but in winter it is most often attached to a radiator.

Crib

You can use an old coffee table as the starting material for a cat bed. First, this piece of furniture should be given an aesthetic appearance: treated with sandpaper, varnished or applied a layer of paint and be sure to let it dry so that the pungent odor disappears. By turning the table upside down, you can put a pillow or mattress inside and cover it with a cloth that imitates a canopy. Such a nest will be both a cozy resting place for the cat and an original piece of furniture.

DIY cat hammock

If space allows, you can purchase a whole gaming complex, which will include a hammock. If you have several pets living in a house, you can choose a complex where each cat will have its own house, and in addition to it, hanging beds. If this is not possible, hanging models mounted on the wall, cabinet and even on the ceiling will help out.

Surely there are two ordinary clothes hangers in the household. The only condition must be met - they must be durable. The fabric of the appropriate size is selected and secured on hangers. For fastening, the edges of the fabric are stitched. Both hangers are then attached to a metal rod. To prevent the hammock from sliding along the bar, you can put pieces of rubber hose on it. If you complement this design with a quilted mattress, you will get an excellent sleeping place for a cat.

Making a hammock from a children's hoop covered with fabric is a little more difficult. If several cats live in the house, then such a hammock can be made in several tiers. It will look very impressive if the hoops are of different diameters and metal chains are used to secure them. Flat round pillows will add comfort to the design.

Another version of the hammock is intended for cat owners with minimal handicraft skills. A piece of fabric is stitched along the edges. Long pieces of fabric, stitched several times in the form of strips, with carabiners attached to them, are firmly sewn to its corners. The product is ready, all that remains is to hang it in the selected corner. You can always take such a hammock with you when traveling to a country house, since it takes up virtually no space on the road.

Round lounger

To sew a cat bed you will need: fabric, foam rubber in sheets, filling. The material is cut in accordance with the parameters of the cat plus 2-2.5 dm on the sides of the product, taking into account the fact that a double layer of fabric will be required. A piece of round foam rubber, intended for the bottom of the berth, is placed on the wrong side of the material, then covered with a symmetrical element and stitched in a circle. After this, the workpiece is stitched along two perpendicular diameters up to the edges of the fabric, which leads to the formation of four segments for stuffing with filler. After filling with insulation, all that remains is to sew up the edges and aesthetically process the upper seams of the resulting basket.

Hanging product

If you don’t want to spend a lot of time making a frame, you can create a hammock that is attached to the ceiling or other object with ropes. This option is perfect not only for the windowsill, but also for almost any other place where a cat likes to sit. The manufacturing instructions are as follows.

  1. We connect four not too thick slats together in the shape of a rectangle. It is best to use small screws for this. However, if you don’t have a screwdriver on your household, ordinary nails will do just fine. All connecting work must be carried out with the highest quality possible so that the pet does not later get hurt on something sharp.
  2. We nail any fabric you like to the resulting rectangle. The main thing is that it can withstand the weight of the pet and not become too electrified. This can be done using small nails or a stapler (if we are talking about making a hammock for a kitten).
  3. It is necessary to make several holes in the corners of the structure into which a thick rope or clothesline will be threaded. You can also insert some parts with rings into the board so that at any time you can remove the hammock from the ropes and place it in another place.

After this, all that remains is to screw a few anchor bolts into the ceiling and tie a rope to them. It is best to do this in places where the pet can get to without much difficulty. And if the owner of the apartment does not want to make holes in the ceiling, then you can buy special suction cups in the store and attach the hammock to the glass window. In this case, the fastening will be done with only two ropes, and steel suction cups can be placed on the corners of the structure and also attached to the glass.

For an experienced builder, making hammocks is not difficult. However, beginners will be able to understand the principle after the first time, after which they will begin to improve the existing design in different ways.

Cat bed: manufacturing nuances and choice of installation location

A cat hammock is especially suitable for pets who love to spend time in open spaces. It’s convenient that to secure the hammock you don’t have to make special supports, but use the legs of a table, chair or stools for this. For greater safety, durable fabrics should be used during production; for example, old jeans are perfect for this purpose.

To hang the crib, you can use old belts or scarves. In general, a hammock for a cat is considered a full-fledged sleeping place. If the bed is intended for an old or sick animal, the hammock should not be secured high above the floor, and it is also better to use additional materials to make the bottom solid.

Helpful advice! Those who are familiar with the art of knitting will have no problem building an unusual lounger. The main thing is to choose the optimal composition of the fabric so that it does not fade or become electrified, otherwise the cat may not “accept” the bed. It should also be taken into account that the product should not shrink or change shape after washing.

