There’s nothing wrong with letting a cat sleep in your bed, of course. But depending on your cat’s habits, it may be disruptive to your wellness if you have a cat that starts zooming around the bedroom in the middle of the night or waking you up too early in the morning by pawing at your face. One good way to lure cats away from spaces that are in the way or dangerous is to make sure they have comfortable, appropriate spots to sleep. But with so many options, how do you choose? Never fear; we’ll break it down and show you the best picks for felines of different ages, sizes, and personalities.
Best cave bed: MEOWFIA Premium Felt Cat CaveBest wicker bed: D+Garden Wicker Cat BedBest plush bed: BODISEINT Modern Soft Plush Round Pet BedBest domed bed: Tempcore Cat SofaBest budget: Furhaven ThermaNAP Quilted Faux-Fur Self-Warming Mat
The best cat beds: Our picks
Best cave bed: MEOWFIA Premium Felt Cat Cave
These handmade cat cave beds are approximately 19 inches by 19 inches by 12 inches with an 8-inches opening and can be collapsed into a more traditional open bed, or used popped up into their intended cave shape. They’re roomy enough even for big cats and provide privacy and comfort. They’re felted in Nepal and come in several colors and designs to complement your room’s decor.
Best wicker bed: D+Garden Wicker Cat Bed
With a removable (and washable) pillow, this is a low-maintenance option that just needs to be wiped clean from time to time.
Best plush bed: BODISEINT Modern Soft Plush Round Pet Bed
This donut-shaped marshmallow cat bed is made of high-loft recycled polyester fiber covered in faux fur, and it comes in four sizes (small, medium, large, and extra-large) and eight colors (mostly neutral tones…and pink!). It’s machine washable and dryable; in fact, the manufacturer specifies that it should not be air-dried or you risk matting the faux fur.
Best domed bed: Tempcore Cat Sofa
An attractive design, this Tempcore cat bed has many features going for it: there’s a removable pad that you can wash separately from the main bed, there’s a hanging toy to keep your cat occupied, the bottom is moisture-resistant and non-slip, and it comes in two sizes (small for cats up to 12 pounds, or medium for cats up to 18 pounds). It’s soft but well-made, an accommodating shape, and the whole thing can be machine washed and dried.
Best budget: Furhaven ThermaNAP Quilted Faux-Fur Self-Warming Mat
A self-warming cat bed means that it helps a cat retain its body heat. This one has a reflective thermal sheet insulated in between polyester fiber layers to reflect heat back to the cat’s body. It’s just a simple rectangular pad, no raised sides or covers, and it’s machine washable. It comes in small (17 inches by 22 inches) or large (36 inches by 24 inches) and has a quilted faux-fur sleep surface.
Things to consider when buying the best cat beds
So let’s say you pick out the perfect cat bed, you bring it home, you open it up and enthusiastically show it to your cat, and…your cat looks at it quizzically for a few seconds before snubbing it and going right back to sleep in the middle of the floor. It happens! And it’s possible you just have a stubborn pet who doesn’t like that bed (you may have to try a couple of styles before landing on just the right one), but it’s also possible that you just need to do a little extra coaxing and prep work to figure it out. To start, make sure you’re placing the bed in a place the cat already likes. If you have to start in the middle of the floor, then that’s where to start—and then slowly work it over to a better spot over the course of a few days or weeks once the cat becomes attached to it. If your cat typically likes being up off the floor, then try it on top of a couch or chair. There are also hammock styles that can lift your feline just a few inches off the ground. You’ll also want to associate the bed with positive things: good smells, treats, affection. Sprinkle a little catnip on it, and offer treats when the cat hops into the bed. You can also try putting a piece of the cat’s favorite human’s clothing in the bed to start—a T-shirt, scarf, or something similar that smells like that person.
Curious cat? We’ve got you covered with the best cat beds…
Covered cat beds are best for felines who crave some “alone time.” Especially if you have an active household with other pets and children or guests, a shy cat may take to hiding under a couch or another weird underfoot place to sleep—and that can be a recipe for danger. Another benefit to beds that have some sort of cover is that it can be easier to introduce new cats or kittens to a household if they have a spot of their own to escape to, rather than fighting for territory with other pets.
Wood your cat like a cozy nook?
Covered beds can take different forms: some are structured, like a cave bed, and some are more like sleeping bags. Others nestle in your home like a piece of modern furniture, offering your pet a safe haven without providing an eyesore.
Your cat may go nuts for donuts.
This marshmallow-inspired pick is extremely soft and furry and can be easy on joints for older cats. Cats often like to knead these types, and they’re usually machine washable.
Domo arigato this cat spot-o …
Depending on your cat’s preferences, you might look into covered or uncovered options, heated or unheated beds. You can also look into a hanging cat bed, or cat window bed, to provide your cats with a higher-up view, especially if they like peering outside or stretching out in the warmth of the sunlight. Or just give the cat a personal “sofa”—somewhere impossibly plush to stretch out.
Your cat will be floored by the best cat bad
Cats love to play it cool, but they don’t like to get cold. Don’t be fooled: all that fur isn’t the end-all and be-all of warmth retention. A thermal pad can help.
The final word on the best cat beds
Giving your cat a spot of its own to rest can be a great gift for your beloved pet. Just like with humans, cats get better sleep when they’re feeling comfortable and secure. Also just like with humans, the best selection for one cat may not be right for another—they have different needs both physically and psychologically. But whether you wind up with a cave bed, a marshmallow cat bed, a self-warming option, or something else, your furry friend will drift off to slumberland in cozy contentment.
