Last updated Oct 28, 2024
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Any cat owner knows how difficult it is to find beds that cats will truly use. Cats are some of the fussiest pets, and you don’t want them sleeping in the box the bed came in rather than the bed you paid for!
In this article, we’ll give our top choices for cat beds for every cat’s preferences, whether your cat likes to hide away while they sleep or perch up high in a plush, heated bed.
At a Glance: Best Cat Beds To Buy
JOEJOY Small Bed
- Blanket attached for cats that like to hide
- Large enough for two cats
- Soft, plush material that can be machine-washed
Frisco Orthopedic Bolster Bed
- Memory foam creates a soft, comfortable sleeping surface
- Bolsters retain their shape nicely
- Machine-washable bed cover
Nisrada Round Pet Bed
- Soft and plush
- Can be machine washed
- Comes in 18 fun colors
Armarkat Cat Bed
- Machine-washable cushion
- Perfect for small to average-size cats
- Hooded style for cats that enjoy hiding
CATTASAURUS Peekaboo Cat Cave
- Large and sturdy
- 12 colors and styles to choose from
- Bed splits in half to easily clean inside
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Cat Bed
- Heated beds are perfect for senior cats
- Safety features make the bed safer for cats than using human heating pads
- Bed cover is machine washable
FurHaven Comfort Cooling Gel Bed
- Contains cooling gel
- Soft, plush bed and bolsters
- Machine-washable bed cover
AMOSIJOY Cat Window Perch
- Secure metal frame
- Soft, washable bed
- Adheres strongly to windows
Frisco Long Faux Fur Elevated Cat Bed
- Soft faux fur
- Machine washable cushion
- Comes in two colors that blend into most home decor
Keet Fluffy Deluxe Pet Sofa
- Sturdy frame and comfortable cushion
- Couch surface can be wiped down and cushion cover is machine-washable
- Stylish design with two color choices
TANGN Cat Sleeping Bag
- Made of linen for cats that don’t like plush materials
- Cats can get cozy inside of the sleeping bag
- Can double as a mat for cats that prefer not to hide
Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave
- Cave-style bed makes cats feel hidden and secure
- Stylish design in a variety of colors
- Comes in two sizes for cats of all sizes
Ameritex Waterproof Furniture Cover
- Waterproof
- Machine washable
- Comes in 10 sizes and 17 reversible color choices
Are Cat Beds Necessary?
Cat beds aren’t completely necessary, but they can spruce up your cat’s space and give them a soft place to rest their head after a long day spent scratching their cat tree or causing mayhem around the house.
With so many styles of cat beds on the market, there’s almost certainly one your cat will enjoy. Cats that love hiding under blankets might appreciate a hooded cat bed or sleeping bag, and cats that enjoy lounging in the sun will love a heated bed.
That said, it can be difficult to narrow down what your cat will like, and some rare cats will decline to use any bed at all. Try luring them in with a worn t-shirt that smells like you, or some tasty catnip.
Why Trust Cats.com
As someone who’s cared for up to nine cats at a time and currently owns seven, I have a good grasp on different personalities and the types of products cats actually use. This knowledge, paired with recommendations from other cat owners and a plethora of product reviews, helped me to select the best products for today’s list.
One main focus was choosing a variety of beds so that there’s something here for every cat, from kittens that will snuggle right into a sleeping bag to senior cats that need extra cushioning for their arthritic bones.
Top Picks Explained
We’ve updated our recommendations since the filming of this video. However, we still love the products and brands that Mallory discusses here.
The 13 Best Cat Beds
Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while the JOEJOY bed is our top choice, it might not be ideal for your unique cat. To help you choose the right bed for your cat, we’ve broken down our recommendations by the best bed for senior pets, best donut bed, best covered bed, and more.
#1 Overall Best: JOEJOY Small Bed
The large-size JOEJOY bed is big enough for two cats, but mine spent most of their time pushing each other out of it anyway. It was the favorite of three of my cats, two of which did snuggle together some of the time.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I initially chose it for the soft blanket that lies over its top, hoping my cat that likes to hide under covers would use it. However, all the cats decided to snuggle into it from the top instead.
The bed comes vacuum sealed and needs a couple of days to fully expand after it’s out of the packaging. Once it does, it’s plush and soft.
