As a pet owner, you want the very best for your fur baby. Given that cat’s are notoriously picky, you want to find the right one where they can be cozy and warm while they’re sleeping and give them a space they can call their own. Based on your cat’s personal habits, read on to find out which cat bed is the right one for them.

Types of Cat Beds

Pillow/Classic: The beds are easy for cats to get in and out of with little strain and make it simple for them to choose to snuggle up or lay out.

Bolster/Donut: The bolster or donut cat bed has a lip or ring that goes around the cushion of the bed that not only keeps the cat contained, but helps it to feel secure and comfortable.

Mat/Pad: Pads are a simple option because they provide a softer surface than the floor or carpet. If your cat isn’t picky, this could be the best bed for them. You could also dot a few around the house for several resting place options.

Hammock: These beds have several benefits to them. It keeps your pets off your own furniture, gives them a safe space from “predators,” saves floor space, and most importantly, gives your cat a sense of ownership and safety in the home.

Nest: Similar to a bolster bed, the nest bed has the same protective ring around the bed plus a hood opening to give the cat protection over its back and ears. Having that covering is very important to helping the cat feel secure.

Pet Sofa: Although it may seem just for aesthetic reasons, giving your cat their own pet sofa has other benefits for them. It gives them a space that mimics yours that helps keep them engaged, and it discourages them from getting on human furniture and potentially damaging it.

Orthopedic: If your cat has health needs, or is older, getting them a special orthopedic cat bed can make a huge difference. With extra soft lining and cushion made from orthopedic foam, these beds can help alleviate pressure points and relieve anxiety.

Tent: Cat tents are another bed type that can keep your furry companion warm. Its hooded design helps them feel safe and secure while lounging inside it.

Elevated: Most cats prefer to sleep on elevated surfaces. Giving even just a little boost off the floor can help your cat feel most at ease.

Wall Mounted: Wall-mounted cat furniture gives your cat more freedom to play and explore, at a safe distance without disrupting your floor space.

Tip!

Many cats highly enjoy having multiple cat perches staggered up walls in their home. Not only do they allow cats to climb even higher and get a better view, they also give young cats the ability to exercise.

Cat Beds According to Size

When choosing a cat bed, consider your cat’s sleeping preferences. A lot of cats alternate in the way they sleep; they might curl up, or stretch out and make themselves long. In which case, it’s especially important to find a bed that’s large enough to accommodate them. For smaller cats like a munchkin or siamese, a round bolster or cave bed is a good choice. If your cat is a little bigger and prefers to lay out, opt for something with more length, like a rectangular shape or sofa. For large breeds such as a British shorthair or a Mainecoon, bigger is always better.

Cat Bed Materials

Fleece: A great liner for a cat bed, fleece fabrics are warm and snuggly to promote a long cat nap.

Wool: Cats have sensitive noses, so a natural material like wool is a great choice for a cat bed. It’s also incredibly warm and holds heat to keep your cat toasty all through the night.

Cotton: Beds covered in fabric versus plastic or cardboard are more inviting and comfortable for the cat. In particular, choosing a bed made from cotton is ideal because its organic material is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Faux Fur: An ultra-soft material, faux fur gives just what you want from any cat bed: coziness.

Suede/Faux Suede: Not only does this material look and feel great, it is also extremely durable and can withstand the pressure and the sharp ends of the cat’s claws.

Leather/Faux Leather: Leather material is both stimulating and fun for cats to sink their claws into. Like suede it is also durable enough to hold up against kitty claws.

Velvet: Give your cat the bed of luxury with a velvet lined cat mat. The soft, fuzzy fabric is exactly what cats want to curl into and struggle up against while they sleep.

Memory Foam: If your cat needs joint support, look for a bed with Orthopedic/Memory Foam. This helps relieve your pet's existing joint pain and helps prevent other joint problems in the future, such as hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Cat Bed Features

Machine Washable: Every pet owner’s favorite feature, cat beds with removable, machine washable covers are great for when your cat’s bed needs a quick freshening.

Waterproof/Outdoor: If your cat prefers to spend their time outdoors, give them a bed that can withstand the elements and hold up to their many cat naps in the sun. Durable materials like metal, plastic, or canvas are best for outside.

Large Cat Appropriate: Because having the right sized bed for your cat is so important, ensure that even your biggest fur baby is comfortable in a bed that is appropriate for their large size.

Window Mounted: A perch, or window mounted cat bed, will soon become one of your cat’s favorite spots in the house. They love the feeling of high elevation, getting to sit in the sun, and watching all that goes on outdoors from the comfort of their perch.

Heated: When your cat is curled up on a heated bed, that heat can help to loosen stiff, tense, and sore muscles. It can also help to relieve joint discomfort, like arthritis, soothing your cat and making them feel relaxed.

Cooling: Cat beds or mats made from a cooling gel are a great way to keep your cat cool and comfortable. This feature can help lower and regulate a cat’s temperature and reduce the risk of them overheating or getting heatstroke.

With all these factors to consider when choosing the right cat bed, be sure to check out all of our cat bed options.