Introduction: Cat Hammock
Everybody loves hammocks. Especially cats. This one happens to be one that suspends over a heat radiator, but it could be mounted to a wall or free standing.
Step 1: Parts List
Similar to my other instructable on making a window cat lounge, this uses scrap sticks. I define "sticks" as any slender piece of wood, minimum 1/4" thick x 1/2" wide.
So, an approximate (because it depends on the size you want and what you can find) parts list:
2 pieces approximately 12"
2 pieces approximately 14"
2 pieces approximately 20
3 pieces approximately 18"
assorted little pieces
a piece of cloth approximately 18" x 28", preferably stretchy
Step 2: Assemble As Shown
It doesn't really matter the exact dimensions. The diagonal piece serves 2 functions here:
1- is to brace it.
2- is to raise the bed above the heating radiator. If you are just making a hammock, you won't care about this function.
Make sure the appropriate corners are square.
Use a dab of glue, then clamp it or wrap it with tape, and set it aside overnight. Do the same for the other (mirrored) side. Don't try to do all of it in one day, it just won't work.
After you have let it set overnight, attach them using 3 horizontal sticks. Here, SPACING MIGHT MATTER. Remember that I made it to fit above/behind a radiator. The spacing is based on the ridges of the radiator- see photos to see what I mean.
Step 3: Cut Out a Piece of Cloth to Suit.
Cut a piece of cloth, a square the size of the frame, plus these "tab" shaped straps.
Make sure the tabs are long enough to wrap around the horizontal frame members, plus about 1 inch.
Step 4: Additional Diagram of the Bed
Hopefully this clarifies it without misleading you....I tried to model the pockets for the sticks, but it isn't accurate- it isn't supposed to look this droopy and oversized!
Loop it back underneath itself, then sew it in place. If you have access to a sewing machine, you may want to sew the pockets first, then insert the sticks, then glue it together, in that order.
Step 5: Free Standing Variation
As shown, using the duplicate pieces, flipped upside down.
Step 6: Another Variation
instead of an angled member, just glue in blocks. It makes the carpentry easier, but the sewing becomes more difficult.
Step 7: Finished
Note how it slides in behind the rad, and becomes hemmed in.
Step 8: Pictures of Happy Cats
These are pictures of the 2nd variation, with blocks instead of the angled strut.
Step 9: One More Picture
this one has a removeable bed for washing, so you don't have to undo the seam each time. Email me if you want to know how to do this.
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42 Comments
3 years ago
I love it!! the hammock and the cat. I'm a fan of hammocks and cats. This very weekend I'm doing it. thank you very much for sharing
13 years ago on Introduction
=( my glue isnt strong enough,
my cat fell on my head while i was sleeping (along with some wood and fabric)
i used some no name carpentry glue
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's really funny. Is the cat (and your head) ok?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Yes The cat is fine, and my head is the cat is fine the head
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Are you sure you are ok? your sentence is a bit jumbled lol. jk, it happens to all of us
Reply 6 years ago
The cat is fine. His head is now a cat, And he's fine with it :)
I don't think that's what was meant ;)
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Ok.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Use liquid nails next time...
6 years ago
Great idea! My son's cats like to sleep on top of the floor grates, blocking them. A 4-legged hammock would let them get cozy without making the room cold.
6 years ago
oh my gosh im making this for my lazy cat cole
6 years ago
which software did you use to draw this instructables?
10 years ago on Introduction
hehehe, great idea my lucas loves spaces like this
ps-adorable kitty!
11 years ago on Introduction
Standing ovation! >^____^<
12 years ago on Step 9
THat is gunna catch fire sitting on that radiator.
Reply 11 years ago on Step 9
That's a hot water radiator, so it's running about 75 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Which means if it wouldn't catch fire sitting by itself in the shade on a hot summer day, it's not going to catch fire here.
Now, electric heaters are a whole different ball of wax, but this mounting system wouldn't work for them anyway.
12 years ago on Introduction
i would use snaps or even grommets and tie it on. this way if it gets soiled you can easily remove it and wash. i love this post and plan to make one of my own soon. i'll try to get pics when i can.
12 years ago on Step 4
i would use snaps or even grommets and tie it on. this way if it gets soiled you can easily remove it and wash. i love this post and plan to make one of my own soon. i'll try to get pics when i can.
12 years ago on Introduction
i am curently building another variation, thanks foor inspring my idea, ill post pictures wen im done, if it goes well :)
13 years ago on Introduction
Is there any fire hazard? If not, I can't wait to give my kitty this treat!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Personally I wouldn't have any flammable item (ie, wood) in contact with my heater for any extended period of time, but that's just me. One that mounts on the wall above the heater, kind of like a kitty shelf, would be cute though :)