Which Cat Bed Should I Choose?
This article is written by Jessica Varley and updated by Pet Circle veterinarian, Dr Michelle Wong, BVSc
Sick of finding your cat nestled soundly asleep on top of your newly washed pile of clothes? Or maybe your cat keeps pinching your poor dog's bed, leaving Buster to sleep on the cold hard floor. Whatever the reason, you've decided enough is enough and your kitty needs their own place to sleep.
When you are choosing the right bed, there are three components to consider: the size of the bed, its shape and its washability. Once you've made your choice, you will then have the 'fun' task of coaxing your feline friend away from your pillow and onto their new bed.
Contents:
What style bed is best for your cat
How easy is it to clean the bed
Settling them into the new bed
How to choose the right size cat bed
When choosing the right bed for your cat, you should first consider which size will be most suitable. While you need to make sure it is big enough for your kitty, you also need to make sure it is not too big as this can be unsettling for your feline friend. Measure them from their head to the base of their tail and add on a few centimetres. If your cat prefers stretching out to sleep rather than curling into a ball, those extra centimetres will give them the extra little bit of room they need.
What style bed is best for your cat
Many cats prefer a secluded place to spend their time dozing, rather than a vast open space. Hideaway beds like the Mog and Bone Igloo or La Doggie Vita Cat Hooded Bed provide extra cover to help them feel more at ease. Anxious pets will usually avoid flat mats or bolster beds and instead opt for some other covered sleeping spot. Covered or hooded cat beds are the best choice if you are adopting a new cat. Elderly or less mobile cats will benefit from beds with a small lip that are easy to get into and out of.
Hideaway Cat Beds
For cats that love to nap in a snug and private spot, cat cave and hideaway beds are great to help them feel secure and relaxed at home. Igloo or cat cave beds have a cosy, den-like design and many cats will seek these out readily, particularly in cooler weather.
Rogz and La Doggie Vita make igloo cat beds that can be transformed into a bolster bed to provide variation between summer and winter.
Top Recommended Hideaway Beds
This tunnel-like bed is made from luxe soft fabrics, perfect for pets who like a dark and warm place to hide. Can be machine washed for an easy clean.
Hooded bed with a cute French impressionist inspired design that is lined with plush fur on the inside for extra comfort. This is a cosy hideaway bed. Inner cushion is machine washable.
The mosaic igloo is a stylish bed that fits into every home. 100% cotton printed canvas cover with a removable fleece cushion. Cold hand wash only.
Bolster Cat Beds
While each cat will have their own different preferences, most would enjoy a bed where they can curl up into a ball and snuggle in for a peaceful snooze. A round bolster bed with raised sides would be best to suit these needs, like the Paws for Life Cosy Calming Bed or the TS Polar Bed.
If your cat likes to stretch out on the bed, choose a rectangular bed with lower sides or a mat that is large enough to give them the space to stretch comfortably. The Petkit deep sleep mattress made of memory foam could be a good option.
Top Recommended Bolster Beds
A luxurious faux fur bed with high cushioned sides, perfect for pets who love to snuggle! Cover can be removed for machine wash.
Featuring high padded sides, this is a deep bolster bed that will provide a comfortable sleeping den. Gentle machine wash for removable cover and inserts.
Calming, donut style bed with a raised rim to support the head and neck. AirLoft fiber fillings provide superior comfort and keeps its shape for longer. Machine washable.
Cat Window Beds
Does your cat love watching the world go by through the window? Window beds provide a comfortable hang-out spot and makes them feel like their territory has expanded. Your cat can enjoy lounging and napping in the sun with these.
Top Recommended Window Beds
Attach to windows using extenders and suction caps to provide a perfect lounging bed for your cat to watch the world go by. Holds up to 20kg. Cover is machine washable.
The cute window pod also includes a soft padded cushion for extra comfort. The open top allows easy access for your cat to jump in and out.
This cat bed includes an Orthopaedic Foam Cushion for maximum support and a soft fleece cover that can be removed and put into your washing machine.
