The Best Cat Beds: How to Choose the Best Cat Beds in 2024 Buying Guide?

When it comes to cat beds, cats are picky creatures, so when choosing the best cat bed for your feline friend, you’ll need to take a few things into consideration like age, health, and how your cat likes to sleep.

With a huge variety of cat bed designs and styles on the market, there is no question that with every cat having unique preferences, you’ll need to choose the best features to suit your cat’s needs.

At PetonBed, we purchased numerous cat beds only to find our cats preferred lounging on beds or couches. Pet parents often wonder as to which cat beds are best for their cats, and what they should look out for.

With over hundreds of cat beds to choose from, our 2024 Best Cat Bed Buying Guide provides the top 9 brands of cat beds for cats, and small dog breeds. We did this by using all our information after reviewing dozens of cat beds. We then narrowed our search down to our top four cat beds with our comprehensive buying guide.

At PetonBed, we tested different styles of cat beds from crate, bolster, orthopedic sofa style, to cave, the cat ball, basket, and even heated cat beds and more! We picked the ones that we love to make it easier for you to take your pick! Our best pet cat bed guides for 2024 will also offer a bit of fun together with a restfull night’s sleep for your furry best friend.

Our Choice for The Best Cat Bed

The Best Cat & Pet Beds (Review) in 2024

At PetonBed, we tested different styles of cat beds from crate, bolster, orthopedic sofa style, to cave, the cat ball, basket and even heated cat beds and more! We picked the ones that we loved to make it easier for you to take your pick! We took into consideration both form and function, and even the fact that some pet beds are bi-petual (for both dogs and cats)

Our focus is not only on the innovative designs, and styles, but also on what’s pleasing to cats. By understanding a cat’s true personality, and physical needs while sleeping, we reviewed the different types of cat beds to see which ones would offer cats a blissful, and restful sleep.

We studied features from a range of cat bed styles, sizes, designs, as well as choice materials used in the cat beds like heating pads, cooling gel, and memory foam. There is no question that all cats are different, and that when it comes down to cat beds, each cat will have a particular preference. So purchasing a few different cat beds always makes sense! After all, you do need to keep your kitty happy!

Removable, and machine-washable covers offer added convenience. After months of exploring dozens of cat beds, comfort levels, and cat bed collection features, we explored the use of cat bed fabrics, like the use of textured plush or linen, understood the approach to assembling some of these cat beds, and checked to see which ones offered supreme orthopedic comfort and support.

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Does Your Kitty Really Need a Cat Bed?

Creating a Comfortable Sleep Hideaway

Relaxation

Cats sleep for up to 18 hours a day. Just as much as mental stimulation and exercise is important for your cat, so is uninterrupted sleep. Relaxed sleep is necessary for all cats, whether they’re indoor or outdoor cats.

Adult cats need up to 16 hours of sleep a day. Cats also dream more than people or dogs, and during light sleep, which takes up half of their sleep time, a cat’s body repairs itself, and strengthens the immune system for optimal health.

Cats love hiding places, and some of these hiding places may work out best for napping places. In that case, you’ll be able to find the right spot for the best cat bed for your kitty. We all love placing numerous cat beds throughout the home for cats, but there are certain times when a cat needs alone time to rest. Make sure to have a cat bed in a private kitty spot where your cat can have hi much needed alone time to rest.

Territory

Pay attention to his or her favorite hiding spots throughout the home, so that you can create the perfect napping place for your cat. This should be comfortable, cozy, and secure where no large dogs or noisy children can bother your cat.

When setting out to find the best sleep hideaway for your cat bed, keep in mind that cats feel less secure on the ground, so try to elevate the cat bed to a mid-level elevation to suit your kitty, just so that it’s out of reach of small children and other pets in the home.

Why Cats Need Cat Beds?

Sleep Cycle in Cats

Cats have two sleep cycles, rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM, deep sleep. While your cat is in the REM cycle, you’ll notice her eyes twitching together with ears and whiskers. She may also move as if she’s hunting in her sleep. It’s also thought that cats sleep during the REM cycle.

Cats do go into deep sleep cycles, but for short periods of time that tend to last for 10 to 15 minutes. When cats catnap, the ears and whiskers move, and the eyes open up every now and then. If your cat is cold, then her sleeping position will change, and she will curl upwards. That said, when it’s warmer, you’ll notice your cat is more stretched out when sleeping.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

It’s important to watch out for any change to your cat’s sleep patterns, and to consult with your veterinarian if there’s a change. If you notice that your furry best friend is sleeping too much or too little, there may be an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. If your cat is sleeping less than usual, he or she may have hyperthyroidism.

