Cats like sleeping. If they’re not eating or honing their hunting instincts, you will find them lying somewhere asleep.
This fact makes cat owners want to provide their pets with good beds. You’ve probably considered buying a small hammock instead of a pet bed if you have a cat.
But do cats like hammocks?
Cats like hammocks. They like being in high areas where they can see their surroundings.
Since hammocks are hung above the ground, they have a safe space to observe around. Hammocks are also comfortable for felines, as it mimics the feeling of getting on tree branches.
Table of Contents
Why Do Cats Like Hammocks?
1. It makes them feel safe
Felines instinctively like elevated spaces. The reason is that high areas are a vantage point for these curious creatures.
In the wild, cats hang out in high spaces to spot danger or prey quickly. Hammocks mimic this natural habit. They provide felines with an off-the-ground space, making them feel safe and in control while observing their surroundings.
2. Hammocks are comfortable for cats
Manufacturers typically use soft materials for cat hammocks. For this reason, hammocks provide felines with a cozy place to hang out.
In addition, the suspended fabric of hammocks conforms to the body shapes of a cat’s body, which makes them even more comfortable. Hammocks’ gentle swaying motions can also be particularly soothing for your pets.
3. It provides them with a warm spot
The descendants of felines are desert animals. While they have drastically evolved, domesticated cats still instinctively look for warm spots to rest on.
Hammocks provide the warmth feline needs. The fabric of these hanging cat beds retains heat, making it a cozy spot for cats to curl up on.
Types of Cat Hammocks
There are a number of hammock types available out there. Knowing what each of them looks like will help you find the one best suited for your feline friend.
1. Bed Hammock
A bed hammock is a perfect choice for large cats. It usually has wooden posts and supports that make it durable enough to withstand even heavier cats. Plus, it requires no assembly, and you can move the bed anywhere on a whim.
This large cat hammock bed’s stability makes it a safe spot for your pet to sleep. Unlike its hanging counterparts, this suspended bed will not topple over, no matter how mischievous your cat is.
This cat hammock swing is also ideal for two cats or a mother feline who needs to breastfeed her kittens.
2. Window Hammock
When it comes to a cat hammock, window hammocks are an excellent choice for cats who love the outside view. You can hang this swing on your window, allowing your pet to see your neighborhood while it relaxes.
This small cat window hammock is also perfect for homes with limited space. Take this Cloud Nine Window Hammock and Meow Hammock, for example.
While they are large enough for a cat, you can secure them on a window, saving floor space.
3. Low Rising Hammock
For a heavy cat, getting into hammock can be a real challenge unless the hammock is close to the floor. This hanging cat hammock is ideal for older felines who can no longer jump up high areas.
If you have a disabled, injured, or simply lazy pet, a low-rising hammock provides the accessibility they need.
4. Wall Hammock
As the name suggests, wall hammocks are secured to your wall, providing felines with an elevated resting place. The good thing about this swing is that you can adjust the installation height to accommodate your pet’s preferences, although the mounting process can sometimes be a hassle.
5. Car Window Hammock
A car window hammock provides your pet with its own sitting space in your car. All you need to do is to install the swing on your cat’s backseat window and place your kitten in hammock as you drive.
This window hammock for cats also comes with a safety harness, which adds to its stability.
6. Chair Hammock
This type of cat hammock chair is a great choice if your cat likes sitting near you. You can install this hanging chair right under your own chair, allowing your pet to relax while you save some floor space.
7. Swing Hammock
A swinging cat bed is ideal if your feline friend likes slow movements. The design of this swinging chair provides your cat with a comfortable place to stay while it rests.
If you’re worried that your pet might fall from this swing when it moves, rest assured—the material of swing hammocks conforms to their body, so it secures them.
Tips for Choosing the Best Cat Hammock
- Size & Weight Capacity. Choose a hammock that can support the size and weight of your pet. Hammock brands usually write their product’s capacity on the packaging.
- Look for a hammock that consists of pet-friendly and durable materials. Scratch-resistant fabrics are ideal, as your pet will not quickly ruin them. Comfort should not be overlooked as well.
- Mounting Options. If you have a knack for DIY products, assembling and mounting your feline’s hammock will not be a problem. Otherwise, pick a hammock that is easy to assemble and mount.
- Ease Of Maintainance. It is inevitable for cats to shed hair as they lay on the hammock. That said, choose a hammock that has removable and washable covers to make cleaning quick and easy.