The sleeping place for the cat should be made in a style that matches the entire interior

As for the location of the lounger, here, first of all, you need to focus on the animal’s habits and the convenience of the location. For example, it is not recommended to place a cat bed in the following places:

  • near sources of fire;
  • near noisy household appliances;
  • where vibration of washing appliances is constantly felt;
  • in a draft;
  • in damp and cool corners.

Many cats are known to love to sleep on their owner's bed. If the animal needs to be weaned from this, it is recommended to install its bed near the bed. For animals that love solitude and solitude, it is better to design a full-fledged house with a roof.

It is very convenient if, if necessary, you can move the home to another place, because in winter it will be much more pleasant for the tailed to sleep near a radiator or other heating device. For especially cold cats, it is appropriate to make a small shelf right above the radiator where a lounger can fit. When installing a cat bed, it is important to take into account that the animal can climb into it without problems, otherwise the bed will remain unclaimed.

It is necessary to observe your pets, where they most often go to sleep and, based on this, determine the place to install the bed

How to create a cat bed with your own hands from scrap materials

If you go to a pet store, the high price of play complexes and ordinary beds immediately catches your eye. But even the high cost of the product is not a guarantee that the animal will be comfortable inside, that he will immediately happily climb inside and sleep. It often happens that the high sides do not help your pet: having fallen out of the bed just once, the cat may be afraid to sleep there in the future.

It is not always possible to find a product that not only meets all the requirements, but also fits perfectly into the surrounding interior. If you make a cat bed with your own hands, you will be able to create the most comfortable place for your pet, serving as an ideal addition to any room or interior.

This is interesting! You don’t need any special manufacturing skills, because almost every owner can sew a cat bed, even one who has never picked up a needle before. Simple illustrated instructions and simple video tutorials will help you do this.

The high cost of the product does not guarantee that the animal inside will be comfortable

Once it becomes clear what cat bed houses are, you can begin to select the optimal option for a particular case. If a person happens to be the happy owner of several animals, then it is necessary to organize an individual place for sleeping for each animal. Before making a cat bed, you should consider the following prerequisites:

  1. The selected materials must withstand washing well, including at high temperatures. This is especially true for an outdoor cat, which can bring various diseases into the house.
  2. Everything that makes up the bed must be resistant to teeth and claws.
  3. If you are using a crib with filling, it is better to make a removable cover, which will make caring for the product much easier.
  4. The dimensions should be comfortable for the animal - not too large and not too small.
  5. The materials used to make a cat bed should not be electrified, because such a bed will attract not only fur, but also dust.
  6. It is necessary to choose pillows that have the optimal degree of softness. If the bed is too stuffed, the animal will roll off, and if it is too soft, it will fall inside. Therefore, you need to give preference to the optimal option that promotes a comfortable position for the animal.
  7. To secure parts, you should not use paper clips, which the cat can cling to with its claws, or self-tapping screws, which often cause hair to be pulled out.

Some recommendations for ensuring animal safety

It is necessary to give preference to available materials that fit perfectly into the surrounding interior. In addition, special attention should be paid to the safety of your pet. It is especially important to provide good fastenings if the cat bed is installed at a height, for example, on a wall, above a radiator or on the back of a sofa. It should be remembered that when an animal jumps, it creates an additional load on the entire structure, especially if the cat is large.

Manufacturing does not always require spending money on purchasing special tools. Materials that are easy to find in any apartment are quite suitable for this:

  • boxes;

The sides create a feeling of security for the cat

  • boards and plywood;
  • old jeans, sweaters, blankets;
  • boxes;
  • thick cardboard.

As for the padding material, in this case, padding polyester or foam rubber are most often chosen. A do-it-yourself sleeping place for a cat that imitates a bean bag chair will look very impressive, especially if there are similar seating areas in the apartment. If you decided to go with a rigid structure, then a suitcase or even a bottom made of PVC pipes would be suitable as a base.

Other useful tips on how to make a cat bed with your own hands:

  1. If the bed is intended for a sick cat or a kitten not yet accustomed to the tray, it is better to make the bottom waterproof by covering it with flannel oilcloth or a disposable diaper, which can be easily changed.
  2. It is better to use only personal old things for the bed, because they are distinguished by the familiar smell of the owner, while foreign aromas can scare away the animal.
  3. Before sewing a bed for a cat, you should study the preferences of your pet. You need to pay attention to what surfaces he likes to lie on most often. In this case, the likelihood that the animal will use the product made from its favorite material for its intended purpose will be higher.
  4. It is not recommended to use loose or boucle fabric for manufacturing, because such options are short-lived.
  5. For convenience, it is better to make covers with a zipper or Velcro. If you plan to have a compacted bottom, the cover must be removable - otherwise the cleaning process will become much more difficult.
  6. It is better to insulate a bed that is planned to be installed outdoors or in a cold hallway from below with a sheet of foam plastic to prevent cold from coming in from the ground.

