How to Hang a Macrame Cat Hammock Safely (and Get Your Cat to Use It)

A hanging cat bed gives your cat what cats love most: a raised, enclosed spot to watch the room from. It also turns a pet accessory into something you actually want on display. But a hammock that sways under a jumping cat needs a properly fixed hook. Here is how to hang one safely.

Where should you hang a cat hammock?

• Near a jumping-off point. Cats like to reach a raised bed from a sofa arm, a windowsill or a shelf. A hammock next to a window is usually the favourite.
• With clearance around it. Leave enough space for the basket to swing without hitting walls, lamps or furniture edges.
• Away from heaters, candles and doors. A door swinging into the hammock, or a fringe hanging close to a heater, is an avoidable risk.

Step 1: Find a solid fixing point

The hook must go into something structural. A cat that jumps into the basket puts a sudden load on the hook that is several times its standing weight.

• Wooden ceiling joist: find it with a stud finder or by knocking (a joist sounds solid, the gaps sound hollow). Screw a ceiling hook directly into the centre of the joist.
• Concrete ceiling: drill and use a wall plug or anchor made for concrete, with a hook screwed into it.
• Exposed beam: a screw-in hook or a strong strap around the beam both work.

Never hang a cat hammock from plasterboard alone, from a light fitting or from adhesive hooks. As a rule of thumb, choose a hook and anchor rated for at least three to four times your cat's weight.

Step 2: Choose the right height

Hang the basket so your cat can step or hop into it comfortably — usually so the rim sits roughly at the height of a nearby sofa, windowsill or shelf. Young, agile cats can handle a higher jump; for kittens and senior cats keep it lower. The hanging length of our macrame cat bed is 107 cm (about 42 in) from the loop to the bottom of the basket, which helps you plan where the basket will end up.

Step 3: Check it regularly

• Once a week, look at the hook, the top loop and the knots on the hanging cords.
• Tighten or replace anything that has loosened or started to fray.
• If your cat chews the fringe or the tassel toy, remove the toy. Swallowed string can be very dangerous for cats.

How to get your cat to use the hammock

1. Put a blanket or a T-shirt that smells of you or your cat in the basket.
2. Place a few treats or a little catnip inside.
3. Steady the basket with your hand the first few times so it doesn't swing away.
4. Give it time — many cats inspect a new bed for days before they settle in.

Which size cat hammock?

Measure your cat curled up. Our round macrame cat bed comes with a 40 cm (15.7 in) basket for most domestic cats and a 45 cm (17.7 in) basket for larger cats or cats that like to stretch out. Taller, narrower styles such as the macrame cat hammock with cushion option suit cats that like to tuck in.

Cat hammock FAQ

Is a ceiling hook included?

Our cat hammocks come with a hanging loop but no ceiling hook, because the right hook depends on your ceiling.

Can I hang a cat hammock in a rented flat?

Ceiling hammocks need a hook drilled into a joist or concrete, so check with your landlord first. A small screw hole is usually easy to fill when you move out.

How do I clean a macrame cat bed?

Spot clean with a damp cloth; for a deeper clean, hand wash in cold water and air dry. Do not tumble dry.

Browse all macrame cat hammocks — with free tracked shipping to 34 countries and 30-day returns. For styling ideas, read Boho Pet Decor.

With love, Emma at BohoArtis