Senior cats may sleep for longer periods than younger cats. Additionally, if your cat seems to be pouncing on light shadows and tearing around the house, you’ll need to encourage more day time exercise in the forms of kitty toy play and environmental enrichment.

Why Does My Cat Not Sleep Properly at Night?

Cats tend to sleep mostly at night, yet there are many cats that are hyperactive during the evenings, trying to wake you up. Because cats are hardwired as crepuscular predators, they’ll be more active during dawn and dusk. If they were outdoor cats, this would be the time that they would hunt.

On the other hand, if your cat is an indoor cat, he or she will soon adapt to your schedule, most especially if you’ve purchased a comfortable cat bed. Just pick one or even a few from our Cat Beds Buying Guide at PetonBed!

You’ll notice that your cat will have several favorite resting and napping locations throughout the home. That said, it’s really important to have a few cat beds scattered throughout your home, so that your cat has several options as to where he or she wants to rest and hang out.

Whether it’s your couch, closet, or a guest bedroom, by offering your feline friend numerous options, you’ll help to create a safe and comfortable environment for your cat.

Resting spaces need to be secure and safe, most especially for a fearful cat. Make sure that the cat beds are placed in high-quality spaces throughout you home. Cats enjoy vertical spaces that are elevated.

Give your Cat Choices

Look at tall dressers, bookcases, and so forth. By giving your cat several cat resting locations to choose from, you’ll be giving your cat the opportunity to choose his or her space to rest, sleep, exercise, play, and watch you from his or her space that’s slightly higher than yours.

Environmental enrichment for cats is important, and you’ll need to provide your cat with cat toys, cat tunnels, and cat beds, so that your cat has many options. This will increase her comfort zone, and keep her mentally stimulated. If you’re a multi-cat household, ensure that you’ve provided enough cat beds, and toys, as well as hiding spots for your cats.

Buying Guide
How to Choose a Bed for Your Cat?

Consider the Bed’s Size

When looking for the best cat bed for your kitty, you’ll first need to make sure that sizing is right, and that your cat will fit comfortably. When purchasing a cat bed, you’ll need to take your cat’s personality and sleeping style into consideration.

Cat bed brands today provide an extensive range of pet cat bed styles, sizes, and designs, some with cooling gel and memory foam to provide adequate support for the following health conditions in cats:

• Achy joints
• Elbow dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia
• Muscle disorders
• Muscle or tendon trauma
• Joint disorders
• Bone disorders
• Bone fractures

Sleep Quality in Cats with Osteoarthritis

A 2024 research paper discusses osteoarthritis in cats, and the benefits of quality sleep for cats. The study explains that

“Cats are one of main patients visiting animal hospital and are living for longer with development of veterinary medicine. From this background, the cats with musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA) are increasing in number. It was reported that 91 of 100 randomly selected cats aged 6 months to 20 years old, had at least one appendicular joint with radiographic OA. Another study reported that 61% of cats aged 6 years and older and 82% of cats aged 14 years and older, had OA in at least one joint. In addition, a positive correlation between age and the presence of OA was shown by regression analysis.”

The study also discusses how physical activity in aging cats decreases with cats resting and sleeping more as they got older. The study says that

“In cats, it has been reported that deterioration of joint components and functional decline occur with normal aging, even in the absence of musculoskeletal disorders.”

The study then concludes that

“In cats with OA, it is well known that behavioral changes such as resting more than usual and increased sleeping of daytime occur. To reveal whether the increased sleeping time of cats with OA is due to sleep disturbance or aging, sleeping time of daytime and night-time were investigated in client-owned cats. The present study revealed that daytime resting and sleeping time significantly increased with aging of cats.“

Regardless of your cat’s health, you should provide your cats with the best sleeping arrangements possible. Cats need to have their own bed. It’s up to you to decide how much you want to spend, and whether a plush, fancy cat bed works best for you. Regardless of what type of cat bed works best, opting for an orthopedic cat bed that offers optimal musculoskeletal support helps with pain coming from inflammation of the joints.

If your furry best friend is receiving veterinary treatment or has had recent surgery, physical therapy, and is uncomfortable from inflammation and degenerative joint disease, you’ll need to carefully monitor exercise and weight gain, and also help your cat get plenty of rest with the use of an orthopedic cat bed.

