What type of bed do cats like best?
As above, this depends on their sleeping habits. Those who love to snuggle up and stay warm may like a fluffy, round bed which they can sink into, with high sides. Any that prefer stretching out may prefer a pad which gives them ample room and is a bit cooler.
If you’re buying your cat’s first-ever bed, bear in mind you may not get it right the first time. If you buy them a cosy hooded bed but they prefer to sleep on the floor or sofa, you may have to change it to a sleeping pad instead. You can always sell unused beds on secondhand sites, or donate them to a local rescue.
Does my cat actually really need a bed?
“They sleep on the sofa/human bed/kitchen counter, they don’t need a bed!”
A good point. However, cats sleep twice as much as humans. They need to be undisturbed, comfortable and feel safe, so while your bedroom windowsill may attract them, it is not necessarily the absolute best forever-bed they could have.
Disrupted sleep or a lack of sleep is detrimental to a cat’s health, so to ensure they always get their kip, a dedicated bed is a perfect place for them to go. It is also ‘theirs’, where they can go if they just want a bit of peace and quiet.
Where should I put a cat bed?
You may want to look at where your cat seems to be most comfortable. Do they like to be in the living room with everyone around? Maybe they prefer the kid’s bedroom, or the laundry room as you are rarely in there and it is nice and quiet?
Place a cat bed somewhere they have already designated as a favourite napping place. This may even be on a favourite piece of furniture already, such as a chest of drawers or a bookcase. It should be quiet, and you may even find that elevation is ideal. Warmth may also be a nice factor to think about, such as near a radiator and away from windows.
My cat scratches/chews – which cat bed is best?
A bed made from a solid material may be best, such as plastic or wood. You can personalise this with blankets or cushions if they need something softer.
Don’t completely disregard beds made from materials if you do want a soft bed, though. Some are made from suede, denim or heavy wool which could be more rigid, with piping as opposed to stitching which is less likely to be broken apart.
Try to avoid beds with any outer attachments, such as zip linings, buttons for decoration or decorative stitching.
Will my cat bed be easy to clean?
Most are – either the whole thing will be machine washable, or the most important base/cushion section will be. The rest is often hand-washable, so will need a wipe when required.
If your cat sheds a lot, it could be worth buying a pet vacuum cleaner that gets rid of the hair without the need to wash the bed so much. This could save some stress washing and drying the bed, as well as ensuring the bed largely keeps your cat’s scent which is important if it is a real comfort item for them.
How much do I need to spend on a cat bed?
The price of a cat bed can vary anywhere from around £10 to closer to £100.
This price can vary with style. Ones with a roof or removable sections may cost a bit more, and material can make a difference too. But do remember that if your cat does use the bed, it will hopefully be their lifelong sleeping place, so a good investment now could see you spending less long-term.
Can a kitten use a cat bed?
Yes! But ensure they can get into it, by assessing the height and maybe don’t go for anything too fluffy for their first bed to ensure they don’t sink too far into it. A flat and rigid yet soft bed may be best.
