Introduction: 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.
Step 2: Cut Out Material
Pin the pattern to the folded material.
Trace and cut out TWO sides.
leaving 1/2 to 3/4 inches for the seam allowance.
If the top and bottom don't match perfectly, they can be trimmed AFTER you sew,
but it won't matter because it will be inside the hammock.
Step 3: Sew Around Edge While Attaching Tabs
Start half way down one side and sew until you get within a few inches of the next corner.
insert the webbing tabs with or without swivel clips into the corners pointed inwards.
You are sewing around them and through the two layers of webbing.
Take 2 or 3 passes over the nylon webbing.
STOP sewing when you get within 4 inches of where you started.
You need this gap to turn it inside out.
Cats and small animals are not particular about fashion.
if the sides don't match perfectly don't fret.
The goal is to create something that will survive use and washing machine cycles.
Step 4: Turn the Hammock Inside Out
When you have finished sewing all the way around except for 4 inches in the middle of one side.
Pull the tabs and clips through this gap in the seam edge.
then finish by hand sewing the seam closed.
Use an invisible seam stitch if you can, otherwise just a secure overhand will do.
Step 5: Attach Clips
If you are not permanently attaching clips
you can use simple shower curtain hooks.
Which should do nicely and can be removed for washing.

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27 Comments
7 years ago
Great pattern, I have a voluntary program of people that will be making hammock and toys for cats and this one will be fantastic to make. Thanks
15 years ago on Introduction
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.
Reply 7 years ago
Great tip about the webbing from cheap totebags, thanks.
8 years ago on Introduction
My local humane society has these on their Amazon wish list, but since they're so simple to make this would be a good community service project for kids groups.
8 years ago on Introduction
Thank you for this nice Instructable. I like it
Rima
15 years ago on Introduction
It's so cute! My cat would love this. Too bad I don't know how to use a sewing machine...
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
The hardest part is threading it - if you have one or access to one, see if your local county or rec dept has adult ed classes. Or the fabric store or sewing machine repair store. I can't believe I learned as a kid and used to make my own clothes! Now I only make simple stuff that requires mostly straight lines but I've made tons of things like curtains and comforters for my kids rooms when they change their "theme" every year, cloth napkins for Christmas presents one year, and lap blankets for the nursing home every couple years. You can do it!
9 years ago on Introduction
This is great - our adopted bunny came with a ratty one but he loves it. I found a small one but not a big one like his. I have a pile of stuff to repair and had planned to jerry rig his to make it better, but now I'll just make some new ones. I might try a one for one of my more adventurous guinea pigs too- she loves to go between cages. And great ideas on getting the cheap supplies like webbing- I always have tons of material but it's those odd parts that add up.
12 years ago on Introduction
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
15 years ago on Introduction
I can't decide between whether I should make one for my ferret or my cat.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
BOTH! :)
13 years ago on Introduction
Thank you for this 'ible. I will be using it in the future for my ferret! :)
14 years ago on Introduction
What size would be appropriate for two guinea pigs?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
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?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
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?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
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.
14 years ago on Introduction
Looks great and comfy for the cat ! Can you also make them for humans? :)
15 years ago on Introduction
So professional looking - need a side-career? Might make good sellers at a craft show. Good job!
15 years ago on Introduction
man my kid really liked it when I put this in his cage.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
You put your KID in a CAGE?! :/