According to the Amazon listing, the bed is machine washable. Having experience with this type of fabric, I’m pretty sure the swirled pattern would be gone after one wash cycle, but the cats are unlikely to mind that. Overall, I think this bed is a fantastic choice for anyone.
What We Liked
- Blanket attached for cats that like to hide
- Large enough for two cats
- Soft, plush material that can be machine-washed
What We Didn’t Like
- Swirled pattern might not hold up during machine washing
#2 Best for Senior Pets: Frisco Orthopedic Bolster Bed
I’m a big fan of the Frisco brand from Chewy, and this orthopedic bolster bed didn’t let me down. The bolsters are made from a tough material to retain their shape, and the entire bed is well-stuffed. The sleeping surface is made of memory foam that will conform to your cat’s shape and is covered in a soft fabric. I bought the medium size and it’s perfect for even my large cats.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The bed comes in two nice colors: medium beige or dark gray with a white seat.
While the entire bed isn’t machine washable, there is a removable cover that you can toss in the laundry if it gets a bit too furry. All of my cats are seniors, but my oldest 16-year-old boy especially loved this bed. It seems comfortable and the memory foam makes it a good choice for cats with arthritis.
What We Liked
- Memory foam creates a soft, comfortable sleeping surface
- Bolsters retain their shape nicely
- Machine-washable bed cover
What We Didn’t Like
- Bed itself is not machine washable
#3 Best Donut Bed: Nisrada Round Pet Bed
I immediately loved the Nisrada round pet bed because it blends right into human bedding like a pillow, or a bean bag for cats. I kept it at the end of the bed where my cats love to sleep, and they curled right into it. In over a dozen colors, there’s bound to be one that matches your own personal style. It also comes in several sizes. I bought the 24-inch bed and it worked well for my small to medium cats, though you might want to size up if your cat is more than 20 pounds.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The bed has a soft fabric with cotton filling. While it came vacuum sealed, it only took a day to fluff back up. The non-slip bottom helps it stay in place on hard floors. While hand-washing is recommended, the bed can be machine-washed as needed on a gentle cycle. The Amazon listing recommends drying it on low-heat. After washing, you might need to comb out any tangles in the fabric since it has such long strands.
The one thing I didn’t like about the bed was that the filling didn’t seem to fluff evenly and it wasn’t as padded as I would like. Even after weeks, it still had lumps of stuffing that wouldn’t break apart even when kneaded with my hands. While the cats didn’t seem to mind this too much, I do wonder if it’s why they preferred the similar-style JOEJOY bed over this one when given the option.
What We Liked
- Soft and plush
- Can be machine washed
- Comes in 18 fun colors
What We Didn’t Like
- The cotton padding feels a bit lumpy, even after giving it time to fluff out
- Stringy material not recommended for pets that chew beds
- Some reviewers say the bed sheds considerably, but I didn’t experience this
#4 Best Covered Bed: Armarkat Cat Bed
The Armarkat bed has a hooded style that makes cats feel safe and secure. If your cat likes to hide, this could be their perfect new sleeping spot. During testing, my smallest cat figured out this bed easily but didn’t spend much time inside of it.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
My 14-pound cat took more of a liking to it, sitting inside often with her rear end sticking out. She did eventually learn how to turn around inside and sleep in it properly, but it took her a couple days of practice and some coaxing on my part. It’s the perfect size for her to curl up inside, but I don’t think cats larger than her would fit.
I noticed that the top of the bed slopes to one side. Though I hoped it would regain its proper shape after a bit of time, I haven’t been able to get it to sit completely upright. Although my cats don’t care, it’s a bit frustrating that the brand new bed doesn’t look like the product listing.
What We Liked
- Machine-washable cushion
- Perfect for small to average-size cats
- Hooded style for cats that enjoy hiding
What We Didn’t Like
- Not all cats will use hooded beds
- Bed itself is not machine washable
- Top of bed doesn’t hold its shape well
#5 Best Tunnel Bed: CATTASAURUS Peekaboo Cat Cave
My cats loved the CATTASAURUS tunnel and bed combo way more than I expected! It was a big hit during testing, especially after sprinkling some catnip to get them running around inside.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I bought the large size, rather than the jumbo. While the listing shows a 20-pound cat sitting in the top bed with room to spare, it definitely isn’t that big. However, my 20+ pound cats did fit into the tunnel portion and enjoyed playing inside, and my smaller cats enjoyed curling up in the bed on top.
