DIY toy guide
No-Drill Radiator Hammock Bed
A cosy hanging bed that hooks over a radiator for a warm winter nap spot
Cats gravitate to the warmest spot in the house, and a hammock that hooks over the top of a radiator gives them a snug, elevated bed right against the heat — no drilling, and easily lifted off when the heating is on full.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- 1 hour
- Cost
- £5–£15
🧺 You will need
- A rigid frame of thick wire, wooden dowel or an old towel rail (about the width of the radiator)
- A rectangle of strong fabric — fleece backed with a tougher outer layer such as denim or canvas
- Two lengths of strong webbing or sturdy fabric strips for the hooks
- Needle and strong thread, or a sewing machine
- Optional: a thin fleece blanket for lining
🔧 How to make it
- Measure the width of your radiator and cut the top bar (dowel, wire or rail) a little narrower so the hammock sits neatly against it.
- Cut the fabric rectangle to the length you want the bed to hang, plus extra to fold over and stitch a channel at each end.
- Fold each short end over the top bar and the bottom support and stitch a strong channel so the bar slides through.
- Sew the two webbing straps to the top bar to form hooks that will loop over the top of the radiator.
- Line the bed with a soft fleece blanket for extra cosiness.
- Hook the hammock over the radiator, test it holds your cat's weight with a firm push of your hand, and let your cat discover it.
💡 Tips
Position it where your cat already likes to bask, and add a familiar-smelling blanket to make it inviting from the first day. In summer, simply lift the whole hammock off and store it, or hang it low against a sunny wall instead of the radiator.
📝 Notes
It costs a fraction of a shop-bought radiator bed and can be made to fit an awkwardly-sized radiator exactly. A warm, elevated resting place is especially welcome for older cats with stiff joints, who often seek out gentle heat to ease aching limbs.