A cat hammock is a comfortable fabric bed that hangs or mounts on a wall, allowing cats to relax in a suspended, elevated position. Cat hammocks provide a number of benefits for cats:
They improve sleep quality by removing pressure on joints and muscles and allowing cats to sleep in natural curled positions. Hammocks also promote mental relaxation since cats feel secure being up high and away from perceived threats.
Additionally, cat hammocks encourage healthy posture and joint positioning that reduces aches and pains. The gentle swinging motion can also have a calming, soothing effect on anxious or stressed cats.
Overall, a cat hammock is designed to create the ultimate cocoon of comfort where cats can enjoy undisturbed relaxation, naps and sleep.
Ideal Locations
When deciding where to place your cat’s hammock, you’ll want to consider locations that are easily accessible and offer comfort for your feline friend. Ideal spots provide natural light from windows, as cats love basking in the sun’s rays, as well as prime vantage points for watching the action outside or inside your home.
Some of the best places to install a cat hammock include near sunny windows, mounted on walls or shelves, attached to cat trees, or in corners of rooms. You’ll want to choose a location that allows your cat to easily climb into their cozy bed. Raised surfaces like shelves, cat trees, and walls are ideal as they allow felines to jump right into their hammocks. Just be sure to mount the hammock at an appropriate height for your cat to access.
When positioned near a window, your cat can snooze in the sunlight and have entertainment from watching birds and other sights outdoors. Aim for windows that get ample direct sunlight for a warm napping spot. South or west-facing windows often provide the most light.
Sunny Spots
Cats love basking in the warm sun whenever they can. The warmth from the direct sunlight feels good on their fur and skin. As cold-blooded creatures, the radiant heat from the sun helps raise their body temperature and keeps them warm and comfortable (Pawzandme). When given the choice, most cats will pick a sunny spot to lounge in and take a nap. That’s why it’s ideal to place your cat’s hammock where it will get direct sunlight for at least part of the day.
Position the hammock near a sunny window where light comes streaming in for a few hours daily. South or west-facing windows tend to get more direct sun exposure. Just make sure to avoid hot mid-day sun in summer that could overheat your cat. The hammock doesn’t need full sun – even just 2-3 hours of direct morning or afternoon light is enough for your cat to enjoy. Providing a warm, sunny spot will make the hammock ultra appealing for midday catnaps.
High Up
Cats feel more secure when they are up high with a good view of their surroundings. This instinct comes from their nature as predators, as being up high allows them to spot potential prey more easily and observe any threats. According to the article “Why Cats Like High Places” on PetAssure.com, “Most cats enjoy being in high places. Whether it’s a high shelf, a window perch or the top of the refrigerator, your cat may feel more comfortable in the upper elevations of your home”. The height gives them a vantage point and sense of safety in being able to see what is going on around them.
An article on KilleenVetClinic.com explains that “According to animal behaviour experts, most cats prefer to sleep and hang out in places with good vantage points. It comes from their instinct to protect themselves from potential predators.” Placing a cat hammock or bed up high allows your cat the security of scoping out their territory and watching for any intruders or prey.
Near Cat Trees
Placing your cat’s hammock near their cat tree provides some key benefits. Cat trees and hammocks are complementary pieces of furniture that cats enjoy. Having them in close proximity gives your cat more climbing and perching options to utilize throughout the day (https://www.cozycatfurniture.com/cat-trees-hammock).
Cats love having different heights to perch on for viewing their territory. A cat tree with a hammock nearby essentially expands your cat’s vertical territory. They can climb up and down between multiple surfaces, keeping themselves entertained. It also allows them to better survey the room from different vantage points.
Make sure to position the hammock close enough to the cat tree that your cat can easily jump back and forth. Placing it within 1-2 feet is ideal. This will transform the area into a dynamic playground for your cat.
Avoid Noisy Areas
Cats have very sensitive hearing and can be easily stressed or startled by loud noises. It’s best to avoid placing your cat’s hammock in noisy areas of your home.
Loud appliances like televisions, blenders, washing machines, and vacuums should be avoided. The high-pitched noises and vibrations from these appliances can be unpleasant or even painful for a cat. According to https://cats.com/sounds-cats-hate, cats strongly dislike high-frequency sounds.
Areas with high foot traffic in your home can also be distracting for a resting cat. Places like hallways or the middle of a room may not provide the peace and quiet a cat needs. Instead, tuck the hammock away in a cozy, low-traffic spot.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms often make ideal spots for cat hammocks since they tend to be quiet environments for cats to nap undisturbed (Source). Cats appreciate having a peaceful, low-traffic area to retreat to when they want to sleep. The quiet atmosphere helps cats feel secure while resting.
Another benefit of placing cat hammocks in bedrooms is there are often windows cats can look out. Cats love gazing out windows to survey their territory and observe birds and other wildlife (Source). Positioning the hammock near a sunny window gives cats an entertaining view and warm spot to lounge.
Overall, bedrooms are prime real estate for cat hammocks because of the tranquil vibe and window-gazing opportunities they provide.
Living Rooms
Living rooms are often an ideal place for a cat hammock or window perch. Living rooms frequently have large, sunny windows that allow ample natural light to stream in. Cats love basking in the sun’s rays, so a window perch here allows them to soak up the sun’s warmth and Vitamin D.
Living rooms tend to be busier areas of the home with more foot traffic from residents and guests. While this activity may deter some cats, others enjoy having a front row seat to all the action. A living room window perch allows curious cats to watch the comings and goings below.
When placing a cat window hammock in your living room, be mindful of privacy for both your cat and passersby outside. Position the perch out of direct sightlines to avoid making guests uncomfortable. You may also want to place it above standing height. This prevents outside pedestrians from easily peering in and startling your cat.
While living rooms see more noise and commotion, cats can retreat to the window perch for some peace and relaxation away from the hubbub. Just be sure to place it away from any loud electronics or speakers. The perch should be a stress-free oasis for your favorite feline.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few key criteria to keep in mind when deciding where to place your cat’s hammock for optimal enjoyment and use. Choosing a location that receives ample sunlight, preferably near a window, will encourage your cat to lounge in their cozy hammock. Placing the hammock up high, such as on top of a cat tree, appeals to your cat’s natural instinct to perch up above. Positioning near areas your cat frequents, like next to cat trees and play areas, increases the chances they will take to the hammock. At the same time, avoid noisy, high-traffic areas like kitchens. Ultimately, the ideal spot will depend on your individual cat’s personality and preferences. With a little trial and error, you can find the perfect hammock location to provide your feline friend with a comforting place to relax and enjoy a catnap.
References
No sources were cited in the writing of this article. The information provided reflects the author’s personal knowledge and experience with cat behavior and cat hammock placement.
