6 DIY Cat Slings You Can Make Today (With Pictures)
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There are many different ways you can travel or go outdoors with your cats. You can use a traditional carrier or even train some cats to walk on a harness and leash. Another popular option is a cat sling. Cat slings are bags or pouches that typically cross over your body and keep your cats close to you. They’re convenient for people because they allow them to be hands-free, and many cats like slings because they provide a cozy, safe, and warm space for them.
You can certainly purchase cat slings online or at pet supply stores. However, they can be costly and not fit your cat very well. So, DIY cat slings are great options if you’re looking for a more customized fit or look. Here are some examples of DIY cat sling projects that you can start on right away.
Top 6 DIY Cat Slings
1. Kitten Sling by Scarlet Faerie Queen
| Materials: | Approx. 75” x 25” long scarf or pashmina |
| Tools: | None |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
For those of you looking for a quick, easy sling for your pet that you can make at home, just know that it doesn’t get any easier than this kitten sling. No tools are required other than your own hands. A few folds and a strong tie is all that needs to be done before you can start carrying your kitty around in style. Just make sure that your scarf is big and sturdy enough!
2. Single Layer Kitten Sling by Instructables
| Materials: | Polyester fleece |
| Tools: | Thread and needle or sewing machine, pins, tape measure |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
This DIY project was originally inspired by figuring out how to make use of leftover fabric. It’s an even simpler sling that only uses one layer of fabric. With that being said, make sure to use polyester fleece or other thick material that doesn’t easily unravel.
You can complete this project using a needle and thread and doing the blanket stitch. If you have a sewing machine, you can make the sling even more quickly.
3. Long-Sleeve Shirt Small Pet Sling by jean the pet writer
| Materials: | Long-sleeved shirt |
| Tools: | Scissors |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
If you’re looking for a quick fix or don’t have a sewing machine, this DIY sling is a simple project that you can complete in less than an hour. All you need are a pair of scissors and a long-sleeved shirt, sweater, or cardigan.
You do have to make a vertical cut down the middle front of the shirt, so make sure to use a shirt you don’t mind cutting up. Once you make this cut, you just have to wrap the shirt around a certain way, and you’ll end up with a sling with a cozy pocket for your cat.
4. Pet Pouch by Hobbii
| Materials: | Ribbon, yarn |
| Tools: | Crochet hooks, stitcher markers, yarn needle |
| Difficulty: | Difficult |
If you consider yourself a crafty person and already know how to crochet, then this is definitely the plan for you. Hobbii created a free pattern to download so that crochet lovers can create this stunning puppy dog pouch—don’t worry, it works great for cats, too! While it does require far more expertise than the other plans on this list, it is a great way to test your skills and even get a more customizable sling for your beloved feline so that you can fit it to match your unique style.
5. Cat Sling With T-Shirts and Scarf
| Materials: | 2 t-shirts, long scarf |
| Tools: | Scissors |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
This DIY project is another no-sew sling. It requires two t-shirts and one scarf that’s long enough for you to wrap and tie around your waist.
All you have to do is cut the shirts just below the armholes. Then, you wear each one across your body to form a cross shape. This shape cradles your cat, and then you support your cat’s weight by tying the scarf underneath its body.
6. Mei Tai Cat Carrier by montessori by hand
| Materials: | Fleece lining, cotton fabric, thread |
| Tools: | Sewing machine, scissors |
| Difficulty: | Intermediate |
This cat sling is inspired by a mei tai baby carrier. It’s a bit more intricate than other cat slings on our list, but it’s very comfortable and also looks very stylish and put together.
The design includes a cross strap on the back to provide support, so you won’t feel as much weight when you’re carrying your cat. It also has a long belt that you can either tie in a long bow behind your back or in front around your cat.
Overall, this sling takes a little bit more time to make, but the final look is worth the effort, and it’s much more affordable than buying a manufactured, generic sling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slings are a common pet accessory that can be convenient for cat owners and comfortable for cats. If you’re interested in making your own cat sling, here are some helpful things to know before you get started:
Are Cat Slings Safe?
Yes, properly constructed cat slings are very safe. In fact, they can be a good alternative to cat carriers if your cat prefers to cuddle with you rather than sitting alone in a carrier while traveling.
When selecting a cat sling, make sure to look for one that provides secured support at the base so that it can hold your cat’s weight. The opening hole should be just big enough for your cat to enter. If it’s too wide, your cat might end up slipping out.
Do Cats Like Slings?
Some cats will like slings, while others won’t. It really depends on the cat. If your cat doesn’t initially take to being in a sling, you can try doing some training to make it feel more comfortable around the sling.
Use treats, catnip, and other rewards whenever your cat’s around the sling to create a positive association around it. Then, you can slowly try wrapping the sling around your cat so that it can get used to the feeling. After that, you can try putting the sling on and putting your cat inside.
At the end of the day, some cats just may not prefer being inside a sling or pouch. So, it’s important to never force a sling upon a cat.
What Are the Benefits of Cat Slings?
Many cats with separation anxiety may enjoy being in a sling. It provides a warm and snug environment that they can find calming and relaxing.
Cat slings can also help with making transportation easier. Some cats may be resistant to going inside a carrier and may prefer sitting close with their owners. Slings are also convenient because they free up your hands.
Conclusion
Slings are a great way to travel with your cat while keeping your cat feeling safe and secure. You might have to try out different projects because of your cat’s unique shape and size. It’s normal to make multiple attempts at making a cat sling that fits your cat, but the benefits will be well worth it.
Cat slings are one of the most convenient ways to travel with your cat, and you can end up spending even more time with them. So, the little time that you invest in making a cat sling can lead to many more moments and precious time spent with your cat.
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Featured Image Credit: Duet PandG, Shutterstock