Observe Your Cat’s Behaviors

That means, if your furry best friend curls up really tightly when sleeping, opt for a bolster bed that fits well, and that also offers comfort and security. It should measure at least 15 inches in diameter. But that does not mean that you shouldn’t opt for larger sizes.

Some cats prefer larger bolster beds so that they can stretch out and feel secure at the same time. If your feline friend stretches right out, it’s best to measure your cat’s body length, minus his tail length, to get the correct length needed for his cat bed. That said, if you have a large sized cat breed like a Maine Coon, you’ll definitely need a large sized cat bed. It’s always a good idea to measure your cat before getting a cat bed, so that it’s a good fit.

Cat Bed Materials

Choose Natural Materials to Start

Cat beds made from high-quality materials, and that are durable and easy-to-clean, not only offer long-term use and comfort, but many of these cat beds come with unique designs, styles, and colors.

Natural, eco-friendly materials that are unbleached and made from natural fibers work well with cats, since they have sensitive noses. Synthetic materials may have more chemical odors which many cats don’t like or are sensitive too.

Keep Comfort in Mind

High-quality cat beds offer support and comfort, most especially to senior cats. You don’t want your cat to sleep on a cold and hard floor. You also may not want your cat to sleep on your couch or bed. That said, you’ll need to find the type of bed that your cat likes the most. To do this, you’ll have to look at your cat’s sleeping style and behavior.

Make Sure It’s Easy to Clean

There’s nothing nicer than a clean cat bed, and with cats being so picky as to where they sleep, you’ll have to make sure that your cat’s bed is easy-to-clean. Opt for cat beds that are machine washable, and that won’t tear or fold up. Follow washing instructions carefully, so as to avoid shrinking or bunching up of fabric.

Where to Place a Cat Bed?

So, you’re thinking that all cats have similar sleeping styles or preferences! Think again! Some cats will curl into a ball and will need a round bed. If your cat likes lounging and sprawling out on the couch, opt for a cat mat.

Additionally, if you have a shy kitty that prefers to hang out in the closet in a tight space, you’ll definitely have to opt for a cave bed. Senior cats and cats with arthritis or that are recovering from an illness do best with a low-entry lip, as well as a thick, supportive orthopedic cat bed.

Important Features to Consider

Materials

We preferred cat beds that offered plenty of positive product reviews, and that were widely available for everyone to purchase on Amazon. Bed shape, size, and style were important factors to consider based on a cat’s sleeping style. From lounger mats, bolster cat beds, to cave cat beds, we compared each category, and then looked really closely at the following:

• Material quality
• Construction quality
• Durability
• Comfort
• Affordability
• Machine washable with shape retention
• Nonskid bottoms
• Thickness
• Bedding heating capability during the cold winters
• Privacy
• Good design & function
• Can be used indoors or outdoors
• Soft padded surface for extra support and comfort
• Easy maintenance
• Optional heating element a plus for cats living in colder climates
• Offered in many sizes so that it can fit into your cat’s favorite hiding spot
• Attached toys a plus for mental stimulation, and to enhance play
• Surfaces that encourage scratching a plus

Different Types of Cat Beds

With cats being able to sleep anywhere, there’s no question that a comfortable and supportive cat bed is best for all cats. With that in mind, you’ll need to ask yourself what type of bed is best for your cat?

1. Enclosed Cat Bed

   Enclosed cat beds have extra padding for comfort, and supportive soft walls that give your furry best friends a sense of security and privacy. These pod like beds are great for cats that need their privacy while getting their snooze time. They generally have a small entry space, and are great during the cold winter months for your cat to snuggle in.

2. “Cave” Cat Bed

   Cave beds works for most cats, and give cats a sense of their very own space with plenty of privacy. These are great for cats that may be timid, shy, or anxious. You can place these in your cat’s favorite hiding spot in your home, so that he has his very own cat space where he can enjoy alone time to rest.

3. Open Cat Bed

   Always a popular option, the open cat bed allows for a luxurious stretch, and usually features a comfortable and supportive large mat for those cats that can sleep anywhere.

4. Heated Cat Bed

   Perfect for colder climates, heated cat beds usually feature a removable heater or have a self-warming material that is 100% safe. These beds are comfortable, and beneficial for cats with health issues, post-operative cats, and those suffering from joint issues.

5. Elevated Cat Bed

   For those cats that enjoy being perched higher up while sleeping, elevated beds make sense. Most cats enjoy these beds because they provide a fully enclosed and cushy resting hideout for your furry best friend.

