Cats sleep for long periods throughout the day, so having a bed that they enjoy using and resting in is an important part of keeping a cat in your home. Cats like their privacy, especially when it comes to nap time. Even cats that seem to love being around people need their own space they can retreat to in order for them to be comfortable in your home.
The following article was created with a cat’s unique needs in mind, and to present to you some of the most popular cat beds currently available on the U.S. market. We also hope this information will provide you with some additional insight into your cat’s behavior. We know you will find this guide both educational and useful, helping you find the best bed for your cat.
Contents
- 1 Key Facts
- 2 Ranking: The best cat beds on the U.S. market
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about cat beds
- 3.1 Why does my cat spend so many hours in its bed?
- 3.2 Why does my cat need its own bed?
- 3.3 Why is it good for me that my cat has its own bed?
- 3.4 Why does my cat like to sleep under its bed?
- 3.5 Why doesn’t my cat like its bed?
- 3.6 When will my cat most use its bed?
- 3.7 Can I put my cat’s bed in the garden?
- 3.8 What is the best place to place my cat’s bed?
- 3.9 Can I let my cat sleep in my bed?
- 3.10 What are the benefits of sharing a bed with my cat?
- 3.11 When shouldn’t my cat and I share a bed?
- 3.12 Should my cat sleep in my bed if I have allergies?
- 3.13 Can I teach my cat to sleep wherever I want?
- 4 Shopping Criteria
- 5 Summary
Key Facts
- Cats need a quiet place to sleep. Beds are very useful as your cat’s hair will stay in there. However, it is still preferred to set the bed in a place where your cat regularly goes, so that it can enjoy using it whenever it wants.
- You’ll find beds suitable to all types of cats: from distrustful or insecure animals who want an isolated corner, to those who love to wander around and be outside but still need a bed that is moisture-resistant.
- It’s completely normal for you to want your cat wants to sleep outside, and you have beds specifically designed for this. If you want your cat with your in your bed, you should still designated a specific spot for them.
Ranking: The best cat beds on the U.S. market
The following section contains a list of some of the best cat beds on the U.S. market at the moment. We have summarized and highlighted their most important features to ensure you get a cat bed that makes the most sense for your kitty and your home.
No. 1: Best Friends by Sheri – OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler
.Best Friends by Sheri’s OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler is a high-walled pet bed, perfect for cats because it provides them with the sense of security and privacy they need. A bed that meets cats’ instinctual need for privacy helps them sleep better, which ultimately results in better behavior and mental health for your cat. The bed is completely machine washable and can be placed in the drier, so you always have clean, bacteria-free resting place for your kitty.
Importantly, it is made out of high-quality, completely non-toxic pet safe materials that will not cause sickness of irritation. The 12-inch rear bolster of this cat bed is great for older cats with joint pain, and the 9-inch front wall provides great head and neck support. It is available in both standard and jumbo size, and comes in a wide range of colors you can tailor to your home’s design and decor.
No. 2: MEOWFIA – Premium Cat Cave Bed
This is a handmade top-of-the-line cat bed that is made using 100 percent Merino Wool. It is designed to accommodate cats of all sizes, so it is perfect for younger and older animals. The materials are pet-safe and comfortable, and the cave design is perfect for those cats that require a safe, secure place to hide out whenever they need it. It is entirely ecofriendly, as well as antibacterial and simple to wash and clean.
The material is great for helping your cat thermoregulate all year long, keeping them cool during the summer and warm all winter. It measures 19 x 12 x 8 inches, making it large enough to accommodate most medium-sized cats. MEWOFIA’s Premium Cat Cave Bed fits well in any room in the house, and your cat will enjoying playing, lounging, and sleeping in and on top of this great hideaway.
No. 3: Kitty City – Cat Cube Cat Bed
Kitty City’s Cat Cube Cat Bed, also called the “Cat Condo”, is a pop up and stackable bed that provides two different resting, sleeping, and observation spaces for one or more cats. The bottom compartment is perfect for those times when your cat wants to get away from it all and take refuge, while the top is elevated and open. The fabric side walls provide your cat with a sturdy place to survey its surroundings, but fold up flat for when you need to transport it.
The polyester pillow and fleece base are soft and comfortable, and are also completely removable and machine washable. It measures 16.5 x 16.5 x 19.25 inches and includes the cube, the top cushion, and the fleece base mat. The extra large inside space gives your cat ample room to move around and get comfortable, and also makes this cat bed perfect for bigger cats.
No. 4: Pet Fusion – Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
![PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge. [Superior Cardboard & Construction]. Beware 'Cheaper copycats' with 'unverified' Reviews](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41L47LAAWWL._SL160_.jpg)
Pet Fusion’s Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge is designed with a cats proclivities and behavior in mind. Cats love, and need to scratch in order to keep their claws (their main weapons and tools) in working order. If not provided an option, they can use furniture to accomplish this. The Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge is made out of high quality layered cardboard, which cats naturally love to scratch. The material is completely pet-friendly and non toxic, so your cat can play and scratch to its heart’s content.
