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Best Cat Beds – Top Picks and Buyer’s Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

Although your cat is likely to sleep wherever he wants — and you might question how his chosen spot can even be comfortable — a cat bed provides a safe, comfortable place to sleep.  In fact, cats sometimes sleep in strange places or strange positions because they don’t have a favorite spot to sleep in.

Even the pickiest felines might appreciate a soft, warm bed of their own, especially when it offers extra cozy walls and a roof, a place to stretch their claws, or a built in heater. Choosing a bed based on your cat’s behavior and placing it in a warm, secluded spot will eventually entice the cat to give it a try. To help you choose the best bed for your cat, here are our top choices.

This guide will discuss common characteristics, functions, and features of today’s cat beds, and also share our picks for the best models available. Our choices are based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis.

Best Cat Beds

The Best Cat Beds – Reviewed

Best Overall Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler

Best Overall –  Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler

Highlights

  • Machine washable
  • Available in 2 sizes and 15 colors
  • High walls help pets feel more secure
  • Waterproof bottom protects floors
  • Stuffed with non-toxic, pet-friendly fibers that hold their loft longer than other pet beds
Click below to get the best price on the OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler cat bed.
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Best Overall Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler

AMAZON.COM

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The Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler gives cats the feeling of security they need to get better sleep. The 12-inch high rear bolster and curved 9-inch high sides and front give your kitty a comfortable, secure space to curl up and snuggle without feeling exposed.

The high sides also help support your cat’s joints, relieving pressure and making them more comfortable, an especially important feature for older or arthritic cats. The sherpa fabric cover is also designed to mimic a mother cat’s fur, adding to the feeling of security.

We especially like that the OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler is machine washable. It doesn’t hold odors like other beds can, and doesn’t attract dirt, dust or cat hair. And if it does get a little dirty? Just toss it in the washer and dryer. The AirLOFT filling used in the bed maintains its shape longer than other beds, so even after multiple washings and regular use, it stays soft and comfortable for your cat.

Good for:

  • Cats of all ages up to 25 lbs.
  • Matching the cat bed to your decor
  • Incontinent pets

 

Best DesignHollypet 2-in-1 Foldable Cat Bed

Best Design – Hollypet 2-in-1 Foldable Cat Bed

Highlights

  • Convertible sofa bed design
  • Machine-washable flannel
  • 15-pound weight limit
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Best DesignHollypet 2-in-1 Foldable Cat Bed

HOLLYPETSHOP.COM

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The Hollypet 2-in-1 Foldable Cat Bed has a convertible design, allowing you to choose between a cat cave or a sofa bed.

Machine-washable flannel covers the exterior of the bed for a soft, warm feel and easy cleanup. Thanks to the washable surface, the bed is also great for outdoor cats who tend to track more dirt.

The bed is filled with arctic velvet, commonly used in winter jackets. It naturally absorbs and reflects your cat’s body heat to keep them warm.

The self-warming design also makes the Hollypet an excellent choice for year-round use, providing the exact amount of heat suitable for your cat. It comes in two colors, dark gray and light gray.

Good for:

  • Cats living in a cold area
  • Indoor and outdoor cats
  • Cats who track in a lot of dirt

 

Best Scratcher and Bed ComboPetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

Best Scratcher and Bed Combo – PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

Highlights

  • Provides an enticing scratching surface and a place to lounge
  • Fits in with your decor; can even be mounted on the wall for a “cat shelf”
  • Reversible design extends the life of the scratching surface
  • Made from eco-friendly materials, including organic catnip
Our readers get the best price on the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge.
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Best Scratcher and Bed ComboPetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

AMAZON.COM

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Cats scratch for a number of reasons, including to relieve stress, exercise, and sharpen their claws. Unfortunately, these benefits often come at the expense of your furniture. The Pet Fusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher and Lounge helps solve that problem by giving your cat an attractive place to scratch that also doubles as a cat bed.

The Ultimate Cat Scratcher and Lounge is made from layers of cardboard and corn starch-based glue, giving your cat a healthy, eco-friendly spot to stretch their claws. Many cats prefer the feel of cardboard to other materials (like carpet or jute) used on scratchers, and the included catnip leaf helps attract your cat to the lounger.