The product is made of a sturdy felt that holds its shape well, even with cats climbing over it. It comes in two pieces that zip together and can come apart for cleaning or storage. It comes in a dozen color options, a couple of which have a yarn-like, fluffy material on the top to make the bed even softer.
A few of my cats liked chewing on the small window on the bed. Although it held up to their gnawing on it, I recommend keeping an eye on cats that like to chew and to ensure they don’t get pieces off.
What We Liked
- Large and sturdy
- 12 colors and styles to choose from
- Bed splits in half to easily clean inside
What We Didn’t Like
- Not machine washable
#6 Best Heated Bed: K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Cat Bed
The K&H Thermo-Kitty cat bed comes in a small and a large size. It has high walls, a machine washable cover, and a padded cushion over the heating pad that keeps the bed from getting too hot and burning your cat. I was surprised not to see a button to turn the bed on or off. Instead, it turns on automatically when plugged in and takes around 20 minutes to heat up.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
My cats seemed to enjoy the added heat, even though we tested these in the summer. I imagine this bed will be a huge hit in the winter months! Heated beds can be beneficial for senior cats and those with arthritis, as well as younger cats that like to sunbathe and seek out heat. My only complaint about the bed is that it only comes in one beige and brown design, and I wish there were a few more colors to choose from.
What We Liked
- Heated beds are perfect for senior cats
- Safety features make the bed safer for cats than using human heating pads
- Bed cover is machine washable
What We Didn’t Like
- Only one color option
#7 Best Cooling Bed: FurHaven Comfort Cooling Gel Bed
This bed is so soft that I used it as a pillow while napping with the cats. It’s covered in a velvety material on the bolsters and a soft furry material where your cat sleeps. Inside of the bed is memory foam and a cooling gel. With body heat, the bed gets warm and comfortable. It cools quickly, though, even after being left in the sun as it was when I took photos for this article.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Since the bed is designed for dogs, it’s one of the largest on our list, easily holding two large cats or three to four smaller ones, if they’re willing to cuddle together and share. I didn’t have any issues, but some reviewers on Amazon received beds with very loose covers. I recommend ensuring you aren’t buying from a third-party seller if you go through Amazon, as this might be the issue.
What We Liked
- Contains cooling gel
- Soft, plush bed and bolsters
- Machine-washable bed cover
What We Didn’t Like
- Entire bed isn’t machine washable
#8 Best Window Bed: AMOSIJOY Cat Window Perch
My cats enjoyed lounging in the sun on the AMOSIJOY window perch. The white cushion is soft and zips onto the metal frame in the front and back with no center support, like a hammock. Despite my initial concerns, it doesn’t sway or dip much when the cats climb up on it. Four strong suction cups adhered to the window strongly, and even when pressing down on it myself it didn’t move out of place.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
My one complaint is that the bolsters can roll forward if a cat steps on them, and this caused one of my cats to stumble a little his first time using it. My senior boy has some balance issues, so this is a concern, especially with a bed designed to sit high off of the floor. Otherwise, I’m very happy with the design and my cats seem to love it, too.
What We Liked
- Secure metal frame
- Soft, washable bed
- Adheres strongly to windows
What We Didn’t Like
- Cats might stumble if they try to stand on the bolsters
#9 Best Elevated Bed: Frisco Long Faux Fur Elevated Cat Bed
I was immediately charmed by the beauty of the Frisco elevated cat bed. White with wooden legs, it will blend with most home decor. The bed also comes in gray if you’re worried about pet stains on a white bed.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The bed is large and soft, with a machine washable cushion. My cats enjoyed laying their head down on the raised edge and using it like a pillow, and it also provided them with a surface to lean against while cleaning themselves.
Something I didn’t predict was that my cat would try to chew on the bed and eat the faux fur. If your cat is like mine and tries to eat everything in reach, you might want to skip this one, but my six other cats had no problems, so this product will be safe for most cats. A more predictable flaw is that debris gets caught in the strands of faux fur easily, so it might require a bit more cleaning upkeep than most cat beds.