Furthermore, the design is tailor made for cats. Cats like curved surfaces, both for scratching and for resting. Measuring 34 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches, the Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge is large enough to provide the necessary space for your cat to fully stretch out, but small enough that it is not taking up excessive space in your home. This product, for good reason, was the winner of the 2015 Eco Excellence Award and was also featured on Animal Planet’s “My Cat From Hell.”
No. 5: Smiling Paws Pets – Unique 2-in-1 Cat Bed
Smiling Paws Pets 2-in-1 Cat Bed is a great product for cat owners looking for something versatile they can change based on their cat’s needs and behavior. This cat bed provides high quality comfort with its faux-Sherpa bottom cushion made from polyester fleece. This warm, yet breathable material helps to make sure your pet is never too hot or too cold all year round. The walls are made of thick and totally organic cotton, so the structure always has great support and will not collapse while your cat is on top, or inside.
To wash this cat bed, just throw it in the washing machine on the “hand wash” setting or spot clean it with a wet rag or sponge. This great 2-in-1 bed comes with a non-skid bottom, so your cats can come and go as they please without moving it all over the place. As an enclosed space, it measures 13 x 13 x 13, and as a lounger it measures 13 x 13 x 7 inches, making it a snug, but sufficiently large bed that will accommodate most medium-sized cats.
Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about cat beds
Before you invest in a new bed for your pet, it is fundamental that you understand some of the most important behavioral characteristics of your cat. This will allow you to get the bed best suited for your individual cat with his or her individual needs. In the below section we lay out that criteria, as well as provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by other shoppers and cat owners.
Cats brighten up your lonely days.
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Why does my cat spend so many hours in its bed?
While these animals are also very fast hunters, cats actually spend most of their time resting. They sleep approximately 70% of the day and you need to be aware that their sleep cycles are very different from ours. Kittens and and elderly cats will sleep even more, so don’t freak out if you see your feline spending long hours in bed.
Despite being domestic animals, you have to understand that their play routines usually involve a lot of movement that can truly tire them. For this reason, and because their general health requires it, cats sleep many hours a day.
Cats tend to return to the same resting place for longer periods of time, which is why many spend a considerable amount of time in their bed.
Why does my cat need its own bed?
Even if you are a cat owner who lets your pet up on the couch or bed, they still need their own space. Cats like having places to call their own, especially ones that smell like them. Every cat bed on the market is designed to meet the needs of cats slightly differently. Cats that are more confident and like being out in the open will likely prefer more exposed beds, while those which are more shy and distrustful will enjoy something that is covered and secluded.
While it is certainly true that cats sleep a lot, they will expend a considerable amount of energy while they play. They need a soft, supportive surface to rest on afterwards. You should also consider the weather conditions where you live in order to find a cat bed that will be the most comfortable for your pet. If you live in the North Eastern United States, for instance, you will want something that keeps your cat warm during the cold harsh winters, and cool during the often very humid summers.
Remember that cats are very tidy animals and need a clean bed.
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Why is it good for me that my cat has its own bed?
The truth is that your cat having its own bed will offer you many different benefits. It won’t leave hair all over the place, as most will be collected in the bed. This is the best solution for allergy-prone people, as their cats won’t leave that which triggers allergic reactions on furniture, but rather on their own little bed. These products are also easy to wash.
Your cat will be more inclined to play in and on its bed, rather that scratching up your furniture. It is recommended that you have a few beds around your home in the rooms your cat likes to rest.
If you like having your cat next to you while you sleep, it will be better for both of you if it also has its own bed it can use whenever it feels like it.
Why does my cat like to sleep under its bed?
Cats are natural born hunters. If you watch a cat move and stalk, it is plain to see that they are really just scaled down versions of the big cats you see in documentaries or in the wild. All cats, big and small, require safe, warm places to rest and relax. Warmth and safety is key for any cat, from lions to house cats, which is why it is common to find your cat under your bed, rather than on top of it.
This is why it has become common for beds to also include a top cover – removable or permanent. Some cat owners also like to put a blanket on the bed. This allows their pet to take shelter with the blanket, while still keeping the warmth of the bed under its body.
The exterior of a cat bed can be made from a variety of materials: cotton, plush, foam, wool, leather, latex, plastic or wicker.
(Source: Noppharat Manakul: 32432045/ 123rf.com)
Why doesn’t my cat like its bed?
Even if you spend time picking out a great bed for your cat, it may end up not using it as much as you would like. This could be for a number of reasons. The bed might be in a part of your home your cat isn’t particularly fond of. Additionally, the bed’s material might be displeasing to your cat (either the smell, the texture, or both).
