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Having a comfortable place to sleep and lounge is a must-have for everyone, and that includes your cats. They want a cat bed where they can feel safe, warm, get a good night’s rest, and be alone when they desire. After all, they sleep between 15 and 20 hours a day!
Finding the bed of your cat’s dreams, though, can be challenging. There are so many choices: flat pillows to small boxes to large towers and perches—there are even options with activities for in between naps. Our list comprises the best of the best and favorites of many cat owners online.
Unsplash/Matthew Manuel
How to Choose the Right Cat Bed
To pick a bed they’ll love, take a good look at the places where your cat likes to sleep. If they are burrowing into a pile of blankets, a full-surround bed—like a padded tunnel—could be the right choice. If they like to stretch out on your sofa or bed, a plush sleeping pad might work better. Some cats will seek out ways to have their heads and necks cushioned—they’d do best with a bolster bed. Keep in mind that your cat’s taste in sleeping arrangements may change as they age. Also note that if your cat is Siamese or Birman, you may need to pass on a pretty wool bed—according to vets, those breeds have a tendency to chew on, and even eat, wool.
Whatever style cat bed you choose, be sure to get one that’s large enough! Pet parents might love the neat and tidy look of a little cat bed, but your cat may find it too cramped. When our cats’ bolster-style beds started looking shabby, I replaced them with similar beds, just slightly smaller. Oops! Our big Siberian, Max, was just miserable without enough room to get comfortable. (I hunted down one of the original beds, and he stopped glaring at me.) Also, with a large cat bed available, some cats in a multi-cat household will immediately decide to share—which is a great space-saver in itself.
Once you’ve figured out the size and style that works for your cat, be sure the bed meets your needs as well. It should be easy to clean so if there’s a hairball incident or a flea infestation, you can toss the bed into the washer and dryer. And it doesn’t have to be frumpy or boring—there are some beautiful contemporary beds that don’t say “crazy cat household.” Tip: If you have multiple cats, check out some of the stacked cat beds and cat trees where you can have a cat sleeping on each level.
The Best Cat Beds, By Type
Here are 20 of our favorite accommodations for snoozing kitties, from basic to elegant. They include top picks for senior cats, kittens, large cats, and outdoor kitties. With any luck, your cat will like their new bed so much they’ll finally stop sleeping on you.
You don’t have to break the bank to bring home a spacious, comfy, durable bed for your cat’s sleeping pleasure. This Frisco bed is 21 by 21 inches, filled with high-loft polyester, and covered in durable, machine-washable polyester. While you can find some excellent flat sleeping mats for less, we think a few extra dollars is worth it for this bed’s comfy bolster design that keeps heat in and provides a nice neck rest for kitty.
What we like:
- Bolster support
- Choice of patterns and colors
- Machine washable
As their slogan says, “your cat will figure it out.” Cats love this circular bed with a large front opening and a smaller “escape route” in the back. People love it too because you can find a style, fabric, and color combination to complement any decorating style. It’s machine washable, so it maintains its good looks. The high-density foam panels inside the round bed provide padding and retain heat to keep your kitty snuggly. While it probably doesn’t provide enough support for a very senior cat, it’s a delightful hideaway for most felines.
What we like:
- Generous size fits most cats (up to 18 or 19 pounds)
- Tremendous choice of fabric patterns and colors
- Machine washable
Your pet’s house could be a penthouse with a view! Mount this airy cat bed on a window using the six industrial-strength suction cups. The front entrance ledge and roof deck make this abode extra roomy for your kitty to climb in and around. The plush microfleece pad inside is removable.
What we like:
- Spacious—it measures 23 by 19 by 9.5 inches
- Can accommodate two cats
This small (14 by 14 inch) cave-shaped cat bed is soft enough to cuddle your kitten to sleep and durable enough to stand up to kitten adventures and mishaps. It’s machine washable, making it easy for you to ensure your little critter has a clean place to sleep. It comes in two colors, orange or ivory.
What we like:
- Durable fabric (plus the bottom is waterproof)
- Luxe velvet fabric and extra-thick cushions
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
For the kitty who feels happiest on top of the furniture, this sturdy, elevated bed is sure to please. The bed on top is covered in soft plush, while the lower levels are great for more secluded napping.
What we like:
- Sturdier than a bed elevated on a post, this 18-pound condo won’t tip over if your cat takes a flying leap on or off
- No assembly or tools required
- Two sisal side panels provide a place to scratch
Do you have an older kitty? When it comes to senior cat beds, one of your best bets is an orthopedic cat bed with memory foam. Even if your cat has always slept on your bed or sofa, they may start to prefer an orthopedic bed on the floor because it’s easier to get in and out of. We like this bed thanks to its 3 inches of medical-grade orthopedic foam and removable, machine-washable cover and liner. The medium size is a generous 30 by 25 by 9 inches.
What we like:
- Easy-access lower entrance to the bed
- A full 3 inches of memory foam
- Removable, washable cover and liner
Most cat trees include some sleeping space, but often these are flat and inadequate. Most kitties like a bit of security when they sleep and this 70-inch Frisco wood-and-carpet tree provides that, from bottom to top. It offers two rimmed sleeping areas, plus three hammock-shaped perches, all covered in cozy carpeting.
What we like:
- Solid wood posts for a sturdy feel and durable construction
- Thick, household-grade carpet
- Easy three-step assembly
We found the best cat travel bed in the dog section—go figure! The smaller sizes of this lightweight rectangular mat will fit easily in your cat’s carrier, or tuck into your luggage to be pulled out and used wherever you’re staying. The fluffy pad is completely machine washable, too.