What We Liked
- Soft faux fur
- Machine washable cushion
- Comes in two colors that blend into most home decor
What We Didn’t Like
- Debris can get caught in the long strands of faux fur
- The bed itself must be hand washed
#10 Best Cat Couch: Keet Fluffy Deluxe Pet Sofa
The Keet deluxe pet sofa comes in four sizes and the small size is perfect for cats up to 15 pounds. The frame of the bed is covered in faux leather that makes it look sleek and stylish. The fluffy couch cushion is filled with memory foam for maximum comfort. One of my cats spent several whole days napping on it during testing.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I like that the couch is easy to clean and the materials seem sturdy and long-lasting. I do wish the entire cushion was machine washable, rather than just the cover, but this is common for pet beds. Some reviewers felt the cushion on the larger sizes needed more stuffing, but I think there’s plenty in the small size. I was actually worried about it being overstuffed at first, but the cats love it.
What We Liked
- Sturdy frame and comfortable cushion
- Couch surface can be wiped down and cushion cover is machine-washable
- Stylish design with two color choices
What We Didn’t Like
- Cushion itself cannot be washed
- Some reviewers had issues with the stuffing in larger sizes
#11 Best Sleeping Bag: TANGN Cat Sleeping Bag
The TANGN sleeping bag is great for cats that like to crawl inside of things to sleep. You might need to prop it up at first to show them how to get inside, though. It was also a hit with my cats that prefer less cushioned beds. They used it as a mat rather than a sleeping bag as intended, and seemed to enjoy the linen material.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I bought the green option and wouldn’t recommend it for large cats, as it is pretty small. However, the orange color is quite a bit bigger and might work better for larger cats.
What We Liked
- Made of linen for cats that don’t like plush materials
- Cats can get cozy inside of the sleeping bag
- Can double as a mat for cats that prefer not to hide
What We Didn’t Like
- You cannot choose a size independent of color
#12 Best Cat Cave: Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave
The Meowfia felt cat cave is stylish, versatile, and even came with a free felt ball toy that my cats enjoyed batting around the house. I like that it can be used either as a cave or collapsed into a non-covered bed for cats that don’t like the enclosed space. This allows you to test out a cave-style bed with less risk of your cat not using it.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I bought the medium size for cats 12 pounds and under, but I wish I had chosen the large, because even my larger cats wanted to use the cave. They could fit part of their bodies inside but couldn’t turn around or lay down properly.
Overall, I think this is a great design. The felt seems durable and it’s great for cats that dislike a lot of cushioning. However, the bed does lose its shape in packaging (Meowfia recommends using a steam cleaner to restore it) and it can only be hand washed.
What We Liked
- Cave-style bed makes cats feel hidden and secure
- Stylish design in a variety of colors
- Comes in two sizes for cats of all sizes
What We Didn’t Like
- Requires steam cleaner to get the proper shape after unpackaging
- Not machine washable
#13 Best Furniture Cover: Ameritex Waterproof Furniture Cover
If your cat prefers sleeping on human furniture to using their own beds, the Ameritex waterproof furniture cover might be the best option for you. It comes in a plethora of sizes and allows your cat to sleep on your bed or couch without making a mess.
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
I tested the waterproofing of the blanket myself, and it worked very well, with the chair beneath it remaining completely dry. It’s comfortable to sit on without any bulkiness or rustling plastic, both of which I’ve seen in other waterproof pet products. It works great to protect furniture from cats that scratch, leak urine, or even just shed. It’s machine washable, but please read the instructions before washing, as washing it improperly might undo the waterproofing.
What We Liked
- Waterproof
- Machine washable
- Comes in 10 sizes and 17 reversible color choices
What We Didn’t Like
- Nothing
How to Choose the Best Cat Bed
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Have you ever bought a cat bed only to have your cat lie in the cardboard shipping box instead of the bed? It’s a common experience because cats are picky animals, and that makes choosing the right cat bed difficult. You need to find one that suits their unique preferences.
Here are some things to consider before purchasing a new cat bed:
Bed Types
There are so many styles of cat beds on the market! Whether you want a couch-shaped bed to fit seamlessly into your living room decor or a tunnel bed so your cats can play where they sleep, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
The variety available sometimes makes choosing the right bed type difficult. I recommend spending time with a new cat before purchasing beds for them. This way you can learn if they enjoy sleeping on hard or plush surfaces, open or secluded spaces, and cool or warm locations.
This “research” can help you to choose a bed that your cat will actually use.