6. Loungers

   We all love loungers for cats. Easy- to place throughout the home, cat loungers not only offer durability and curves for your feline to rest in, but also encourage relaxing, stretching, and scratching.

7. Cat Mats

   Easy-to place anywhere in your home, cat mats offer comfort, and you can also opt for super large sizes for large cat breeds. Though these may be too small for windowsills and cat perches, they work best for cats that like to stretch out, while resting.

   Some cats also prefer the simplicity of an open cat mat where they can see what’s happening around them. If your cat is curious and outgoing, this may work for him.

Why Should You Consider Getting a Heated Cat Bed?

Great for Colder Climates

Heated cat beds are perfect for the cold winter months. Most of these will have a heating mat which is safe. If your furry best friend curls up on your lap, or above the dishwasher where it’s warm, he’ll love the heated cat bed.

Suitable for all Breeds

The heated cat bed works for all cats, but is really terrific for senior cats and cats that have joint issues or pain. Heated cat beds will help to sooth pain, and also give your cat a good night’s rest. Cats curl up to sleep to retain body warmth, so by purchasing a heated cat bed you’ll help your cat. Heated cat beds also boost immunity, and improves mood, so it’s definitely worth paying a little extra.

Suitable for all Ages

Heated cat beds are suitable for all cat breeds. The naturally warm bed offers cats comfort and a snug, warm place to rest and sleep. These beds are functional and will protect your cat against cold temperatures.

Types of Heated Cats Beds

Electrical Cats Beds

These cat beds are plugged in, and the cat bed temperature will usually reach 10-15 degrees above ambient air temperature. That said, when your furry best friend lies down in the bed, the temperature reaches body temperature at 102°F (38°C), which is a natural body temperature for cats and dogs. Keep in mind that both cats and dogs can use these beds. You should always unplug the bed when not in use, as with any electrical appliance for safety measures.

Self-Heating Cats Beds

Like the electrical cat beds, these are fully machine washable. Self-heating cat beds don’t need power to use, and utilize the same heat-reflecting technology found in Mylar “space blankets”. The material generates warmth, and keep your cats cozy by reflecting your cat’s own body warmth.

How to Get Your Cat Used to Their New Bed?

Choose the Right Spot

We honestly believe that cats need more than one cat bed to create ultimate cat spaces for your kitty throughout your home. There will be times when your cat may want to be alone, and times when he’ll want to hang out right next to you while you work.

Just like humans, a cat’s behavior is influenced by many factors like environment. By creating an environmentally stimulating home for your felines, you’ll also be limiting behavioral problems most associated with cats that are bored. Keep in mind that often times factors like shyness, unfriendliness, and timidity are hereditary, and often inherited from the father cat.

Offer Treats and Praises

At some point, after purchasing a few different cat bed styles, and trying to keep your furry best friend as comfy and pain-free as possible, you may discover that purchasing a high-end, comfortable, and fully functional cat bed may mean trying out numerous brands and styles to see which ones your cat prefers the most. Offering your furry best friend plenty of treats and praise and encouraging him to try out his new bed works well.

That said, if you experience behavior problems with your cat, you should also always consult with your veterinarian to rule out any health conditions that may trigger off behavioral problems. Stress and anxiety within the home also contribute to your cat’s behavior.

Make the Bed Comfier

Some cat beds have foam cores that are less than half an inch in thickness. This is not beneficial for senior cats, or cats that are suffering from arthritis and pain. You can add plush cat blankies or supportive orthopedic cushions for your cat.

Keep it Clean

It’s necessary to keep your cat bed clean. Some beds don’t trap the liquids if your cat soils his cat bed which hardly ever happens. Make sure to purchase a cat bed that’s machine washable, and always follow the washing and drying instructions carefully so that you don’t ruin your cat bed and cause it to tear or bunch up. Cat beds trap dirt, loose hair, and bacteria and need regular cleaning.

Final Thoughts

While most of us enjoy purchasing numerous cat beds, some cats do fine with just one cat bed placed in their favorite napping spot. With cats known to be excessive nappers, it’s easy to get your cat to enjoy his cat bed if you understand his territorial habits and behaviors.

Most cats will choose their own sleeping places, and it’s up to you to find their best napping spots. This is where you’ll place his cat bed. Whether you purchase the most expensive cat bed or just a plain one, you’ll need to wash these frequently. Lastly, don’t forget to measure your cat and the space to make sure that his bed will fit in comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions