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Best Cat Beds
Top Picks for Feline Comfort
A typical cat sleeps more than half the day. And while it’s probably inevitable that your cat will sometimes choose a seemingly odd place to curl up — like the sink, the top of the refrigerator, or the bottom of a laundry hamper — having a cat bed gives them a safe and comfortable spot to sleep for longer stretches.
Cat beds come in a range of styles. From budget-friendly cushions to durable and luxurious cat caves, there’s something to suit nearly every feline preference. Many designs use durable materials to withstand a cat’s clawing and nibbling, while some specialty models cater to cats’ love of heights, windows, or enclosed spaces.
We’ll highlight our picks for the best cat beds and give tips on how to select the right model, how to keep it clean, and how to encourage your cat to use their new bed.
In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Bedsure Cat Bed
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The Bedsure Cat Bed is perfect for cat owners looking to bridge the gap between a cat bed and a play structure. It has enough room for two cats to spread out and features an attached scratch pad to keep them entertained.
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Pros
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Gives cats a choice of upper and lower sleeping areas
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Includes washable cushion covers
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Foldable for easy storage
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Cons
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Older cats may have no interest in the fluffy ball toy
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May not be durable enough for very heavy cats
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The Bedsure Cat Bed has two levels that give cats plenty of room to sleep and play. This square-shaped cat bed has an enclosed area with a window cutout as well as a nap pad on top. There’s plenty of room for two cats to lounge, making it a great fit for households with multiple cats.
The hard, structured walls are made from medium-density fiberboard covered in soft fabric. Both the bottom hideout and the upper nap pad contain flippable cushions that let you choose between a thicker sherpa fabric side and a more breathable felt fabric side. When they aren’t snoozing, cats can stay entertained by playing with the included cat toy or the bedside scratch pad.
Though this is a rigid cat bed, it packs away easily. You can disassemble the bed and lay it flat for simple storage and easy travel. Both removable cushions have machine-washable and reversible covers. The bed can support cats weighing up to 20 pounds, and the hideout entrance measures 8.5 inches in each direction to make it easy for your pets to get in and out.
The Bedsure Cat Bed comes in one standard size and eight colors.
Best Value
Love’s Cabin Cat Bed
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If your cat likes to curl up on the softest surface they can find, consider the Love’s Cabin Cat Bed. It’s covered in soft flannel and has a circular shape that surrounds your cat on all sides. Plus, it’s affordable and fully machine-washable.
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Pros
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Available in three sizes
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Comes in a dozen color options, making it a good match for nearly any decor
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An anti-slip bottom helps keep the bed in place
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Cons
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Requires molding and fluffing after unboxing
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Sides are less sturdy than some competing models
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The Love’s Cabin Cat Bed lets your cat lounge in luxury while you stay within your budget. This affordably priced model has a cozy donut design and a plush flannel liner that’s perfect for cats that like to curl up and feel surrounded while they sleep.
The bed is circular with a raised perimeter, creating a bolster that your cat can use as a pillow or to nestle into. It’s available in three sizes to suit cats of all ages and breeds. The outer material is a suede-like fabric that’s designed to be both durable and soft.
The bottom cushion features stitching that keeps the filling in place and prevents it from bunching. An anti-slip and waterproof base fabric ensures that the bed stays put.
You can wash this entire bed in your home washing machine as long as you take care to use cold water and your machine’s gentle cycle.
Best Cat Cave
WINDRACING Cat Bed
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The WINDRACING Cat Bed has a versatile design that lets you set it up as a cave-style bed or fold it down into a traditional cat bed. It’s made from durable outer fabric and soft inner microfiber to keep your pet warm, safe, and cozy.
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Pros
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2-in-1 construction converts from a cat cave to a traditional bed
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Removable and machine-washable cushion makes for easy cleaning
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Scratch-resistant design
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Cons
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May collapse if a heavier cat jumps on top of it
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Takes 24 to 48 hours to fully expand after removing the packaging
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If your cat likes sleeping while totally surrounded, consider the WINDRACING Cat Bed. It’s a four-sided, enclosed cat cave with a triangular entrance and plush inner cushion. You can also take the cushion out and fold down the sides to transform it into a traditional cat bed.
This bed has cozy faux fur on the inside and a durable, scratch-resistant material on the outside. Slip-proof fabric on the bottom is designed to withstand chewing. A small handle at the top makes it easy to move the bed.