Cat Size
Another thing to keep in mind is the size of your cat. Many items made for cats are small, made to accommodate animals weighing 10 to 12 pounds or less. This is perfect if you have a kitten or small cat, but not so much if you have a Maine Coon.
For bigger cats, consider flat, open-top beds as opposed to sleeping bags or covered beds. Or, make sure you check the product measurements before buying so you know your cat will fit.
Washability
Cats are clean animals, but anyone with a pet will tell you that their things get messy sometimes. If your cat vomits on their new bed, for example, you’ll want an easy way to get it clean.
Some beds are impossible to wash well or can only be spot-cleaned; others have covers that can be thrown into the washing machine. Rarely, the entire bed may be machine washable.
Often, cat beds require cold-water cycles and cannot be put in the dryer. Always check the washing instructions before cleaning your cat’s bed so that it doesn’t get wrecked in the process.
Durability
When shopping for your cat’s next bed, look for durable materials that will last. Some cat beds are cheap but will need to be replaced frequently, which can cost more money in the long run.
Additional Features
Cat beds are available with a plethora of additional features. Some are filled with cooling gel; others come with heating pads. You might need a bed that fits multiple cats so they can snuggle, or that serves multiple functions to save space in your home. It’s hard to find a cat bed that does it all, but considering your priorities before buying can help you make the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bed do cats like best?
The most difficult part about choosing a bed for your cat is finding one that meets their individual preferences. Most cats enjoy basic, bolster-style beds. Hooded beds are another popular option, though some cats don’t like feeling too boxed in.
If your cat is picky, consider what kinds of surfaces they like to sleep in now and try to replicate that feeling. For instance, cats that lie on tile floors may like a cooling bed or one without a lot of padding.
Do cats prefer open or covered beds?
Cats are all different. Some cats prefer open beds but others like covered beds. There are two types of cat: those that perch and those that hide. If your cat is a percher, they’re more likely to enjoy open beds. If they spend a lot of time hiding, they’ll appreciate the comfort of a covered bed. There are also plenty of cats that like both!
What is the best place to put a cat bed?
The best place to put a cat bed is a location where your cat already spends time, such as at the foot of your bed or on a bookshelf where they like to perch. Cats also love when beds are placed by windows so they can birdwatch or feel a fresh breeze while they sleep.
Do cats like blankets in their beds?
Yes, many cats like blankets in their beds. Placing a blanket in your cat’s bed is a great way to get them to use it, especially if the blanket smells like you or your cat. Blankets can also help to keep the bed clean and free of fur, as many cat beds aren’t machine washable.
Why does my cat sleep on the floor instead of their bed?
Some cats love soft beds; others prefer hard surfaces such as the floor. For some, it depends on the time of year. My cats spend more time sprawled out on the floor in the summer and seek out warm places to cuddle in the winter. If your cat is sleeping on the floor instead of their bed, consider a different style of cat bed, such as one with cooling gel or less cushioning.
I can’t find the post where you suggested a warming pad that could be used inside a cat bed. I recall it came in a pack of 3 or 4 from Amazon…..
Hey Mo, it sounds like you might be referring to the reflective blankets we mentioned in one of our Whisker Wise emails a few weeks ago. Check them out here
Article is great, thanks for sharing
I wish you reviewed more orthopedic beds. Older cats with arthritis need better construction and support.
I really like this post which is about cat beds. I am too much attached with my pets and I was searching some cool stylish beds for my pets but it seems nothing to work. I tried to find out at many places then I got a fabulous Nandog Pet Gear and there I found so many stylish dog beds for the best price. So I must suggest this for all.
Thanks for the suggestion, Ethan! If your cats don’t show much interest in a new cat bed, you can always try tossing a few treats into it from time to time or rewarding your cat for going near the bed to help encourage them to use it.
Directly through Cat Cave. Delivered through UPS but never received. I have never had any issues with packages received through UPS before this. Building security cameras have no record of a delivery. Cat Cave has not been helpful. I had to discontinue pursuing this due to Covid infection, but I am still trying. If it were just something for me, I wouldn’t bother and just consider it a loss. But since it’s for my cat, I will continue with the hassle. It makes me sad when he uses boxes and bags as a “cat cave.”
Beware of Cat Cave. Customer support is horrible. I’m still trying to get the cat cave I ordered over a year ago.
Thanks for sharing this, Anne. Where did you purchase the Cave?