Got plans this Valentine’s Day? We’ve got plans, and it involves kitties! Wait, did we just let the cat out of the bag? Fine, we’ll spill!
This valentine’s day we’re on a mission to pamper our cats with their very own Smitten Kitten hammock of choice. We have three DIY options in mind – all easy-peasy and quick to put together. Thanks to our sweet kitty Tuna for testing out these DIY ideas and giving us her paw of approval! Let’s get this kitty party going…
Under the Chair Hammock
Supplies needed:
- Thick canvas or knit fabric
- Heavy-duty, weight-bearing rope
- Cozy blankets and cat toys
This is probably the easiest DIY of the three to pull off. Grab a piece of fabric, preferably made of thick material like canvas. Cut the fabric so it runs bigger than the bottom part of your chair to ensure your kitty gets a nice sling-like effect in the hammock. Make slits on each corner of the fabric and tie up the slit ends around each leg of the chair.
To make the hammock extra sturdy, cut small holes an inch away from the four slits and thread pieces of heavy-duty, weight-bearing rope through the holes. Tie them up with at least two strong knots around each leg of the chair. Almost done! Throw in a cozy blanket under the hammock for a bonus snooze space and add some cute toys to entice your kitty. Once in, your kitty will curl up like a ball and enjoy a peaceful nap, happily dreaming about all things catzzzzzzz.
Under the Desk Hammock
Supplies needed:
- Thick canvas fabric
- Heavy duty weight-bearing rope
- Cozy blankets and cat toys
This is a smidge more involved than the under-the-chair hammock but is perfect for those who enjoy a little sewing action. Cut out a thick piece of fabric that’s just about the same size as the bottom of your desk space. Fold two parallel edges of the fabric by about an inch and run a straight stitch down the folds, leaving plenty of room to make a tunnel-like loop. Add an extra set of stitches for better support if you wish.
Now, cut two long pieces of heavy-duty, weight-bearing ropes. Make sure they’re long enough to exceed the length of the fabric edges and wrap around the desk legs. Thread each piece of rope through the loop you have sewn along the edges of the fabric. Tie up the loose ends of the thread around each of the four legs of your desk. Throw in a cozy blanket and tape feathers or cat toys to the underside of your desk to keep your cat entertained. Watch your kitty relax in a peaceful space, knowing very well you’re always by their side.
Window Perch Hammock
Supplies needed:
- Strong wicker basket with a solid base
- Heavy-duty, weight-bearing rope
- Cozy blankets and cat toys
- Heavy-duty suction cups or a weight-bearing cup hook
Is there anything more endearing than a little kitty tucked in a basket by the window, quietly watching the world go by? It’s super easy to add this extra joyful space to your cat’s real estate. Find a strong wicker basket with a solid base that will support your cat’s weight. Throw your cat’s favorite fluffy blanket inside the basket.
Cut two long pieces of heavy-duty, weight-bearing rope, and tie two strong knots using each end of the rope around the basket handles so they form loops that look like bag straps. You can suspend the rope from a weight-bearing cup hook drilled into the ceiling close to a window. Alternatively, you can attach heavy-duty suction cups meant for glass windows and suspend the ropes from the suction hook. Attach feathers or tie a dream catcher to the rope.
Make sure the ropes and hooks you use are designed to support the weight of your kitty and all hammock supplies. For an easier window hammock, place a small table by the window and tie the hammock ropes around the bottom part of the table to help hold the basket in place.
You by their side and a view outside – that’s probably about all that a smitten kitten’s heart desires!