The curved, figure-8 shape of this scratcher/lounger is also an ideal place for your cat to lie on and rest. Because it’s a neutral color, it fits in with any decor, and some owners have even mounted the bed to a wall, giving their cats a higher perch where they can sleep, rest, and scratch. It’s durable and strong, capable of holding cats of any weight.

On the downside, the Ultimate Cat Scratcher and Lounger doesn’t give your cat a place to burrow or hide, nor does it offer a soft and supportive surface to relieve pressure.

Good for:

  • Cats who love to scratch.
  • Pet owners looking for a versatile bed/lounger.
  • Owners who don’t want to clean a fabric bed.
  • Multi-cat households who want to provide a play area.

Best Heated Cat Bed K&H ThermoKitty Bed

Best Heated Cat Bed –  K&H ThermoKitty Bed

Highlights

  • Electric heater automatically adjusts to your cat’s body temperature when your cat is in the bed
  • Stays up to 12 degrees warmer than the air when your cat isn’t in the bed
  • Removable machine-washable cover
  • Comfortable foam base and sides
  • 1-year warranty
Click below to get the best price on the K&H ThermoKitty Bed Sage.
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Best Heated Cat Bed K&H ThermoKitty Bed

AMAZON.COM

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Cats are naturally attracted to warm spots, and the K&H ThermoKitty Bed gives your kitty a warm place to sleep at all times. The 4-watt electric heater is activated by your pet’s weight, and warms to 10-12 degrees above the ambient room temperature, providing a warm and cozy sleeping spot. During warmer months, the heater can be removed.

The K&H ThermoKitty Bed is ideal for older or arthritic cats, as the warmth eases their aching joints. It’s also a good choice for colder climates, especially in homes where the thermostat is set lower when no one is home. Your cat will always be able to find a warm, comfortable spot for napping. And because the 16-inch diameter bed only has 6-inch walls it’s easy for even arthritic cats to climb in and out.

The K&H ThermoKitty bed is constructed with a microfleece cover that can be removed and washed. The foam bed and heater cannot be washed. The cover should be line-dried or dried without heat, as it will shrink in the dryer.

Good for:

  • Older and arthritic cats
  • Cats drawn to warm spots
  • Cats living in cold climate

 

Best Eco-Friendly Cat Bed iPrimio Large Cat Cave

Best Eco-Friendly Cat Bed –  iPrimio Large Cat Cave

Highlights

  • Made from 100% natural wool
  • Constructed using only wool, soap and water
  • 20” wide bed provides plenty of room for sleeping and hiding
  • Cave style design provides feeling of security
Click below to get the best price on the iPrimio Large Cat Cave
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Best Eco-Friendly Cat Bed iPrimio Large Cat Cave

AMAZON.COM

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Cats are naturally attracted to wool, and this 100% natural lambswool cat cave gives them a cozy, secure place to sleep.

The iPrimio Cat Cave is hand constructed using natural merino wool from New Zealand. The cave style design features a 7-inch inch opening that accommodates cats of all sizes, and the 20-inch bed provides plenty of room for sleeping. The cave design gives cats the feeling of security while still letting them see what’s happening outside.

The natural wool of this eco-friendly bed, which is made without any toxic chemicals, stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. And because wool is naturally moisture resistant, it is easier to clean if there is an accident. Wool also repels cat hair, so it’s easy to clean.

The iPrimio Cat Cave is not machine washable. It can be hand-washed with a mild soap and cool water. To ensure it retains it shape, it should be stuffed with a towel after washing until it dries.

Good for:

  • Cats who like to hide
  • Cats who shed a lot
  • Pet owners who want all-natural products for their pets

Best Cat Beds Buyer's Guide

Buying a cat bed might seem like a simple task, but with so many different options for style, materials, and features, finding the perfect bed for your feline friend can be a process of trial and error. Here are some of the things to think about when making your selection.

Why Do Cats Need a Bed?