Do keep in mind that these animals very tidy, and your cat will always want and need a clean bed. The great news is that most products available out there are machine washable. Your pet may not necessarily like that its bed doesn’t bear its smell anymore after being washed, in which case we recommend you to place some of its toys in the bed. Consider your cat’s habits to choose a bed that it will like and make the most of.
Lewis CarrollBritish Author
“It is a very inconvenient habit of kittens (Alice had once made the remark) that whatever you say to them, they always purr.”
When will my cat most use its bed?
Cats are nocturnal and crepuscular animals, and tend to be most active at dusk and dawn. This, however, is when you, its owner, are most likely to be resting. Conversely, when you are are your most active, your cat will likely be sleeping the day away.
Even after properly feeding your cat, it will still instinctually want to hunt and explore at night, which is when it would do so in the wild, thanks to its night vision. Cats also like to lounge in the sun during the day to keep warm.
Can I put my cat’s bed in the garden?
Yes, especially during daytime when it will love enjoying the warmth of the sun. That being said, experts do recommend that your cat sleep inside at night, to remain protected from the cold. If you’d rather it stayed outside or if you notice that your cat prefers to stay outside all the time, provide a safe and sheltered space.
There are waterproof beds on the market that are specially made to keep a cat warm if you decide to place the bed outside. Always make sure your cats are responding well to any changes or modifications you make to their routines. Additionally, if you do allow your cats outside, always make sure that you protect local wildlife. Fit your cat with a bell or other noise creation device so that native animals are warned there is an invasive predator about. Cats kill billions of songbirds (and many other small animals) in the U.S. every year.
Cats are most active at dawn and dusk.
(Source: Berna Namoglu: 17751475/ 123rf.com)
What is the best place to place my cat’s bed?
Choosing that spot will be influenced by the overall size of the bed and the space it will take. You should also take into consideration which part of the house your cat most frequents and where it likes to lie down.
Cats like to change places depending on the time of the day, so you could also decide to have several beds to protect your chairs and sofas.
Always keep in mind that a cat is not an animal you should bank on controlling and dictating rules to. They are not naturally social and gregarious animals like dogs, who are used to living in hierarchical groups and following orders. Cats set their own routines and keep to the same habits, so always have their beds in their favorite places around your home. If you put a bed somewhere your cat doesn’t like, it will likely just ignore it.
Can I let my cat sleep in my bed?
Your cat can sleep with you if you want it, and if you see that it is comfortable. In fact, it is very common for people to place their kitten’s bed on top of their own, so that the animal has its own space. That way, you’ll be sleeping together but still have your own private spaces.
Cats like their routines. When they are kittens they will likely want to be close to your face, and as they get older, will tend to move towards your feet. Many people like sleeping with their cats, even if cats tend to wake you up at night. This is especially the case early in the morning when a cat will try and get your attention in order for you to feed it.
Cats are creatures of habit.
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What are the benefits of sharing a bed with my cat?
Studies have shown that that petting animals relieves stress and increases oxytocin production. Some even say that people who have a cat at home are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases. Cats are very pleasant company, which helps avoid feeling lonely.
The purr of a cat also results very relaxing for certain people. This helps them sleep, as our feline friends tend to get more cuddly at night when their owner is around. Your cat will love to feel the warmth of your body and spend time with you. Some experts believe that this strengthens the bonds of affection.
If you have ever wondered why cats seem to pay more attention to women it is because cats understand better when you speak to them in a higher tone of voice.
If you have cat allergies or asthma, it is a good idea not to share a bed with your cat. It is also advised not to have a cat in the bed when you are sleeping with a young child. It might sleep too close to a baby, and it could hurt the infant by accident. Light sleepers are likely to be kept awake by cats at night as well.
It is important to mention that most pets can spread various diseases. While these are particularly isolated cases for cats, it is possible to get the following diseases via scratching: Chagas disease or the Bubonic plague.
Should my cat sleep in my bed if I have allergies?
The skin of felines produces a protein called Fel d1 that is responsible for causing allergies in people. If that’s your case, you can naturally continue to cohabit with your cat, but there are a few precautions to follow. It is recommended to frequently brush your pet, remove the carpets, clean your home often and avoid sleeping together. This last part may be difficult for some people.
Also be aware that duvets, upholstery, sheets, and mattresses tend to attract allergens like pet dander. It is best, therefore, to avoid sharing these places with cats. Making sure your cat has its own bed will be better for you, and your pet.
A cat’s purr can be very relaxing for some people.
(Source: Dmytro Skorabogatov: 46342978/ 123rf.com)
Can I teach my cat to sleep wherever I want?
Cats are well known for setting their own rules rather than abiding by the rules of others. That being said, you can educate them in doing certain things you want. Keep in mind that education should start the moment your cat arrives in your home. If they already have their routine, it will be very difficult to change those habits.