The bed’s flexible structure is made from high-density foam and microfiber fill. The inner cushion is removable, machine-washable, and doubles as a second bed. The bed comes in two sizes. Color options include gray and beige, plus a gray design with a hanging ball toy.
The WINDRACING Cat Bed arrives vacuum-sealed. Since it contains foam, you should wait between 24 and 48 hours for it to fully expand.
Best Washable
Geizire Cat Bed
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The cozy Geizire Cat Bed has a shaggy faux fur fabric that’s both comfortable for your pet and easy to clean. It’s competitively priced and available in a wide range of colors and sizes big enough for large cats and those that like to stretch out.
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Pros
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Soft yet durable design
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Can be washed and dried in home machines
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Available in three sizes and 16 colors
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Cons
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Not all colors are available in all sizes
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Needs to be manually shaped and fluffed after you unbox it
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Owning pets means dealing with the occasional mess, so the Geizire Cat Bed is a worthwhile choice for anyone who wants an easy-to-clean model. This donut-shaped cat bed uses a faux fur material on the outside that’s designed to feel plush and luxurious. The internal fill is soft, supportive, and engineered to retain its shape.
Your cat can use the raised rim as a spot to snuggle into or they can cushion their neck by using it as a pillow. The bottom fabric is dust- and water-resistant and includes a non-slip coating.
You can toss the entire bed into your washing machine, but just ensure that you wash it separately from the rest of your laundry. Unlike many pet beds, you can tumble dry this model.
Types of Cat Beds
Cat beds come in various styles to suit the wide range of feline preferences. While there are dozens of shape and size options, there are a few types you’re likely to come across while shopping.
Traditional Cat Beds
You can find traditional cat beds in a few shapes, but the most popular are donut-style beds and sleeping pads.
Donut beds are round and have a deep recess in the middle. This shape is excellent for cats that like to feel surrounded or cuddled while they sleep. The raised rim acts as a bolster that keeps your cat cozy and cushioned on all sides.
Sleeping pads often come in round, square, or rectangular shapes. These simple beds typically have a plush, supportive fill and comfortable fabric. They usually resemble a cushion and are flat across the bed’s surface.
Cat Caves
Cat caves are hollow structures where cats can retreat and find privacy. They look like a small tent with walls on every side and with a small cutout door that allows your pet to enter and exit. Some models have rigid sides made from durable wood or plastic, while others are crafted from flexible materials like foam or fabric. Cats that like hiding out under furniture or in paper bags may appreciate a cat cave.
Window and Wall Perches
Cats are well known for their ability to find a patch of sunlight to lounge in, no matter how small. If you know your cat likes to climb or sunbathe, consider a window or wall perch so that they can bask in comfort or safely look outside. These beds attach to your window or wall and look like a shelf. Some models have cushioning while others are made from scratch-resistant fabric.
There are different types of mechanisms that attach these beds to your wall or window, including suction cups, screws, and hooks. These perches are also excellent for people with limited room since they don’t take up any floor space.
Cat Trees and Condos
If you want a cat bed that doubles as a playhouse, you may want to consider a cat tree or a cat condo. Cat trees contain flat surfaces for play or rest, while cat condos include an enclosed space or built-in cat cave.
You can find cat trees and condos in a variety of shapes and designs, but most are tall, multi-tiered structures that have more than one area for your cat to lounge. They’re designed so that cats can jump from spot to spot and there’s often enough room for more than one cat.
Orthopedic and Heated Beds
Senior cats deserve top-notch comfort, which pet owners can find in orthopedic and heated cat beds. Orthopedic cat beds are meant to cushion joints while providing enhanced support. They often feature high-quality, pressure-relieving materials like polyfoam or memory foam. You can find orthopedic cat beds in almost any shape.
Some cat beds, including orthopedic models, have heating elements intended to help relieve muscle and joint tension while keeping your cat warm and cozy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cat Bed
It’s no secret that cats love to sleep. The majority of cats spend more than half of their day sleeping, with some exceeding 18 hours of shut-eye per day.
When choosing a cat bed, consider your cat’s needs and habits, your budget, and how much space you have in your home for a bed or structure. Though it may often seem like your cat is the boss, the best cat bed is one that works for your needs as well as your cat’s.