Setting Up Your Cat Hammock
Regardless of the hammock type you choose for your furry friend, there are things you need to consider when setting it up.
- When you purchase a hammock, it will come disassembled, so you have to put it together yourself. Ensure you assemble all the parts securely to prevent the hammock from collapsing when your pet climbs on it.
- Pay attention to where you will set up the hammock. Avoid placing it in hazardous locations, such as near hot surfaces and sharp objects.
If you’re setting up a freestanding cat hammock, ensure to place it on flat ground to prevent it from falling.
- Before setting up the hammock, observe where your pet usually hangs out. This way, you can install the swing in your pet’s favorite spot.
- Your pet should be able to climb into and out of the hammock comfortably. For instance, if you are setting up a cat hammock with a stand, you will not have problems finding a good location.
But if you’re installing a hanging or wall hammock, place it next to furniture your pet can use as a platform.
How to Clean and Maintain a Cat Hammock
Cleaning your cat’s hammock is important to keep it healthy and comfortable. That said, here are the steps for maintaining your pet’s hanging bed:
What You’ll Need:
- Lint roller
- Vacuum cleaner
- A bucket filled with water
- Spray bottle
- Cat shampoo
- Sponges
- Step 1. Disassemble your cat’s hammock.
- Step 2. Vacuum the swing’s fabric to remove any stuck fur and dust.
- Step 3. Use a clean lint roller to remove any remaining hairs.
- Step 4. Add a generous amount of wet shampoo to the bucket filled with water. Next, wet your sponge and squeeze out the excess water in it.
- Step 5. Rub the stains on the hammock with your wet sponge. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you remove all the stains.
- Step 6. Rinse your sponge to remove the dirt it absorbed from the hammock.
- Step 7. Rinse the hammock using a clean sponge and water.
- Step 8. Place the hammock outside and air dry.
- Step 9. Reassemble the hammock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cat hammocks safe for all cats?
All cat hammocks are safe for your feline friend as long as you choose a high-quality one. You also need to ensure that the hammock you’ll buy is suitable for your pet’s weight.
What materials do cats like to sleep on?
Some of the materials felines love to lay on include:
- Fleece
- Cotton
- Coco coir
- Denim
When choosing a material for your cat’s bed, make sure to pick one that does not emit any smell. The reason is that cats have a sensitive sense of smell, so fabrics with strong odors may irritate them.
Can I use a cat hammock outdoors?
Yes! However, make sure that the hammock is made of materials that do not degrade even when it gets wet by the rain.
For instance, a swing hammock made of macrame rope is ideal for outdoor use.
How to make a cat hammock bed
What You Will Need:
-
- A long PVC pipe
- 2 PVC caps
- Rope
- Lag screw
- Hot glue
- Power tools
- Thick cloth
Steps To Make a DIY Cat Wall Hammock:
-
- Cut the PVC pipe into two 6-inch pipes. (or two 12-inch pipes for large cats)
- Find the center of the PVC caps and drill a hole.
- Find your wall studs and drill two holes. The distance between two holes should be how wide you want the hammock to be.
- Screw the PVC caps on the wall’s holes.
- Before tightening the caps’ screws, tie a rope between each cap and the wall.
- Install the PVC pipes on each cap.
- Cover the pipes with rope. Secure the rope with hot glue to ensure that it will cover the pipes tightly.
- Sew the two ends of the cloth around the PVC pipes. Ensure you are sewing tightly, so the cloth can support your cat’s weight.
Conclusion
Do cats like hammocks? Definitely!
Cats vs. hammocks, the latter will always end up winning the attention of your cat. It does not matter if you have a wall hammock or a hanging cat bed with stand.
As long as the swing can support your cat’s weight and provide it comfort, your cat will treat it as its favorite spot.
However, it is worth noting that when choosing a hammock for your pet, you must consider its weight, strength, and age. If you have an old cat, you should never buy a wall hammock for it, as jumping high can strain its legs.
I am Amy Sawy, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduate from the University of Kansas. y husband, Dr. Plummer, and I own a veterinary clinic in Phillipsburg, Kansas. In addition to my professional background, I am a devoted pet owner myself, with a household that includes dogs, rodents, and most notably, cats – a total of five felines in my home.
In 2020, I joined an organization as a professional writer, leveraging my experience and collaborating with my team to deliver the most valuable information for your cat’s care.