Cats spend about two-thirds of their lives asleep, so it’s only natural to want to make that as pleasant and comfortable for them as possible. Cats are particular about where they sleep, but probably not in the ways you think. They aren’t necessarily looking for comfort or warmth (although they certainly help) but rather want a safe place where they can see what’s happening around them, without being seen themselves.

That being said, many cats do like having a place to sleep that is their own, especially in a busy home with other pets. For you, giving your cats their own bed to sleep in can help keep them from sleeping elsewhere and shedding all over other furniture. Older cats, and those who have joint problems, can also benefit from a cat bed that provides extra cushioning and support that reduces pain.

Pros & Cons of Cat Beds

  • Your cat has a safe, secure place to sleep.
  • A bed can prevent your cat from sleeping where it shouldn’t (i.e., on the counter or in your bed).
  • Older cats may have less pain when they sleep in a bed.

Cons

  • Your cat may not like the bed you choose.
  • Cats may become territorial over their bed, especially if you have other pets.

Different Types of Cat Beds

Cat beds are available in a number of different configurations, with individual cats often preferring one over others. One of the most popular styles is the cat cave, which offers an enclosed space that provides your cat with a feeling of security and privacy. A cat cave serves their instinctual need to burrow, while still giving them the ability to see what’s happening outside of the bed.

Cat beds designed with cushioned walls or bolsters are also useful, especially for older cats, who need the extra support to relieve pain in their back and joints.

  • Heated Cat Beds: Cats are instinctively drawn to sleep in warm places, and a heated bed gives them the cozy spot they want. Heated cat beds can be self-warming, using the cat’s own body heat to warm up the bed, or have electric heaters to maintain a consistent temperature.
  • Cave-Style Beds: Cave style beds are fully enclosed, giving your kitty a sense of security during naptime.
  • Wool Cat Beds: Cats are naturally attracted to wool; animal behaviorists think that it has something to with lanolin, a natural oil in wool. Regardless of the reasons, wool cat beds are either made entirely of wool (such as cat caves) or covered with wool.  Wool cat beds are popular because they are naturally resistant to bacteria, and repel moisture better than other beds. They also resist cat hair and are easy to clean.
  • Convertible/Collapsible Cat Beds: Convertible and collapsible beds give your kitty the best of both worlds: A comfortable place to sleep, and a secret hideaway. Most are pop-up style, so you can easily transition between the bed and hideaway. Collapsible beds are also useful for travel, as they don’t take up much space but still give your cat a safe and familiar spot when you’re on the road.
  • Scratcher Cat Beds: Scratcher cat beds give your cat a safe, appropriate surface for scratching along with a comfortable sleeping or lounging surface. Often made from cardboard, which cats prefer, these beds bridge the gap between the beloved cardboard box and a padded bed.

Cat Bed Care and Maintenance

Adding a favorite blanket, or a clothing item that smells like you, can entice your kitty to try out their new sleeping spot and make it their own.

Once your cat has established the cat bed as their own, clean it every week or two to eliminate allergens and bacteria. This is especially important for outdoor cats. Follow the care instructions for your individual cat bed.

For machine-washable beds, use a mild, unscented detergent and hot water, and wash the bed separate from other clothing or household items. Fabrics like sherpa, should always be dried completely in the dryer to prevent matting, tangling and pilling and maintain the soft surface.

If you ever notice that your cat’s bed is damaged, and losing stuffing, repair or replace it right away.

What Else Should You Consider When Buying a Cat Bed?

When shopping for a cat bed, here are a few things to consider when making your selection.

  • Care: A bed that can be machine washed, or has a cover that can be easily removed for washing, is always a good choice.
  • Size: Most cats can use cat beds that support up to 30 pounds. For larger cats, choose a larger bed so your cat can stretch out comfortably.
  • Durability: Look for a cat bed with a durable cover or made from materials that can hold up to scratching and chewing.
  • Waterproof: Older cats or cats with health issues can have accidents. A cat bed with a waterproof base can prevent damage to your floors, while a bed made from a naturally water-resistant fiber like wool will stay dry to the touch until you can clean up.

Additional Resources

To learn more about your cats’ sleep habits, and how living with a feline can affect your sleep, check out some of these additional resources.

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