If you have cats, you know how much they like to sleep. At the same time you know how picky they can be, so don’t settle for anything less than the best cat bed. Just like us, cats need to sleep on something comfortable, so why settle for something less?
The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a suitable bed for your cat. As I will show here, a quality bed doesn’t have to be expensive. So if your cat doesn’t have his bed yet, well it’s time you get him one.
Our Picks!
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How to Choose The Best Cat Bed
Find the Right Size: weigh and measure your cat. This is important if your cat likes to stretch out when he sleeps. Measure from his nose to his tail and use that as a guide along with his weight. If your cat prefers to curl up, it’s okay to get a smaller bed.The location also determines size. If you’re going to put the bed near a window with a table, the bed mustn’t collide with the edges.
Heating: some cat beds have heaters to keep kitty warm, while others don’t. If you choose one with a heater, it should be removable so your cat can still sleep on the bed during summer.
Some of these beds are capable of self-warming without the need for a heater. They don’t generate as much warmth as heater powered beds, but if it’s warm in your area, this will do fine.
Materials: pet beds are made from different materials, with some natural and others synthetic. However, it shouldn’t take long before you find one that your cat will like. As long as the bed is made by a reputable brand, the cushion should be okay.
Portability: size and weight have to be considered if you travel with your cat. If you’re going to travel with your cat, look for a portable bed, but it shouldn’t be too small he’ll be cramped.
A better option is a foldable or collapsible bed. You may also want to check out 2 in 1 beds that roll up into a tube and can also be unfurled into a mat. These designs give you flexibility without giving up comfort for your pet.
Company Reputation: is the brand known for making good pet beds? Do not settle for a cheap brand as it could end up costing you more.
Other Features to Look For in Buying the Best Cat Bed
Some pet beds come with unique features to increase its value, but it’s only you who can determine if it’s worth it.
- If your cat has arthritis, look for beds with thick padding. A memory foam bed is also ideal for cats with that health condition.
- Heated beds are perfect for cats that get cold easily, such as elderly cats. Hairless cats will also benefit from this as will dogs.
- Pet beds are either open or closed style. If your cat prefers to sleep in hidden and dark areas, a closed style bed is more suitable. Cats that stretch out will benefit more from an open style cushion.
- Pet beds are available in a wide range of colors, so pick one that matches your style. Maybe you could go for a white bed to match your couch, or maybe you want that multi-colored bed to contrast with your other furnishings. Or you could go for a faux furniture style bed to match the rest of your interior design.
Where to Put the Bed
The best cat bed is only as good as where you put it. As any cat owner knows, cats decide where they want to sleep, so if possible put the bed where he regularly sleeps. You may also want to consider the following.
Cats like to sleep in a quiet, clean place. His sleeping area should be warm during winter and cool during the summer.
If your home has several floors, it might be a good idea to have one bed for each floor, so he doesn’t sleep on the furniture.
Experiment with the settings. Does he like to sleep near the window? Place the bed there and see if he comes over.
If he has picked certain spots, it’s best to start experimenting there. Some cats would get into bed immediately, while others may take their time. Be patient.
How to Make Your Cat Sleep on His Bed
You’ve done the cat beds research and bought one, but how do you get him to sleep on it? This video might help:
Here are some other tips that might help convince your cat to try out his new digs:
Make sure the bed is in a position your cat can see. Don’t put the bed in a new location as it might confuse him.
If he doesn’t have a particular sleeping spot, i.e. he goes all around the house, just pick the one that he frequently plays in. If he sees the bed, he might just decide to make that his sleeping area.
Put some cat toys or treats near the bed. Don’t put food on the bed, just place the cat bowl near it.
You may also use organic catnip or catnip spray around the bed. Catnip makes cats ‘feel good”, so he’s going to relate the feeling when he’s near the bed. Do this sparingly and stop once he sleeps on the bed regularly. Stop spraying if it doesn’t help.
Top 12 Best Cat Bed
Are you still confused on which litter box to get for your cat? Take a look at our list of the top 9 cat litter box products on the market today:
1. Curious Cat Cube, Cat House / Cat Condo
The Curious Cat Cube has two areas where your cat can play and sleep. The bed topper is cushioned for comfort, while the interior has sheepskin where he can hide, play or sleep.