Heated Cat Beds
Does your cat suffer from arthritis? Colder weather can lead to stiff and sore joints and older pets are more susceptible in winter. Apart from cat arthritis and joint supplements, heated beds are great to help support our elderly pets. These warm beds can soothe and relax their aching bodies, making sure they get a restful sleep.
Heated beds can be suitable for all ages. Younger cats will also appreciate a warm and cozy bed for those chilly winter nights!
For more tips on keeping your elderly pet comfortable on cold nights, check out our articles on Winter Pet Care and Arthritis Care for Cats.
Top Recommended Heated Beds
This cute and warm winter hideaway is cleverly designed to heat to your pets body temperature when occupied. With a soft foam bedding it is perfect for older pets with arthritis.
Your cat will love snuggling into this warm bed with raised sides. Features a dual thermostat heater with soft foam pillow. Removable heater and washable cover for easy cleaning.
A cuddle bed covered in an ultra-soft fleece that traps your pets body heat and reflects it back towards them, no electricity required! Fully machine washable.
How easy is it to clean a cat bed
Beds with zippable covers and removable inserts are ideal to chuck straight into the washing machine for a thorough clean. A spare cover can be handy when the other one is in the wash so that your kitty's bed is always available.
Settling them into the new bed
The fun part is now over and breaking the habit of sleeping on the clean laundry can be exasperating. The unfamiliar factory smell of a new bed can be a deterrent, so washing the bed or placing a worn item of your clothing inside can help with their acceptance of the bed.
Where to place the bed is also another important aspect to consider and will be based on your cat's personal preference and personality. Most cats won't be able to relax in a bed that's in the middle of the noisiest room in the house. If your cat has already marked out their preferred sleeping spaces in your home, use these for reference. Is it in the sun? Can they see outside? Is it hidden behind obstacles or up high out of reach?
If your kitty is a new member of the family, choose a place out of the way where they can hide in the bed but still peek out to see their surroundings. Cats love seeking out warm places so try to place it where the sun shines in.
Cats tend to feel safer off the floor so try placing the bed slightly off ground level. Just make sure that it is secure and not going to flip or slide off. If your cat is comfortable in the bed and it rolls off the window sill, you're going to have a tough time getting them inside it again.
Points To Remember
- When deciding on a bed, make sure you choose the right size. Avoid going too big or small, as the wrong size bed can be unsettling for your kitty.
- Cave like beds that provide shelter are great for anxious or new cats, whereas beds with an open design are better for confident and relaxed cats.
- Look for easy to wash materials and designs for simpler washing.
- When setting up your cat's bed, place an item of worn clothing inside to associate your scent with the bed and take care when choosing where to place the bed.
Top Rated Cat Beds
| Bed | Customer Rating | Price* | Ideal for | The Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5.0 | $76.95 - 152.95 | Cats who like to snuggle. Smaller sizes will suit both cats and small dogs | Super soft and comfortable, this round bed has luxurious plush exterior to keep your pet warm and snuggly. The cover is removable and machine washable. |
 |
5.0 | $30.30 | Cats who like to hide | This tunnel-like bed is perfect for pets who like a dark and warm place to hide. Made from luxe soft fabrics, it can be machine-washed to keep it clean and smell-free. |
|
5.0 | $84.37 | Winter care, Elderly and senior cats | Designed to heat to your pets body temperature when occupied, and then decrease to a few degrees above room temperature when not in use. Comprised of a dual thermostat heater with soft foam pillow and raised sides for extra snuggling and security. |
|
5.0 | $31.49 | Cats | This is a portable spa mat for your cats to lounge on. Catnip is included for a calming aromatherapy, and crinkle noises give your cat an interactive experience. |
|
5.0 | $75-183.90 | Cats and dogs | A deep bolster bed that your pet will love snuggling up in. The luxurious faux fur lining and high padded sides make a cozy sleeping den. |
*Prices correct as of 20 December 2022.
Further Reading
Choose the Perfect Cat Furniture
What Supplies Do I Need For A New Cat?