How to make a cage hammock

This is a good all purpose set of instructions to make any size cage hammock for cat, kitten or ferret. It is non specific because it is intended for recycled materials. Reuse whatever appropriate materials you have at hand. But the design is basically the same.
Hammocks can be made with clips attached or only tabs for detachable clips. Metal clips can chip the enamel inside a washer or dryer. I find I need several, one is always in the wash.

For these projects I used
Polyester fleece stadium blankets from the thrift store for $2.00 each
Polypropylene webbing from a belt strap cut into 4" pieces.
and 4 swivel clips from an old purse (they don't HAVE to match)
cheap shower curtain hooks

Step 1: Make a template or paper pattern

If you have one you like, trace it on paper and cut it out.
Or you draw something freehand.
Or cut a template from cardboard, this is best for rectangular ones.
Keep reusing the cardboard template to trace new ones.

For this particular design I made half the pattern, so that I can cut the material folded.

These are both 15 inches long by 13 inches wide, though they can be made wider or even smaller to fit smaller cages. I find with this size i can actually get TWO into one cage on different levels.

If you are making the 'sling' style, be sure to make the corners taper to no less than 4 inches wide to allow for webbing AND the turn.

Comments

[ginger20037]

I made one of these a while back and my ferrets love it! Though I think it's about time to replace it....
I also made a tunnel out of the sleeves on an old sweater, that had been forgotten in my closet, at about the same time and that REALLY needs to be replaced. They went and made a third entrance on the bottom in the middle of it xD

[The KNex Weasel]

I can't decide between whether I should make one for my ferret or my cat.

[water rat]

 BOTH! :)

[Nikki213]

Thank you for this 'ible. I will be using it in the future for my ferret! :)

[Grrl]

What size would be appropriate for two guinea pigs?

[jgodsey]

depends on the width of the cage, if you make it too wide it sags in the middle. do guinea pigs like this sort of thing? i thought they got uncomfortable when their feet left the ground?

[Grrl]

You're right about their feet... It's been suggested I hang it about a 1/2 inch from the floor so they can step into it but, no one said how wide to make it. Some people say they like to get in them, some say they like to hide under them... I knew someone who had two girls and they loved theirs. So, I guess it really depends on the pig. =)

I was thinking the size of a ferret hammock would be big enough but, I wasn't sure?

[jgodsey]

In this situation perhaps a large sagging hammock would work. if you make it half again the width of the cage and then hang it less than halfway up, it should sag nicely. however if you are finding they are going underneath, lower it, so it becomes a TENT that is attached to the sides.

[Hollandia]

Looks great and comfy for the cat ! Can you also make them for humans? :)

[bookfreak53]

So professional looking - need a side-career? Might make good sellers at a craft show. Good job!

[austin]

man my kid really liked it when I put this in his cage.

[lurwah]

You put your KID in a CAGE?! :/

[uguy]

Doesn't everybody?

[austin]

well yes but only when I let him inside.

[shyrell]

I have 4 inside cats. I adopted the mom who was a pregnant stray. At night when we try to sleep, I still put the 3 kittens in their carrier. These hammocks will be great for when they get a little older, a little bigger, and a little less rowdy at night! ; - )

[shyrell]

How cute is that! Over the last several months I have acquired a mother cat and 4 of her 5 kittens. At least 4 of the cats will remain inside for now. This is a creative way to accommodate these precious little ones. Thank you so much for sharing. Shyrell

[purplekitty]

It's so cute! My cat would love this. Too bad I don't know how to use a sewing machine...

[jgodsey]

i recently made a dozen of them from leftover bathrobes and such. they were all sorts of odd shapes. but they all work just fine. I got the webbing for the loops off some $1 tote bags at the dollar store.

[mooncake]

This looks great! I'm going to make one of these for my girls soon - thanks for posting! :-)

[jgodsey]

At home we only use cages to segregate sick cats or kittens needing socialization. But we do use cages and hammocks at the shelters and adoption days when all the cats are caged. I made these for the kittens. they ADORE them..besides they are messy and keep spilling their water and sleeping in their litter boxes.

[Weissensteinburg]

My old cat would have FREAKED if put on one of these! But still, I like it.