Choosing the Right Cat Bed for Your Cat

Choosing a cat bed can sometimes seem difficult as there is so much choice available. And, of course, finding the right cat bed is important. You want your kitten to be cosy, warm and happy when they are sleeping - and you want the cat bed to be a comfortable space that they can call their own.

When it comes to making a selection however, owners need to remember that all cats are individuals and they all have their own preference. The trick is to watch your cat’s habits and choose a bed accordingly. We’ve put together a guide to choosing the best cat bed for your cat so that they feel happy, pampered and can sleep like the royalty they are.

Types of cat beds

Because cats love to curl up and sleep wherever they can, there are many different kinds of cat beds available. Do not worry about which one is the best – there is no the ‘best’ cat bed. Instead, choose one that suits your cat’s preferences and daily habits. Below are a few options for the types of cat beds you can find.

Pads/Cushions

This type of cat bed is a cushion filled with soft and comfortable down. There are various fillings for this kind of cat bed – such as fleece or high-fibre polyester – but as long as it is plush and comfortable, it does not really matter! These are good for putting on chairs or sofas if these are the places your cat loves to snooze.

Donut beds

These are often fleece beds with higher sides that your cat can snuggle into to stay warm and feel protected. Don’t look for the biggest you can find – instead look for one that your cat can fit snuggly in and feel safe.

Cat trees

Often cat trees have sleeping areas where you cat can hide away but still have a great viewing point if needed. These can be combined with donuts of cushions for the ultimate of feline comfort.

Window perches

If your cat’s favourite place is the window and they like to fall asleep in whatever sunlight they can find or you find them dozing in front of the view, then a window perch cat bed could be the best cat bed. These cat beds attach as perches on the window and allow your cat to sleep in their favourite spot.

Sleeping bag style beds

Some cats love to snuggle inside a cocoon of cosy material and for them, sleeping bag style beds can be ideal – especially if they feel the cold.

Pods

This new style of cat bed is gaining popularity. Some cats seem to like curling up with these egg-shaped pods, which are usually made of plastic or hard fabric and lined with something soft and cosy.

What to look out for when choosing a cat bed

Despite the range of cat beds available in the market, there are some considerations that can guide your choice. Below is a list of factors you should consider when choosing the best cat bed for your cat.

Heating

If you live in a place with a cold climate and your winters can get uncomfortable, consider buying a heated bed for your cat. This will just make their snuggle hours all the more comfortable and you will not have to worry about them being cold. This is especially important for older cats (whose joints are stiff and whom the cold affects more) and cats with thin or no fur (who may feel colder than you think).

Durability

The most economical cat beds are those that are durable and can survive some amount of scratching or biting. If you are investing in a furniture style cat bed, then do make sure that the structure is sturdy and is unlikely to collapse when your kitten is in it. This is especially important for window perch beds, where the drop to the floor may be substantial.

Cleanable

You should invest in a bed that is easily cleanable; you do not want to be replacing a cat bed too often, but you do want your cat to sleep in a clean space. Most cat beds are machine washable. Some, like the furniture-style beds, have fabric that you can either replace or that you can remove to wash. You may also want to choose material that does not trap pet hair, so that you can more easily remove it!

Placement

The number one consideration when choosing the best cat bed for your cat is: where does your cat like to sleep? This will likely determine which cat bed is suited to your cat. If your cat likes to fall asleep with a view, then the window cat bed is a great choice. If they like sleeping in elevated places, then the climbing tower cat bed is a good idea. Just follow your cat’s preferences to pick a bed they will love – and place a bed in every room your cat likes to snooze.

Additional considerations when choosing a cat bed

You may also want to consider additional factors when choosing a cat bed, such as age and illnesses.

Cats who are older, for instance, may have reduced mobility because their joints may hurt and their bodies are stiffer. An elevated cat bed is not a great idea for these cats, so that would exclude window perches or cat tower cat beds from the list.

All beds much be safe so avoid those with beads or decoration on them because they can chew and swallow these, which is extremely dangerous.

Make sure the bed is the right size for your cat too.

When choosing the best cat bed, simply look to your cat for guidance – and you are bound to make the right choice.

Now that you’ve got the perfect cat bed sorted, discover how to make sleeping arrangements for your kitten’s first night home.