The cutouts allow him to play with other cats, or he can paw and play with the hanging jingle bells. The Cat Cube is easy to assemble: open the base, put the sheepskin cushion on the bottom, and put the cushion at the top.
What makes this one of the best cat bed options is the design, as the large entry way makes it easy for him to get in and out of bed. With the cut-outs and the balls, there’s plenty to keep him busy and off your furniture too. Lastly, the bed structure folds for convenient storage, so when he’s ready to take a nap, unfold it again.
PROS
- Can be used by cats and dogs
- Two jingle balls included for play
- The cat house is collapsible for easy storage
- Beautiful, faux furniture style
- Easy to assemble
CONS
- Kittens might get entangled with the balls, but these are removable
- Very large cats may not fit
The first thing any heated cat bed review will look at is its ability to keep your cat warm. In this case, the Kitty Shack scores points as its self-heating thermal core ensure your cat remains warm during the cold days.
The 2 in 1 design means you can fold this up into a tube or lay it out as a mat. So if your cat prefers to squeeze himself into tight corners, roll it up into a tube. Or you can unfold it into a mat if you have a large cat or he wants to stretch out. Either way, the Shack is comfortable and plush.
The cushion is made from an electrostatic material which keeps your cat’s shedding hair. This, in turn, keeps your rugs and furniture free from cat dander. Because the material is naturally attractive to your cat, he’ll spare your chairs, keyboards and other furniture. The lightweight, the portable design also makes it easy to set up anywhere.
PROS
- Unzips quickly
- Thermal core self-heats to keep cats warm
- Portable
- The bed is machine washable
- Durable construction
CONS
- Zipper is too small
- Large cats might find this a tight fit
Does your cat like to sleep by the window? Well, you don’t have to buy a luxury cat bed to indulge his whims, as the Kitty Cot is here. This cat perch comes with the proprietary suction cups which firmly attach to your windows.
Each cup has a 25 lb. Capacity so it should hold most cats without a problem. The durable plastic pipe is used for the frame’s construction, so it is not going to collapse even if your cat leaps in and out of the perch.
The hammock is comfortable, warm and weather resistant so you can use this indoors and outdoors. The material is also easy to clean, so it’ll be ready for use right away. But what makes the Cot stand out is the installation: no tools are required, and anyone can mount it on the window. The Cot is comfortable as is, but you can put your cat’s favorite blanket on it too.
PROS
- Suction cups makes window mounting easy
- Low maintenance
- Durable construction
- Straightforward installation
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
CONS
- Improper installation might cause the cot to fall off
- Suction cups won’t hold if the cot isn’t set up correctly
The velvet bed is soft, so your cat feels comfortable when he rests or sleeps, and the base is skid-free so it’s not going to move around while he’s inside. The bed is made of 100% poly, so it’s comfortable and warm.
Some beds for cats are difficult to clean, but the Armarkat is an exception as it is machine washable. If you’re in a hurry, you can put this in a washing machine, and it’ll be cleaned quickly.
The bed is easy to set up, so it’s just a matter of finding the right spot to put it. One of the things you’ll notice with the Armarkat is it comes in various colors and sizes, so it’s just a matter of picking the one that matches your surroundings.
Regardless which you use, the material is the same high quality. Finally, the bed is waterproof and stain resistant, so it’s not going to be difficult to maintain.
PROS
- Comes in several sizes and colors
- Machine washable
- Waterproof design
- Comfortable material
- Spacious interior
CONS
- Material is very soft and could get depressed
- Comes with a faint chemical smell but quickly dissipates
You don’t need a luxury cat bed to keep your furry friend happy. With the Ombre Swirl, you have both a standalone bed that can also be used with 18-inch crates. With a weight capacity of 6 lbs. for this model, the Ombre Swirl is ideal for cats and other small pets.
Thanks to the bed’s compact size you can use it with crates, vehicles, carriers and kennels. The bed itself is comprised of soft, faux fur which should keep your feline friend content. The plush poly-fiber isn’t just comfortable but durable as well.
The Ombre is 100% machine washable, so if it’s dirty, you just put this in the washing machine and set it to high. Use high setting on your dryer as well, and the bed will be as good as new. Sizes range from 18 to 48 inches, so there are lots of options.
