Cat Beds for the Way Your Cat Sleeps

The best advice would be to give your cat time. In the meantime, try placing it near a spot they already use, with a familiar blanket. The location, smell, texture, or design may pique their interest.

And some cats still choose somewhere else.

We’re not cats. We can only help you choose around their habits and can’t promise they’ll use that bed.

You have a lot of choices. So first look at how your cat already sleeps. Their sleeping style can give you an idea of what bed style to get.

A donut gives them sides to curl against. A cave offers a covered space for isolation. And a cat mat has room for an open stretch.

If you got a washable bed, you can wash it without damaging it. That said, some beds come with removable covers or cushions that should be washed separately. And some beds have materials that allow only spot cleaning.

Follow the care instructions on the relevant product page for washing and drying.

Check the bed regularly and clean it when it’s dirty, following the care instructions.

About the how often part, it depends on use, shedding, and accidents.

A tip: If your cat has several beds or blankets, avoid washing them all at once. Keeping some familiar scent around can help their resting spaces feel reassuring.

A self-warming bed helps retain your cat’s body warmth using insulating or heat-reflective materials. It doesn’t need electricity to keep the bed warm.

An electric heated bed uses a powered heating element. If you get an electric heated one, be careful and follow the specific instructions for use, cleaning, and care.

If you’ve got an older cat, start with easy access. Look for an entrance they can manage, with enough sleeping space and cushioning that stays stable when they step onto it.

And keep the bed somewhere they can reach without a difficult jump.

FYI: If they have arthritis or seem uncomfortable, ask your vet what would suit their needs.

Let’s address this. The word “calming” doesn’t mean the bed will magically calm an anxious cat.

A calming bed may help by providing a more sheltered resting spot, especially for cats that already like covered spaces. But the room, noise, and access to quiet hiding places matter too.

A bed alone won’t address every reason a cat feels stressed – but it can help.

No.

Some cats like being tucked away. Others prefer a clear view of their surroundings or need more room to stretch out.

Always watch where yours chooses to rest before deciding. If you choose a covered bed, make sure they can get in, turn around, and leave easily.

Honestly, you don’t necessarily need the smallest option.

While kitten-sized beds look even cuter, a larger bed can work if the entrance and sleeping surface are suitable.

You know where your cat likes to rest – put the bed near that place.

If you’re a new cat owner, choose a quiet spot away from draughts, busy walkways, and noisy appliances.

If the bed’s elevated, make sure the surface is stable and easy for your cat to reach.

Well, they can choose to – especially if they already sleep together. Needless to say, there should be enough space for both.

But do give them separate options as well, because Cats Protection recommends one bed per cat.

It helps to give them a choice.

That said, cats can move between resting places throughout the day, and you don’t need to buy a bed for every spot.

A suitable blanket can work if your cat rests in different places throughout the day. The bed(s) should be available where your cat sleeps the most.

Don’t worry. They may simply be using another sleeping spot.

Or something has changed, such as the bed’s location, its smell after washing, the temperature, or activity nearby.

While we’re at it, look at what else is different in your cat’s behaviour. If you notice difficulty moving, unusual hiding, or other changes, speak to your vet.

It depends.

If you’re choosing between soft or firm beds, notice what your cat chooses now. It can be a soft blanket, a firmer cushion, or a flat surface. Use that as your starting point.

Extra fluff isn’t automatically a preferred choice.

Oh no. Price alone won’t tell you whether the bed suits your cat.

Look at the size, materials, style, and cleaning requirements – then decide what’s worth paying for.

Always spend what suits your budget. A simpler bed that fits their habits can be a sensible choice rather than going for something fancy that only looks good.

But you can consider an expensive bed if your budget allows it and if it matches what your cat likes.