Catnap Approved: How to Choose the Best Cat Bed for Your Pet

You know your cat loves to sleep, but do you know what type of cat bed they’d prefer for their catnaps? There are many to choose from, including hanging cat beds that attach to windows (perfect for bird-watching), covered cat beds for shy felines who dig privacy as they snooze, and heated beds to help soothe achy bones. Felines can be picky, and the best cat bed for one pet may not work for another. To find the perfect cat bed for your pet, you’ll want to take their personal preferences into account as well as other factors, like their age and size. Then find a bed that meets the criteria.

It’s also a good idea to get a few different cat beds, not just one, to give your cat options. They love choices, says Jennifer Van de Kieft, a certified advanced feline training and behavior professional in Brooklyn, New York. “Anyone who’s had a cat knows—one week they want to sleep on your bed and then the next week they’re sleeping on the box in the living room. It’s like they’re always changing spots.”

Ready to find the cat bed of your kitty’s dreams? First, let’s cover the questions you should be asking yourself before you even start shopping.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cat Bed

You don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on cat luxury beds your kitty will spurn, so ask yourself these questions as you shop around for the purr-fect picks for your pet.

• What does your cat like to snooze on in general? “Cats have individual preferences. They definitely like things that are soft and plush, but then they also like cardboard boxes, paper bags and packing paper,” Van de Kieft notes. So look at where your cat likes to go to doze and try to replicate that in at least one of the cat beds you pick. Remember, cats like variety.
• How big is your cat? The best cat bed is one that’s just a few inches longer than your cat, explains Van de Kieft. Cats feel more secure in small spaces, but they also need room to change positions and move around, she notes. So measure your cat and get a bed that will let your cat curl up comfortably but still feel cozy.
• How firm is the bed? Cats generally don’t like to feel as if they’re sinking, says Van de Kieft, but they also like to knead—it’s their way to self-soothe. So you’ll want to find a cat bed that’s on firm side but still has a bit of give to it. It can be difficult to tell just how firm a cat bed is when shopping online, so be sure to read the reviews to get a good sense.
• How thick is the bed? Some cats like softer, plusher fabrics to nap on as long as the bed is firm enough to avoid the sinking feeling, says Van de Kieft. Look for a cat bed that’s between one to three inches thick, depending on your cat’s taste. Bonus points if the bed has an extra pillow or padding.
• How cozy is the bed? Cats crave heat, says Van de Kieft, which is why self-warming cat beds or ones with removable heating pads are like catnip to felines. Or go for a Sherpa-lined bed, which will also make for a cozy and warm resting place.

Now that you have a better understanding of cats’ preferences in general and your cat’s individual tastes, you’re ready to check out your options.