PROS
- Available in various colors and sizes
- The bed is machine washable
- Soft and fluffy texture for comfortable sleep
- Portable design makes it easy to carry
- Nonskid base keeps the bed in place
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a removable cover
- The bed isn’t suitable for heavy cats
The K&H is one of the best-heated cat bed options regarding quality and comfort. The pod comes in two parts which you zip together, and with the large entryway, it’s easy for your cat to get in. The interior is also spacious enough for a couple of cats to snuggle in.
The Dream Pod comes in two versions, heated and unheated. The heated version runs on just 4 watts and is MET safety compliant. The heater on the K&H is removable so you can take it out if it’s not necessary.
Both also have a sleeping pillow inside so he’s comfortable. The pillow washable, so just remove it from the bed, wash, dry and it’s ready to go. The Dream Pod’s spacious entryway means your cat can get in and out easily. The exterior is made of 600 denier polyester fabric so it can withstand more than a few scratches.
PROS
- Detachable heater
- Plush, comfortable interior
- The bowl shape makes it comfortable for cats
- Roomy interior suitable for large cats
- Large entryway
CONS
- Has a faint plastic odor but it dissipates quickly
- Zipping the two halves takes more effort than it should
Available in three sizes (small, medium, large), the Lectro-Soft is a ruggedly designed but comfortable pet bed. Unlike other beds for cats, you can place the Lectro-Soft indoors or outdoors so your cat can sleep where he wants.
The Lectro-Soft is an orthopedic version of the Lectro Kennel, and it’s been designed to keep your car secure warm indoors or outdoors. The bed uses orthopedic foam, so it’s both comfortable and secure. Its exterior is comprised of heavy duty PVC so you can put it in different locations.
The cord is 5.5 inches long, so length won’t be an issue. The cord is encased in steel, so your cat won’t be able to claw it and hurt himself. The heater is thermostatically controlled, so the temperature never goes beyond 20 degrees of your pet’s body temperature. The fleece cover is washable for easy cleanup, and the heater provides maximum warmth.
PROS
- Keeps your cat warm
- Consumes very little power
- Easy to clean and machine washable
- Can be placed anywhere indoors or outdoors
- Suitable for small cats too
CONS
- Sleeping material feels a little bulky
- Bed might be too flimsy for aggressive, clawing cats
Outdoor Heated Kitty Pad keeps your cat warm whenever he lies on it, and the pad only consumes 40W. The heater is well-made and comes with a 5.5 steel encased cord, so your cat is safe. Constructed from ABS plastic, the Kitty Pad can be placed in barns, garages, indoors or sheds, wherever your cat prefers.
As what you’d expect from the best-heated cat bed, the Kitty Pad is designed to keep your cat warm if he’s outdoors. The durable construction ensures the pad lasts longer than most, and it is comfortable enough for your cat to sleep on. The pad has an internal thermostat, so the surface is warm when he gets on it.
The Kitty Pad comes in two sizes, regular and small. The smaller version uses 25 watts compared to the 40 watts of the original. If your cat prefers to spend his time outdoors, or you’ve got cats which don’t go in the house, the Kitty Pad will keep them warm.
PROS
- Fleece cover bundled with the product
- Comes in different sizes
- Doesn’t use a lot of power
- Surface keeps your cat warm
- Durable design
CONS
- Bed is not very flexible
- Fleece cover is thin
This heated cat bed comes with a two-layer fabric which produces heat that goes back to the surface. The first layer serves as insulation to trap heat, while the second layer redirects the heat to your cat, so he’s warm. This self-warming fabric keeps your cat cozy without the need for electricity.
The poly cotton bed exterior is complemented by the microfleece interior, and together they make for a comfortable cushion. The bed also has a metalized insulation pillow which produces heat from your cat’s body. Altogether the bed keeps your pet warm and cozy during cold nights.
This also happens to be a low maintenance bed and machine washable for easy upkeep. Made from recycled plastic bottles, the bed has a nonslip fabric, so it remains in place so as not to disturb your cat as he sleeps. If you’re looking for a bed to keep your cat happy, this is worth a look.
