How To Choose The Best Cat Hammock For Your Cat – CatTime
Have you ever thought about how many hours a day your kitty spends relaxing? If you want to take your pet’s comfort to the next level, find the best cat hammock out there. Most cats fall quickly in love with their hammocks. Take a look at our top picks to learn more about the models kitties like most. Don’t forget to check out our buyer’s guide to find out how to pick the best unit for your pet.
Best Choice
Best Strong Hammock
Pros:
Cat hammock installation doesn’t get easier than this. Four suction cups come in the package; all you have to do is to stick them to a glass surface. The cups won’t damage the glass or even get it dirty. Robust stainless-steel rope holds the hammock sturdily in place while your cat swings. The cloth fabric maintains your cat’s body temperature and prevents overheating and is machine washable. This unit is relatively large with a maximum weight limit at 30 pounds, which should be enough to fit cats of all sizes.
Cons:
Avoid sticking this hammock to walls, or you may compromise the suction cups’ stability. Additionally, the cloth fabric hammock cover might be a bit tough, but placing a blanket over it can resolve that.
Best Natural Material
For Every Season
Pros:
The JOYELF cat hammock is designed with reversible sides. One of them features waterproof faux leather that’s an excellent choice for keeping your cat cool. The other side’s faux wool guarantees comfort and warmth. Install the product in cages or under chairs. The structure’s stability is ensured by metal climbing buckles and durable straps. The maximum load is 30 pounds, which shouldn’t have any issues fitting chubby cats. The hammock is easy to install and clean. Wash the hammock in a washing machine or by hand.
Cons:
The biggest problem with this cat hammock is that it’s small. The manufacturer ensures a high weight limit, but that doesn’t do much good for cats’ sizes; the dimensions of the hammock are only 18×14 inches. It means that large kitties won’t have much room. The straps are durable, but not adjustable.
Best Cat Hammock Design
Strong and Comfortable
Pros:
The first thing you will notice is that this cat hammock looks beautiful. A closer look at the components’ durability also leaves you impressed. This hammock is a long-term investment, and you won’t have to worry about replacement. The wooden base provides a solid foundation, which is essential for when your pet switches positions. The cozy fabric keeps them comfortable. The manufacturer even includes a detachable feather toy for your kitty to play with. Detailed instructions ensure a simple setup. The product measures 22×17 inches and will fit even the largest house cats.
Cons:
The large size of this cat hammock is both a blessing and a curse. It means that you will need to secure enough space to fit the product. Please note that FrontPet doesn’t mention the exact maximum load for the hammock. However, the construction seems durable and shouldn’t have problems holding a 15-pound cat.
Best Waterproof Hammock
Choose Your Side
Pros:
The hammock offers a simplistic, single-color design; choose between two available colors: blue or red. The product’s reversible sides include a soft fleece one for cooling, and nylon fabric side for when your cat needs warmth. This large hammock measures 22×17 inches. The product utilizes adjustable straps and metal clips to attach to the cage. The hook is durable and rust resistant. The installation process doesn’t take more than a couple of minutes.
Cons:
The in-person color shades may be different from those in the advertised pictures. Although this product is machine washable, be careful with the metal hooks. They aren’t detachable, and they might damage your washing machine. It is for this reason that the manufacturer recommends putting the hammock in a washing bag. Finally, the maximum load is not as generous as in some other units, but it should be enough for most cats.
Best Double Hammock
Excellent Hammock For Relaxation
Pros:
The window perch uses suction cups to mount directly to a window. The product features a square-shaped frame that allows a cat an appropriate surface area to nap and relaxes on. The frame itself is made from a heavy-duty metal material. This helps to make the product more durable, ensuring the window perch will last for a longer period of time. The soft mat material is used on top of the metal frame for added comfortability.
Cons:
The metal frame could make the product less comfortable for cats, even with a layer of mat material added on top. The product supports a cat of up to 55 pounds, yet features a relatively small interior compartment for the cat to nap on. Suction cups do not provide the best stability for a window perch.
