How to Make a Cat Hammock

Determine what size bed you need to accommodate your pet comfortably, and cut the PVC to the measured size with a hacksaw. Before assembling, set your cat in the center of the measured area to ensure that she has enough space to lounge or play.

Attach the PVC segments together with your 1/2-inch side outlets. You should now have a secured PVC square or rectangle. Don't worry about the extra hole on the side outlets, as you will use that to attach the hammock legs. For now, position the bed with the extra hole against the floor to get an idea of how your hammock will look when it's complete.

Cut four short pieces of PVC pipe for the hammock legs. Make them slightly longer than you think you'll need so the hammock fabric can stretch toward the floor without touching it.

Attach the 1/2-inch PVC caps to the bottom of each leg. Install the legs onto the PVC frame by inserting one leg in each remaining corner hole. Stand the hammock up, pressing down on the PVC pipe above each leg to secure them further and ensure that your hammock frame is sturdy.

Select color-coordinated fabric that is strong and easily laundered. Denim or canvas work well for this project. Using your constructed frame to measure, cut the fabric about 2 inches longer than the frame length (for seam allowances), and two times the frame width plus an additional 2 inches to accommodate seams.

Fold 1 inch of each fabric edge over into a hem on all sides, and iron carefully to prevent sewing errors. Use a bit of starch to further stiffen the folded material before you sew it. Sew the hem carefully, finishing all four sides of the hammock fabric.

Remove the legs in order to fit the fabric onto the frame. Fold the fabric in half inside out and lengthwise. Place one length of the PVC frame inside the fabric against the fold, and pull the fabric taut. Mark the open edge with a pin to indicate where the closest PVC length is (next to the open edge).

Remove the frame from inside your fabric, and use the straight edge of the PVC pipe to draw your seam line extending from the pin down the length of the fabric. This is your seam line.

Sew along the marked line two to three times to reinforce the seam strength. You don't have to be a sewing expert, but you'll want to follow the line as closely as you can so that the fabric fits the frame properly on both ends.

Flip your finished fabric inside-out. Slide the PVC frame (without the legs) into the fabric, and reattach the legs to the side outlet holes.

Apply nonstick tape or rubber furniture grips to the bottom of each PVC leg cap if you'll be using the hammock on a hardwood floor or other slippery surface. This will protect your floor and keep the hammock from slipping when your cat jumps onto it.

Disassemble the legs from the frame to remove and launder the fabric as needed. Your cat hammock is simple to put back together after the fabric dries.