PROS
- Available in different colors
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Doesn’t need electrical power to warm your cat
- Nonskid bottom
- Comfortable cushion
CONS
- The cushion will flatten if a heavy cat sleeps on it
- Warmth level might be insufficient for some cats
If you read a typical heated cat bed review, most focus on the electrical heater. Here the Aspen sets itself apart with its self-warming capabilities. The bed itself isn’t that soft, but it comfortable and warms up nicely.
The bed has a solid nonslip base, which allows it to support large cats. But the key here is the sleeping surface as it has a self-warming layer. This self-warming layer uses your cat’s body heat to warm him up. Because of this design, there’s no need for electrical power, saving you the trouble and the risks associated with it.
The bed is spacious, so your cat has plenty of room, but it is also portable so you can transport it. More than anything else, the bed is low maintenance, so it’s not a hassle to have. When it comes to warming beds, you want them to keep your cat warm, and that’s what you get here.
PROS
- Available in different sizes and shapes
- Nonslip bottom keeps the bed secure
- Spacious enough for large cats
- Doesn’t need electricity to warm your cat
- Machine washable
CONS
- Bed sides will flatten if a large cat sleeps on it
- Makes a slight crinkling noise
This heated cat bed doesn’t just keep your pet warm during the cold season, but it’s also suitable for yearlong use. The heater keeps him warm, and you can remove it during the summer when it’s not needed.
The Thermo Kitty comes with a one-piece pillow for extra comfort, and the foam walls let him snuggle in comfort. The MET listed 4-watt dual thermostat goes up to 102 F when your cat lies down on it. The Thermo Kitty always remains 15 degrees higher than the room temperature even if your cat isn’t on it, so no waiting for the bed to warm up.
To use the heater, just plug it in any outlet, and if it’s already warm just take it off. Either way, your cat should enjoy the poly-filled pillow as it is fluffy and comfortable, essential for a good sleep.
PROS
- Different colors are available
- Remains warm even if your cat is not on it
- Compatible with any power outlet
- Machine washable
- Can be used all year round
CONS
- May not get warm enough for cats that need a lot of heat
- The walls may be a bit too high for some cats
The Thermo Kitty cat bed has a heater to keep your cat warm and content even when it’s cold. The bed also has a luxuriously plush feel, so he’s always comfy. Apart from the cushion, the bed’s orthopedic foam foundation gives it just the right amount of support as your cat takes a nap.
If you read the best cat bed review, you’re going to notice that most of the focus is on the heater’s design. That’s understandable, and in this case, the Fashion Splash compares well with other designs. The removable heater only uses 4 watts, so it’s not going to be a fire hazard.
The bed is machine washable, so if it needs cleaning it’s not going to be a hassle. With a 5 ½ electrical cord, it’s also easy to find a power outlet without needing to use an extension. The bed, like other K&H products, is nonslip so your cat can move freely in his sleep.
PROS
- Comes in three colors
- MET listed
- Does a good job keeping your cat warm
- Easy to clean
- Stable base doesn’t move around
CONS
- Not suited for outdoor use
- Not enough space for large cats
Our Recommended Product
Now that you’ve gone over the best cat bed review list, it is time to pick out a winner. While all 12 are good, the pick of the lot is the Curious Cat Cube. There are more expensive options, but the Cat Cube has the features to match those, so it offers more value for your money.
One of the Cat Cube’s strongest points is its durability. Cats love to scratch furniture and stuff, but the Cube holds up better than most, so it’s a good investment. Another advantage is being able to fold it, as this saves space, so it doesn’t get in the way. If your cat is ready to sleep, just unfold the Cube.
It’s probably no accident the Cat Cube looks a lot like furniture, and that’s a good thing. We know how much cats love to scratch furniture, so it’s probably one of the reasons cats love this design.
Another reason we’re giving this the thumbs up is the fact that cats just love it. Sometimes cats just don’t like sleeping in particular locations, but the Cat Cube draws them in, which says a lot about its quality.
Additional Resources:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-of-Having-a-Cat-Bed-for-Your-Cat&id=6705403
http://www.cat-world.com.au/choosing-the-perfect-cat-bed
http://content.dollargeneral.com/pet-center/health-benefits-of-pet-beds/