What Really Matters
Cat hammocks may look similar, but numerous factors can affect the unit’s suitability for your pet. Here are some factors to consider during the purchasing process.
Size and Weight
The hammock needs to fit your cat perfectly. The first thing to check is the product’s maximum weight limit. Some hammocks support up to 30 pounds, but others are only suitable for kitties up to 12 pounds. Be sure that the hammock’s max weight load is well beyond that of your cat.
Next, consider the product’s size. You want your cat to be comfortable in the hammock. That includes switching positions effortlessly. If you have a small cat, a hammock that’s somewhere around 15×15 inches will do. However, if your kitty is large, 22×17 inches would be a much better option.
Materials
The material of the hammock itself should be comfortable for your pet. Some materials, such as artificial leather, are cooling. Fabrics like faux wool offer the necessary warmth on cold days. You can even choose eco-friendly materials like canvas.
Consider the materials of the base, too. Some hammocks come with a wooden base that keeps them sturdily on the floor. Others use straps with metal hooks that attach to a cage. You can also choose hammocks with stainless-steel wires and suction cups that you can stick to windows.
The materials can affect both the product’s longevity and sturdiness. Go with high-quality components so your hammock will stay in place even when your pet is restless. Otherwise, you may risk the hammock falling down and hurting your kitty.
Ease of Cleaning
There’s really no way to stop your cat from soiling or otherwise dirtying their hammock. That is why you should look for waterproof products that won’t be ruined in those situations.
Hammocks can get dirty and start emitting odor after a while. It is why you want products with a simplified cleaning process. The easiest way of cleaning is washing the products in the washing machine–but only some hammocks are machine washable.
What’s in Right Now?
The pet’s comfort is always a priority for owners, especially in the recent years. When it comes to hammocks, owners aim to find a product that makes kitties comfortable year-round. That is why hammocks with reversible sides are the latest hit on the market.
These come with a side that enables the necessary cooling during the hot days; the most frequently used material is artificial leather. The reverse side often features faux wool, or another comfortable fabric provides warmth.
Prices
Cat hammock prices depend on the materials, construction quality, durability, and many other factors. The good news is that you don’t have to splash your cash on these units since they are relatively affordable. Here are the three main pricing categories:
Cheap
If you are looking for a cheaper hammock, you shouldn’t pay more than $10 for it. For the price, you can expect a reasonably durable product that might last for several months. The comfort and suitability for different seasons will depend on the materials used.
Mid-Range
These products offer the best ratio of quality to price. These prices are typically between $10 and $20. If you are lucky enough, you can find a bargain deal with two hammocks included. Your pets will be happy about the warmth and comfort they receive, and you can rest assured that the product will provide the necessary stability.
Expensive
If you want to spoil your kitty, you can go for hammocks that cost $40+. These are the most durable and versatile. Most manufacturers go with reversible sides to ensure that your cat can use the hammock in summer and winter.
FAQs
Q: How do you install a cat hammock?
A: That will depend on the product you purchase. The hammock might have suction cups to stick to windows and other glass surfaces. Other units have metal clips that you attach to a cage. Read the product manual and follow the instructions displayed there.
Q: How do you dry a cat hammock?
A: Your hammock will end up wet sooner or later. It is why it may be wise to choose a waterproof product. Once the accident happens, act quickly. Clean everything right away and wash the product according to its instructions.
Q: Is there a cat hammock that can fit two cats?
A: You can find two-cat models on the market. However, those are likely not the best idea because kitties like having their own space. Hammocks are not that spacious, which is why each pet might like to have their own. If you want to keep your kitties close, attach them both in the same corner or buy a hammock with multiple stories.
Q: Will your cat like their hammock?
A: This worries every owner, but most kitties love hammocks. Choosing top-quality materials that provide ultimate comfort will increase the odds of your pet liking the product.
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