Beds with sides are easy to make and will prevent your pet from accidentally falling out while sleeping

Helpful advice! Products characterized by a solid base are especially durable. But in this case, you need to sew a removable cover so that you can wash it if necessary. The cover can be attached with locks, Velcro, or even double-sided tape.

When choosing the type of filling, you need to take into account that, for example, wool filling will shrink quickly, synthetic padding will clump into lumps after each wash, and foam rubber can delaminate and tear. It is better if the filler is first stuffed into a woven cover, onto which a removable cover is placed on top. This will allow you to wash only the cover and not touch the filling.

The most important thing is that it is convenient for pets to get to their sleeping place.

Types of beds

Hammocks are divided into hanging and frame. Designs can be either simple or more complex.

Hanging

They can be attached to a heating radiator or a chair, a wall, for which Velcro or carabiners are used

The advantages of such a bed are ease of execution, mobility and compact size, which is especially important for small apartments. Hanging products are also called a play complex

In it, the animal is on some elevation and can observe surrounding objects from above.

Frame

The basis of the structure is made of wooden or metal elements on which the fabric is stretched. This type of hammock is more complex to make, but it can be placed anywhere. The frame is most often made in the form of a circle, oval or rectangle. During manufacturing, it is mandatory to take into account the weight of the animal, the characteristics of the battery and the installation height. The stock is attached using the curved edges of the frame by hanging it on the radiator.

Bed woven from newspapers

Making a bed for a kitten from newspaper tubes is a simple process, but labor-intensive due to the large amount of time spent. The advantage of such modeling is a wide variety of shapes and the opportunity to show individual taste and design talents. Finished products can resemble huts, ships, houses or ordinary wide beds.

The starting material is newspaper strips about a decimeter in size. This material is twisted into a tube, one end of which is coated with glue, and the other remains open. The prepared parts are connected to each other in the form of a lattice structure.

Window sill design

A sunbed for a window sill is made in the same way as a sunbed with sides. However, the sides are not needed here. It is best to make such a lounger in the shape of a square or rectangular pillow. First, cut out a square or rectangular template from cardboard, then trace it onto the fabric. You should have two halves. Sew them from the wrong side and stuff them with foam rubber or synthetic padding. This model is the easiest to make. However, you can use your imagination and decorate your pet's pillow with piping or frill.

Top 7 valuable tips and tricks for choosing a healthy kitten

If the cat has a playful character, then it is better to sew a pom-pom on a ribbon to one corner. To prevent the lounger from falling from the windowsill, attach it with double-sided tape. If the bed is rigid, then it can be secured with two clamps. This option is most suitable for narrow window sills.

Cat bed with sides

Such models are not only the easiest to make, but also quite beautiful. They are made in several variations. You can make a cat bed with a short side on one edge and a soft pillow. The “crib” with a removable pillow is very easy to care for, because it can be pulled out and cleaned at any time.

First, let's determine the size of the future cat's place and the dimensions of the pet. Using these data, let’s take:

  • Textile;
  • Thick cardboard;
  • Handle;
  • Ruler;
  • A piece of padding polyester or foam rubber;
  • A needle and thread to match the color of the fabric.

Let's start the pattern making process:

  1. Cut out a long strip from cardboard (part A), then an oval (part B);
  2. The width of the strip is equal to the height of the side of the bed, and its length corresponds to the size of the circumference of the oval (do not forget to allow an allowance of 1-2 cm).

Now a master class on sewing a crib with sides:

  1. Let's prepare two patterns: A-side, B-bottom;
  2. We stitch the two elongated sides of the side, turn the part right out;
  3. Cut out a rectangle of the required shape and size from foam rubber and insert it into the side. Hand sew the edges of the side;
  4. We will select a strong thick fabric to make the bottom or put an oval shape cut from plywood or cardboard between the bottom blanks;
  5. Let's sew the bottom to the side;
  6. We sew a pillowcase: cut out 2 oval-shaped parts according to the pattern, connect their sides;
  7. We fill the pillowcase with foam rubber or synthetic padding, sew in a zipper or sew it by hand, and place the pillow in the crib.

You can also make an elegant cat bed in the shape of a heart.

If the animal is fluffy and does not like heat, the sides are made lower. If your pet is short-haired and often freezes, make the sides higher and fill the bottom more tightly with filler.

What kind of hammocks do cats like?

