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How To Find The Best Beds For Cats

Most cat owners have purchased a bed for their cat only to discover that their kitty preferred the tissue paper or cardboard box it came in.

To avoid similar heartbreak in the future, we spent 19 hours researching 62 cat beds and testing 13 of them.

We chose seven that we adore for their style, softness, and cleanability—as well as their ability to meet the behavioral needs of the majority of cats.

Although we cannot guarantee that a cat will never reject a bed again, we believe that most cat owners will find a standout here.

We put cat beds of all shapes and sizes to the test, including bolster beds, cave beds, crate beds, and more.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) also looked at some that are good for small dogs, because some cats are known to be jerks to their canine roommates and will steal their cushions.

We also go over how to choose the best beds for cats.

Reviews

Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler is the best cat bed for large cats

 

 

We chose the Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler because it is extremely cozy and supportive, as well as simple to clean. It’s also available in a larger size, which is ideal for large cats or bonded pairs who enjoy napping together.

This bolster bed is designed to look like a catcher’s mitt, giving cats who like to lean against their bedding extra support from behind and allowing them to rest their chin on the front with minimal neck strain (which is especially useful for arthritic and senior cats).

It’s lined with sherpa fleece, a poly-blend material with a lofty texture that mimics real fleece and that some cats instinctively find comforting. No matter how a cat sleeps, the plush material is ideal. Stella, the 14-year-old cat of Wirecutter’s Lucy Butcher, “decided that she prefers to squish the whole thing down like a sandwich and sleep on top of it instead of curling up inside it.”

This was the easiest to clean of the four open-style cat beds we tested, and it bunched the least coming out of the wash because the mitt-style walls are bar-stitched to restrict padding movement. It is available in two sizes: The standard size (20 by 20 by 12 inches) is suitable for cats and small dogs, while the jumbo (24 by 22 by 1312 inches) can accommodate several cats.

Both sizes of the Deep Dish Cuddler are also ideal if you have a large cat who requires extra napping space, or if you have a pair of cats or a litter of kittens who enjoy cuddling together. Their respective weight limits are 25 and 35 pounds.

Although we recommend this bed for senior cats, the entry lip is 9 inches high, which may be too high for cats who have mobility issues or arthritis. Install a ramp in front of the bed to make it easier for these cats to get in and out.

 

MidWest QuietTime Deluxe Ombré Swirl is a thick carrier or crate mat

 

 

The most comfortable crate liner we found is the MidWest QuietTime Deluxe Ombré Swirl, which is also a pick in our Best Dog Beds guide. Its shell is as soft as the Best Friends by Sheri and 4Claws selections.

Its plush exterior is covered in tufted polyester in a swirl pattern, and it’s long-lasting (it held up well against the plastic meat-shredder “pet claws” we tested with in the other guide).

Because the entire bed is washable and holds its shape well in the washing machine, there is no need to unstuff and restuff the padded insert.

It is available in seven sizes, but we prefer the 24-inch bed, which can accommodate pets weighing up to 25 pounds. It is filled with 212 inches of polyfiber, which provides adequate support for cats. Keep in mind that a larger bed may not fit into a kitty-sized crate.

If your cat frequently marks its territory, this bed isn’t for you; the cushion won’t trap liquids, so a leaking, soiled bed may damage your carpet or hardwood floors underneath. To keep liquids at bay, keep the bed inside a crate with a plastic floor liner.

 

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat Heated Pet Bed is the best heated cat bed

 

 

Wirecutter editors love the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat Heated Pet Bed for their cats because it’s the perfect size for pets to enjoy the warmth of a heating pad from the comfort of their own bed.

The heated cat bed measures 1212 by 25 inches and is the perfect size to pair with a pillow or one of our other recommendations, such as the 4Claws Furry Pet Bed/Mat and MidWest QuietTime Deluxe Ombré Swirl.

According to the manufacturer, this mat-style bed can heat up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about the same as your pet’s body temperature. As an added bonus, when plugged in, this heated cat bed remains on, making it an appealing resting spot for your pet.

Because the mat is certified by MET Labs (which independently evaluates products to meet national electrical safety standards), cat owners can rest assured that when used properly, the mat will not overheat or start a fire.

The heating insert is removable, making it simple to clean the cushioned sleeve after pet accidents. Simply machine wash it in cold water on the gentle cycle, then line dry.

Although pet accidents have never leaked through the cover, the heating mat can be wiped clean with a paper towel. The K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat is covered by a one-year warranty.

This heated cat bed will not function without an electrical cord. Make sure it’s plugged into a wall with little foot traffic so your cat isn’t disturbed.

 

PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge is the best cat bed for multicat households

 

 

Because it can accommodate four or more cats at once, the PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge is ideal for homes with multiple cats who enjoy cosleeping. It’s expensive, but you get two items in one: a scratcher and a bed.

