Introduction: Cat Tower/Hammock

By www.facebook.com/randy.matthews.
About: I am a single dad of a 11th grade son! I enjoy this website so much, so many things to learn and try to create. I at first thought it was stealing ideas, but being able to put your own special twist is even m…

I saw one of these at the local Humane Society shelter. Took a photo and this is what I have come up with. I have never seen these at a store, and for the cost to build, who wouldn't want to save $$$! Planning on getting some made and sell different versions at garage/yard sale, see how that goes.

With the model I am going to show being built, you will need the following items: (sizes will be shown in US measurements)

" = in; ' = ft

Materials:

  • Approx. 2 to 3 pieces of 1" pipe (commonly comes in 10' pieces)
  • 1" PVC T's = 16
  • 1" PVC Elbows = 12
  • Approx. 2yrds of scrap material/remnants
  • Shower curtain rings = 8
  • 1/4" or 3/8" dowel rods = approx. 2'
  • 1" strapping material = approx 2-3' (purchase from fabric store or use from old backpack/duffel bag)
  • 1" x 12" pine or sheet of thin plywood for shelf (the size of the shelf will again depend on what size you make the frame in general. I would suggest wrapping the wood material with some kind of soft fabric, as your cat will enjoy lazying around on this perch.

Tools:

  • Hacksaw or other tool to cut pipe
  • Sandpaper (to smooth edges of pipe and I like to go down the sides and sand off printed markings)
  • Sewing machine and/or thread/needle
  • Drill w/ drill bits to drill holes for dowel rods
  • If you prefer to make this a permanent structure, PVC Pipe Glue
  • Screws (to attach wood shelf), and to hang toy from bottom of shelf

And Finally:

  • A cat toy on a string of your choice!
  • A cat or two to enjoy it!

Step 1: Cutting Pipe to Length

Cut the following lengths out of the pipe, label and lay aside.
10 - 2" pieces to go between every elbow and T.

Lengths of pipe:
A -  20" ea
B - 18" ea
C - This is really to your judgement. Your cat will have to have something to climb up from.
D - 12" ea
E -  22 1/2 ea
F -   8" ea

Step 2: Measurements

As mentioned in previous steps, this is a DIY project. I am providing the basics. You will need to determine your own measurements for majority of this. I have no measurements when I built mine, just guessed, gauged, cut exact 1st time!

Step 3: Making the Hammock

See picture instructions:
  1. Take one length of material, 18" wide, & 45" long
  2. Fold it in half, inside out, and sew along a line about 1/2" from edge all around the 2 long sides. Add in your straps about 1" from each end as show in photo.
  3. Turn material back right side out. Tuck open end under and sew along edge as shown.
  4. Final product, ready to be hung! Take the straps and loop a shower curtain ring through, then slide ring over pipe and lock into place.