To choose a hammock for your purr, first of all, you need to decide on its size. Typically, cats fall asleep curled up in a ball, taking up very little space. However, during sleep, especially if the pet becomes hot, it sometimes stretches out to its full length. If the hammock is not large enough, a sleeping cat may fall out of it. If it is secured high enough, the cat may get scared and even get injured. After such stress, she is unlikely to want to settle down in such an unreliable sleeping place.

When choosing a hammock, you should also pay attention to the material from which it is made. Many owners are tempted by a hammock made of nylon or thick satin, since it is easier to clean it from the hair that gradually accumulates on it.

But cats don’t like smooth and slippery material at all, preferring to settle on soft plush or faux fur.

Another selection criterion should be the strength of the structure.

If there is even the slightest doubt about the quality of the hammock you like, it is better to pay attention to another model. If the frame or the bed itself breaks down, the cat that has fallen from it most often will not trust this sleeping place, even if it has already been thoroughly repaired

The attitude towards a broken device will change dramatically. You also need to remember the weight of your pet. It is clear that for a giant cat of the Maine Coon breed, you will need a structure much stronger than for the average purr.

House

To sew a cat house you will need: fleece fabric (1.5 m x 1.5 m), padding polyester (1.5 m x 1.5 m), durable cord. The dimensions of the flap for the roof of the house are 1 m x 60 cm. Cut the padding polyester in the same way, taking into account that the width should be a couple of centimeters less. Fold the fabric in half, insert padding polyester as the inner layer, then stitch and carefully seal the edges. After this, stitch the roof repeatedly in the longitudinal and transverse directions to create stiffening ribs.

To create a pattern for the back wall, fold the roof of the house in half and attach it to a double layer of fabric. Proceed in the same way when cutting padding polyester. After processing the seams around the perimeter, insert the inner layer of insulation and stitch, repeating the profile of the workpiece. Seal edge seams.

After connecting the roof to the back wall, you should begin making the sides. The dimensions of the fragment (15 cm x 60 cm) should be adjusted taking into account the finished parts. When sewing the fragments together, leave a hole for placing the filler. After filling, the part should be stitched in different directions, and the edges should be closed with seams.

The bottom of the house can be cut out of artificial leather or other dense fabric, lined with insulation and covered with a soft pad.

After assembling the house, it is recommended to reinforce all seams with decorative cord, which will help maintain the shape of the structure and create a complete image of a “cat house.”

Choosing a place for a hammock

There is enough space to install a hammock even in the smallest apartment. However, pet owners who know their character well should take into account not only their own convenience, but also the preferences of their pets. If a cat loves privacy, then she will probably like a hammock hidden under a table, in a closet, or hidden from prying eyes in a corner of the room.

A cat who is ready to sleep for hours in a chair without hiding in secluded corners will certainly love a hammock mounted high on the wall, especially if the owner makes sure that it is easy to climb into it. This is extremely easy to do; you just need to secure several small shelves on the way to the hammock.

There are hammock designs that can be easily transported from place to place. Using such a hammock, you can easily choose a place for it where the cat will feel most comfortable.

Mandatory nuances

In order for the finished structure to fully suit the pet for whom it was made, it is necessary to take into account three main nuances before manufacturing, which many novice builders simply forget about and then regret. So that you don’t have to waste materials, and your cat enjoys lying in the hammock, you should remember three important rules:

  1. The size of the hammock should match the size of the pet. That is, for a big cat it should be quite spacious, and for a small kitten it should be small. Otherwise, the pet will feel uncomfortable. So you shouldn’t save too much on materials or make a crib “to grow.”
  2. It is necessary to choose a fabric that does not electrify. Jeans scraps are best suited for this purpose, because they are not only very durable, but also do not receive a charge of electricity when an animal rubs against them. However, other decorative options besides silk are also suitable.
  3. Pet tastes. It is worth considering the preferences of cats. It is not at all necessary to make a hammock that will hang on the radiator. After all, some cats like to fall asleep on the closet, while others prefer fresh air on the balcony. So it’s worth thinking carefully about which design the cat will like the most.

You can consider the option of making not just a hammock, but an entire cat house that has a wall and a roof. This design may also have a suspension and several shelves, with enough space to accommodate absolutely all pets. This option is ideal for those owners who keep several cats at home.

Sofa

How to make a sofa for a kitten? To make a soft sofa, you will need polystyrene foam ten centimeters thick and dense fabric, foam rubber 10 cm thick. Having cut the foam base according to the size of the pet, you need to glue the backrest to the seat, then make a cover and stretch it over the foam rubber structure. A piece of cat furniture can be covered with a blanket.


Photo of the sofa

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