It’s denser than the other cardboard scratchers we tested. It’s made of 120 layers of 2-millimeter-thick recycled cardboard (yes, we counted) and has been enjoyed by some cats for more than a year.

When the top side shows signs of wear and tear, flip it over and use the underside to extend its life. This lounger is quite large, measuring 39 by 11 by 14 inches in size, and it’s also quite sturdy, withstanding a 130-pound Wirecutter staffer standing on it.

Little Wanderers, a New York City-based cat rescue organization, tested the PetFusion Jumbo and the smaller PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge in a habitat with 30 cats and found that the cats preferred the larger version.

“They liked it as a lounger and also as a play area,” a volunteer said. “One would be on top, and the other would be on the bottom, and they’d swat at each other.

This happened a number of times with different cats. Cost is always an issue, but the Jumbo is probably a better deal for a multicat household.”

Although it functions as both a lounger and a scratcher, the cardboard in the Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge may be too densely packed for some cats to comfortably scratch.

Even without scratching, it’s large enough for interactive play in a multicat home.

FAQ

What type of cat bed is best for your cat?

If your cat sleeps in unusual places or on unusual objects, it could simply be that it lacks a suitable sleeping surface in the location where it wishes to sleep.

“Oftentimes, cats will sleep in odd places when they don’t have a bed or place that they prefer,” said Russell Hartstein, a certified pet behaviorist with 25 years of experience.

As a result, the right cat bed in the purrfect location may aid in the elimination of your cat’s unusual sleeping arrangements.

Consider the following guidelines when determining the type of bed your cat prefers:

Examine its behavior: Keep an eye on where and how your cat sleeps. Look for a round bed if it curls into a ball. Try a cave bed if your cat huddles under a basket of clothes or frequently sits under an armchair.

Alternatively, if it sprawls out on a windowsill or a couch cushion, a mat may be your best bet. “Part of the fun of being a pet parent is just experimenting with what your family member enjoys,” Hartstein explained, adding that if one style doesn’t work, you can always try another.

 

Consider the size of the bed: Depending on your cat’s sleeping habits, its bed should be large enough for it to stretch out or small enough for it to curl up and feel secure.

If your cat prefers to lounge in the open, look for a bed that is at least as long as its body (excluding the tail), or about 18 to 20 inches long.

If it prefers to curl up, a round bolster or cave bed at least 15 inches in diameter is a good bet—but don’t rule out larger enclosed beds, which provide the security some cats prefer while also allowing them to stretch out when necessary.

A larger bed is always preferable if your cat is a large breed, such as a British shorthair or a Maine coon.

 

To begin, select natural materials such as: Cats’ noses are sensitive, so choose natural materials such as cotton, wool, or unbleached bedding, which breathe better than synthetic and may have fewer chemical odors.

If your cat isn’t put off by synthetic materials like plush polyesters commonly used in pet bedding, feel free to experiment as your budget allows.

 

Keep comfort in mind: Take into account your cat’s mobility and stage of life. A senior cat, for example, will require a thicker, orthopedic bed with a low entry lip, whereas a young cat will not.

 

Make sure it’s easy to clean: To save your sanity, buy a machine-washable cat bed and carefully follow the care instructions, because even minor changes in the washer or dryer can cause a cat bed to bunch or tear.

 

Where to put a cat bed: A cat’s favorite napping spot can help you decide where to put a cat bed. Consider placing the bed near a sunny window, near a warm floor vent, or on the highest perch on a cat condo if kitty frequently naps there. Don’t forget to measure the area first to ensure that the bed will fit.

 

How we chose and tested ?

We compiled a list of more than 60 cat beds after conducting online research and speaking with our experts and staff.

We narrowed the field by taking into account the shape/style, size, cleanability, materials used, and online user reviews. We preferred beds that were widely available from stores such as Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Chewy, Jet, Overstock, Petco, PetSmart, and Walmart, to name a few.

Because cats are finicky, we limited our testing and relied heavily on third-party and staff reviews, though we did test using the following criteria:

Bed shape, style, and size: We divided our beds into four categories based on sleep style: bolster, cave, mat, and lounger beds. We compared the quality of construction, softness, and thickness levels within each category.

We preferred larger beds over smaller beds if their characteristics were similar.

 

Cleanability and shape retention: We washed and dried washable beds to see how easy they were to clean and dry. The cat beds were then examined for signs of wear and tear.

 

Materials: For cats who aren’t offended by synthetic materials, we chose beds that are loftier and softer to the touch, indicating greater comfort. We also preferred beds with nonskid bottoms to keep them from sliding across slick hardwood floors.

Conclusion

We genuinely appreciate your time in reading thus far. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes that this article will assist you in selecting the best beds for cats.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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