What we like:
- Works as a stand-alone bed or inside a cage or carrier
- Non-skid grip on the bottom works great on hardwood or tile floors
- Machine washable and dryer friendly
If you’re shopping for a bed for your large cat, keep in mind that it needs to be both spacious and heavy-duty. An inch or two of polyfill that will support a kitten will not be enough padding for a 20-pound cat. Since many beds are designed for both dogs and cats, we checked out some beds for 20-pound dogs. The winner is the medium size of this inexpensive, orthopedic foam-filled bolster bed, with a deep, cushy removable inner cushion.
What we like:
- Modern design
- Machine-washable fabric
- Six-inch depth, with plenty of support for even a hefty kitty
This very affordable self-warming bed includes a layer of special material inside that reflects your cat’s considerable natural heat, along with high, bolster-style walls that hold that heat in to make this even cozier. A self-warming bed is a perfect choice if you are concerned about a kitty in a drafty area of your house but don’t want electrical cords around.
What we like:
- A special interior layer reflects your pet’s body heat
- Choice of several sizes, from 19 inch to 25 inch (check the chart for exact measurements)
- No electricity required
- Machine washable
If your kitty needs more than a self-warming bed, check out K&H’s line of heated pet beds. Some are for outdoor use, but this one, the affordable Thermo-Kitty heated mat, is designed for indoor cats. A small heating pad tucks inside a foam-lined cover to make a comfortable napping place. Note: Be careful not to use this, or any other heated cat bed, in a carrier or small space where the cat can’t move away to cooler areas when it wants. And if you have questions about using a heated bed for a sick or recovering cat, talk to your veterinarian.
What we like:
- Dual thermostat control
- Soft foam pad in plush cover for comfortable napping
- After you remove the heater, the bed can be machine washed and tumble dried
Even if your outdoor kitty has the shelter of a shed or barn, there is just nothing to beat this heated outdoor kitty house and bed. We have two of them under the porch where our cats hang out on cold, rainy winter afternoons. The sturdy vinyl-and-nylon frame has both a front and a back entrance, so your cat won’t be cornered by a predator. And the interior features a small, soft, and heated pad-style bed.
What we like:
- Has two doors with (removable) flaps
- Includes K&H Lectro-Soft heated bed
- Vinyl backing and 600-denier nylon construction create a water-resistant shelter
- Fuzzy fastener-style walls and a zippered roof for easy assembly—no tools required!
Our cats love their big fluffy puffs. Even the senior cat with arthritis climbs aboard and settles into this cuddler. These are great beds for a cat recovering from stress or illness. We strongly recommend the larger size—it gives the kitty plenty of space to sink blissfully into the middle.
What we like:
- Beautiful, subtle colors (cream, dark gray, light gray)
- Machine washable
- No-skid fabric on the bottom keeps it in place
Does your cat like to burrow under the sheets and blankets? This bed is for them! It works like a sleeping bag, but can also convert into three other sleeping formations: cuffed cup, flat pad, and snug pod. The plush faux-fur lining provides warmth and comfort.
What we like:
- Flexible configuration
- Microfiber exterior is easy to brush clean
- Machine washable
This well-designed bed has comfy bolsters on the front and sides, and a higher wall in the back. It scores high for durability—it keeps its shape coming out of the wash because the walls are stitched to keep all the padding in the right channels. Go for the standard size if you have one cat, maybe the jumbo if you have multiple cats who are cuddlers.
What we like:
- The higher back wall provides extra support to help relieve pressure on joints
- Tough nylon fabric on the bottom of the bed is easy to clean and water-resistant
- Machine washable and dryer safe
Aha! You thought I was going to suggest that your cat sleep in something that looks like a shark, or a banana. But, no, we invite you to check out the ScratchKabin, made by a company known for both outdoor and indoor cat accommodations. Buyers report that cats love it this version for indoor use. The outside is a tough, durable scratcher, while the inside is a sheltered bed with a (washable) velvety cushion. It comes in some great colors, including blueberry, cocoa bean, and oatmeal.
What we like:
- Save room with a spacious bed that’s also a scratcher
- Convenient hanger for toys
- Definitely a conversation piece
This sleek, modern design wins raves from cats and apartment dwellers. Made in Vietnam of light, durable bamboo, this cove includes a luxurious (and washable) velvet cushion inside for your house panther to recline on. Suggested for cats up to 10 pounds.
What we like:
- Durable
- Ecofriendly materials
- Eye-catching design
This simple cat bed box holds two cats—and it folds flat for moving or storage. It comes with two machine-washable furry beds (or add your own cat pads). Want more? Buy two of these sturdy boxes and stack them.
What we like:
- Space-saving stackable boxes
- Removable, washable bedding
- Contemporary appearance
This cozy cave is made from 100% Merino wool and is perfect for your cat to curl up in. Place it on the floor, on the sofa, or anywhere your cat likes to hang out. You can even flatten it out to let your cat use as a sleeping pad.
What we like:
- Beautiful colors and designs
- Easy-to-clean durable wool fabric
This simple hammock includes two scratching posts and dangling toys to delight your cat. With a hefty 22-by-22-inch base, this nine-pound cat tree can stand up to lively play from kittens and small-to-mid-size cats. This hammock gets top ratings for kittens to older cats, according to reviews. It’s available in ivory, gray, black, or cheetah print.
What we like:
- Removable, washable hammock
- Several color choices
- Toys and scratching posts combined with bed
Further reading
Featured image via Paul Hanaoka/Unsplash
source http://www.luckydogsolutions.com/snuggler-sprawler-weve-found-a-cat-bed-for-your-cat/
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