Materials
Models with cushioning typically have an external fabric for comfort and an internal fill for structure and durability. You can find models with polyfoam, memory foam, polyester, and microfiber fill. Choose foam or another dense material if you want a cat bed that provides strong support and pressure relief.
External fabrics vary, but many models have a cozy surface for your cat to sleep on with a tougher material on the bottom to prevent movement and help increase the bed’s lifespan. Choose a model with washable fabrics if that’s important to you.
Cat’s Age and Size
Choosing a bed that works for your cat’s size is critical, as some freestanding beds have weight limits. Your cat’s bed should be about the same length or longer than its body, which allows for plenty of room to curl up or spread out. You can find cat beds in many sizes, though most are between 16 and 20 inches across.
Kittens have different needs than older cats, so it might be worthwhile to purchase a model that can withstand lots of play and scratching if you have a young cat. Senior cats may have mobility issues, joint pain, or arthritis. Orthopedic beds and easy-access nap pads may keep older cats more comfortable.
Cat’s Sleeping Habits
When shopping for the best mattress for yourself, you should consider your habitual sleeping position. Make sure to do the same for your cat. If they tend to sprawl out, a long rectangular pad without bolsters may be perfect, while a donut bed may be better if they like to sleep curled up.
Cats that rest behind or underneath furniture may appreciate hiding out in a cat cave, while those that like to sleep in the sun may enjoy a window perch.
Your Space
Think about any limitations within your home before committing to a particular model. People in apartments or homes with limited room can maximize space by getting a wall or window perch. Cat condos are excellent choices for those who have a bit more space and want plenty of play room. There are also cat beds that pack up and stow away easily, which can be particularly helpful if you travel often.
How to Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Bed
Cats are known for their independence and may not immediately take to a new cat bed, but there are methods to help encourage your cat to use their new bed, even if it can take some patience.
- Limit other sleeping spaces: Cover or remove other areas where your cat likes to sleep, especially if there are spots where you don’t want your cat lounging. Limiting napping areas can encourage your cat to branch out to new spots, including their new cat bed.
- Use treats: Whenever your cat gets on their new bed, try using positive reinforcement by rewarding them with attention or a treat.
- Make the bed appealing: Place fabric with a familiar, comforting smell on the bed or entice them onto it by placing catnip or a toy nearby.
- Use a favorite spot: If you know that your cat likes napping in one particular spot in your home, put the cat bed there to encourage them to take advantage.
- Don’t force it: If you try and force your cat to use a bed, they may develop a negative association with it and look elsewhere for a place to nap. Instead, have patience and keep trying different methods to get your cat onto the bed.
Cleaning Tips for Cat Beds
Be sure to carefully read a cat bed’s care instructions before making a purchase. While some cat beds require hand-washing, many models have removable and washable cushions or covers, and some beds are designed to be washed and dried as one piece.
Between washes, lint rollers and fur scrapers can help limit the buildup of cat hair, as can brushing your cat regularly. You may also find that a vacuum works well for hair removal. To get rid of unpleasant smells, use a detergent or spot cleaner designed for pet odors. You can also neutralize urine odors by using enzyme-based cleaners designed for pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s not essential for cats to have their own bed, providing one can offer them a dedicated space and extra comfort. Cats spend a large chunk of their day sleeping, so even if you prefer sleeping with your cat in bed at night, a bed of their own may give them a feeling of security during the day. Cat beds can also help protect furniture and other surfaces in your home.
To choose the right cat bed size, consider the size of your cat and how they like to sleep. A bed around 20 inches across is a common size that fits most cats.
If you know that your cat likes to feel hugged, buy a bed that’s a bit smaller. If you have a cat that’s larger or heavier than average, opt for a model with extra space and a weight rating that corresponds to their size.
Many pet owners choose orthopedic beds for senior cats because they offer increased support and pressure relief. Orthopedic cat beds often have materials like memory foam that can help relieve joint pain without decreasing support. You can also find heated cat beds that are designed to help alleviate tension and pain. If you have a senior cat, make sure to purchase a bed that’s easy to get in and out of.
Some cat beds are machine-washable. Read the care instructions thoroughly before putting a bed in the washing machine, as it could cause some beds to rip apart or shrink. You can also spot-clean or spray many beds to keep them fresh without machine-washing. Check manufacturer details for instructions.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.