Cats sleep for a large part of the day, and they are famously picky about where. Many owners buy a beautiful bed only to find the cat asleep in the box it came in. The secret is matching the bed to how your cat likes to sleep. This guide explains the main types of cat beds, how to read your cat's sleeping style, where to put a bed and how to encourage your cat to use it.
Read Your Cat's Sleeping Style
- Curlers: sleep in a tight ball. Round nests and donut beds with raised sides suit them.
- Hiders: like to tuck away out of sight. Enclosed caves, felt beds and tunnel beds suit them.
- Stretchers: sprawl out flat. Flat mats and larger open beds suit them.
- High sleepers: love to nap up high or by a window. Hammocks, window perches and cat tree beds suit them.
- Burrowers: crawl under blankets. Sleeping bag beds and covered nests suit them.
Types of Cat Beds
Round nests and donut beds
Soft, round beds with raised edges let cats curl up and rest their head on the rim. Plush and fluffy materials add warmth.
Enclosed and semi-enclosed beds
Cave beds, cat houses and semi-closed beds give cats a hidden, cozy spot. They are popular with shy cats and in busy homes.
Felt and wool felt beds
Wool felt beds are firm, cave-shaped and keep their shape well. Many cats love the sheltered feel.
Tunnel beds
Tunnel beds combine a tunnel for play with a cushioned bed, so cats can hide, play and nap in one place. See our cat tunnels for more play options.
Sleeping bag beds
Sleeping bag beds have a soft pocket cats can crawl into, perfect for burrowers in winter.
Hammocks and hanging beds
Hammocks hang from chairs, radiators, frames or windows. Suction cup window hammocks give a view as well as a bed. Our cat window perch guide explains how to install them safely, and you can browse our cat window perches.
Mats and pads
Flat mats work for stretchers and fit on sofas, beds and windowsills. Cooling mats help on hot days.
Foldable and tent beds
Foldable beds and tent beds pack away easily and are handy for travel or small spaces.
Browse every style in our cat beds aisle.
Choosing the Right Size
Cats like to feel snug. A bed that is too big may not feel secure. Measure your cat while it is curled up, and choose a bed a little larger. For stretchers, measure your cat lying stretched out. For enclosed beds, check that the opening is wide enough for your cat to enter easily. Large cats need roomier beds and sturdier hammocks.
Seasonal Comfort
- Winter: plush, fleece and sleeping bag beds hold warmth. A heated pet bed can add warmth for cats that feel the cold; follow the product instructions.
- Summer: flat mats, open beds and breathable fabrics stay cooler.
- All seasons: some beds have reversible or removable cushions for year-round use.
Where to Put a Cat Bed
- Somewhere your cat already naps: the easiest way to win your cat over.
- Quiet and safe: away from busy doorways and loud appliances.
- Warm: near a sunny window, away from drafts.
- Up high: many cats feel safest above floor level; try a shelf, sofa or cat tree.
- Away from the litter box and food bowls.
Getting Your Cat to Use a New Bed
- Place the bed where your cat already sleeps.
- Add a blanket or a piece of your clothing that smells familiar.
- Sprinkle a little catnip or place a favorite toy in the bed.
- Reward your cat with treats when it explores the bed.
- Be patient; some cats take a few days.
- Try a different spot if your cat ignores the bed.
Cat Beds for Multi-Cat Homes
Offer more beds than cats, in different places and at different heights. Some cats share, others want their own spot. Variety lets each cat pick.
Cat Beds for Senior Cats
Senior cats appreciate extra cushioning, warmth and easy access. Choose beds with low entry, place them at floor level or near steps, and keep them in warm, quiet spots.
Beds, Trees and Climbing
Many cat trees include beds, platforms and hammocks. If your cat loves to sleep high up, a tree with a built-in bed can be a favorite. Our guide on how to choose a cat tree covers platform sizes and stability.
Cleaning Cat Beds
- Vacuum or lint-roll hair weekly.
- Wash removable, washable covers as the care label describes.
- Spot clean felt beds and let them air dry.
- Wash blankets regularly; see our pet blankets for soft extras.
Cat Beds for Kittens
Kittens like small, warm, enclosed spaces. A small nest or cave bed with soft lining gives them a safe spot. Place it in a quiet area close to where the family spends time, and add a soft blanket. Kittens grow quickly, so expect to size up later.
Cat Beds for Large Cats
Large cats need beds that let them curl up or stretch without hanging over the edge. Check the dimensions in the product details. For hammocks and hanging beds, check the weight limit carefully and choose sturdy frames.
Matching Beds to Your Home
Think about where the bed will go. Small apartments may suit foldable beds, window hammocks or beds that sit on furniture. Larger homes can offer beds in several rooms. Choose colors and materials that fit your space, so you are happy to leave the bed out where your cat likes to sleep.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placing the bed in a busy or noisy spot.
- Choosing a bed far too big for a cat that likes to feel snug.
- Putting the bed next to the litter box.
- Giving up after one day.
- Forgetting to wash the bed regularly.
Trying More Than One Style
If you are not sure which bed your cat will like, watch where it naps for a week. Note whether it curls up, stretches out, hides or climbs high. Then pick a bed that copies that spot: a round nest for a cat that curls on cushions, a cave bed for a cat that hides in closets, or a hammock for a cat that sleeps on top of furniture. Many owners find that a cat ignores one style and loves another, so it is normal to try more than one.
Cat Bed Checklist
- Bed type matches your cat's sleeping style.
- Size feels snug but roomy enough.
- Washable cover.
- Placed in a quiet, warm spot.
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Cat Bed FAQ
Why won't my cat use its new bed?
Cats like familiar smells and spots. Place the bed where your cat already naps and add a familiar blanket.
Do cats prefer enclosed beds?
Many shy or hiding cats do. Curlers often prefer round nests, and stretchers prefer flat mats.
What size bed does my cat need?
Measure your cat curled up and choose a bed a little larger. Cats like a snug feel.
Where is the best place for a cat bed?
A quiet, warm spot where your cat already likes to rest, often up high or near a window.
How often should I wash a cat bed?
Remove hair weekly and wash the cover regularly, following the care label.