While you can train your cat, it has to be within what it likes. If your pet likes to rest on the couch, for instance, you won’t want to put its bed anywhere else in the house. Place it on the couch, close to it, or on a high surface. You can also leave treats in the bed or wherever you want your cat to sleep, or a garment that smells of you so it doesn’t miss you.
Shopping Criteria
If you are a cat owner, you are going to need at least one cat bed, pure and simple. It is one of the must have accessories if you want to satisfy a cat’s needs. There are a wide range of products on the market, and you will need to find ones that both you and your cat will love. In the below section we have put together a list of the main shopping criteria to keep in mind when making your final decision:
- Size
- External materials
- Filling materials
- Design
- Beds according to their location
Size
Buying a bed or mattress in which your cat fits perfectly is essential for its rest. The majority of products available are closed to provide a sense of security to your pet, which is why you need to make sure it can fit inside before making the purchase. Take into account the length and width of your cat and you’ll find just the right bed.
Many beds out there are one-size-fits all. You need to know this because most of them are made for medium-sized cats – which are the most common sized cats. If you have a longer, or an obese cat, you will need to make sure you get a bed that accommodates their body type. This is all the more true if the bed includes an enclosed area.
The market offers a wide variety of cat beds.
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External materials
The external part of the bed is important to consider, as it will offer a more or less pleasant touch for your cat. It also in part determines in which places you can set the bed. The manufacturing materials commonly used are: cotton, plush, foam, wool, leather, latex, plastic or wicker. The material should be chosen according to the time of year.
Wool and cotton, for instance, are the best for cold winter months, while felt and wicker make better bedding materials in hotter weather and climates.
Remember to opt for waterproof materials if you decide to put the bed in the garden – plastic, latex or wicker are ideal for this. You can also buy a sleeping bag that is warm inside and covered with plastic to wick moisture away.
Filling materials
The key to your cat’s comfort is the material used to fill it. The floor on its own isn’t good enough to rest, and the truth is that your pet will always be on some kind of surface of your home. If you really want your feline friend to be happy with its own space, opt for a bed with the right padding that will make it soft and comfortable.
Foam tends to be the most common filler used. You might want to opt for a bed that is filled with discoelastic foam, however, if you have an elderly cat or one with joint issues. Additionally, animals with allergies will like cotton, feathers, or wool better.
Cats spend a lot of time resting.
(Source: Alena Ozerova: 40069117/ 123rf.com)
Design
Choose your cat bed’s design based on how your cat likes to sleep and your cats body type. You want your cat to be comfortable in its bed, and to prefer it over your furniture. There are so many different products out there that are designed to accommodate different cat body shapes and types. Below is a table that can help you match your cat to the best bed type:
| If your cat: | Get this type of bed: |
|---|---|
| Sleeps stretched | Mattress. Some models are flat and others have raised edges to provide a support for the head. |
| Sleeps rolled-up | Enclosed/igloo type. This type gives a safe space for your animal to sleep. |
| Tends to be cold | Sleeping bag. Your cat can sleep on top when it’s hot, or get inside for warmth when the weather cools. |
| Loves heights | Hammock. These little beds can be hooked with suction cups or nails onto walls and windows for your feline to enjoy sleeping in height. |
| Often scratches with its claws | Scratcher. These models feature shapes and materials that are suitable for your cat’s claws. That way, it won’t scratch your furniture or its fabric bed. |
Beds according to their location
As we mentioned earlier, it is important to set the bed in a place where your cat is comfortable. If your animal prefers being outside, choose a product that can withstand humidity and provide warmth at the same time. If your feline friend enjoys being on the sofa, get a bed that can fit in that space. If it doesn’t mind not being on an elevated surface, a well-padded bed will be your option of choice.
However, if your cat isn’t the most trusting and like a secluded, covered place to sleep, it is best to get an enclosed bed or sleeping bag that will provide this sense of safety and security. Conversely, a hammock is a great option for animals that like to be out in the open, observing the goings on, or peering out of windows at the world outside.
Summary
A cat bed is a great way to ensure that your cat has its own space, is able to get the rest it needs, and, importantly, it (and its claws and fur) stays off your furniture. If you have allergies, cat beds also help to make sure as much as your cats fur and danger is contained in the same place as possible.
Even if you don’t mind cats on your furniture and bed, it is still vital that your cat has its own space. Cats like privacy, even if they love their owners. There is a large selection of beds on the U.S. market, and it is important to get one that is made both for your cat’s unique needs and personality, and where it will look and feel best in your home. If you have the space, it is even advisable to get more than one so your cat can pick and choose where it rests and sleeps.
If you liked our article on cat beds, feel free to share it with your friends on your social media. You can also leave us a comment with any question or suggestion you may have in the section below.
(Source of featured image: Alena Ozerova: 47669383/ 123rf.com)
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