Cat owner's DIY nap hammock delights internet: "cozy"

A cat owner from Brooklyn, New York, made a hammock for her felines using a warm blanket and a drying rack, and it's now her fur babies' favorite place to hang out.

In a viral video shared on Instagram in December, under the username @the_string_siblings, the poster's cats, Viola and Mandolin, can be seen taking turns napping on their new hammock, loving every minute of it.

"I put together the drying rack cat-hammock again and the cats did not disappoint! They love lounging in there so much, and it doesn't hurt that it's also in a sun-patch," the caption says.

The poster, Samantha, told Newsweek that it all started when one of her two felines started peeing on her comforter, and after washing it, and draping it over a drying rack, she realized they both loved it.

"I felt bad taking it down when it was dry, so I replaced it with a blanket and they loved that even more! I never thought I would be glad they peed on my comforter, but there you are."

Liza Cahn, veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, told Newsweek that homemade beds or hammocks can be cozy and safe for your cat, as long as you use appropriate materials and they are secured properly.

"Cats are often happiest with simple or DIY options, such as an empty box or wrapping paper to play in or a pom pom or piece of crinkled-up paper to bat around," she said.

"When making toys from scratch, be sure to avoid material that your cat can chew off and ingest. String and yarn are especially dangerous because they can become lodged in the intestines, leading to a life-threatening obstruction."

According to Cahn, other ways to provide mental and physical stimulation for your cat include interactive play, such as chasing a feather toy, or snacks hidden around the house to simulate hunting. Placing a cat tree under a window so they can look out is also a great way to keep them happy and entertained.

The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 6 million views and 385,000 likes on the platform.

One user, Gandalf_and_rhaenyra, commented: "Mine r so heavy they pull the whole thing down."

Emily.hackney5 said: "How do I like something 1,000 times."

Angeleciasherk wrote: "Awe so cozy."

76kaleido added: "Laying like he pays the rent."

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.