Cats sleep as many as 16 hours per day (some, like kittens, even more!), so having a cozy cat bed is essential.
A good cat bed gives kitties a soft, warm, and safe place to pass all those hours they spend snoozing.
More than you may realize can go wrong in selecting a cat bed, however. The wrong bed can lead to:
- A total lack of use if your cat doesn’t take to the bed.
- Physical issues for the cat if the bed is difficult to keep clean.
- A cat retching from having ingested the bed’s materials
To help navigate all of this, we asked our veterinary advisor, Dr. Jennifer Coates, to review a large number of cat beds and share her top picks.
Her top pick is the Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler. This cozy cat bed is made from plush sherpa material and has high walls and AirLoft filling to allow your cat to sink into it. It’s even self-warming!
While this is Dr. Coates’ top pick, there’s still a lot to consider in selecting a cat bed. For that reason, we asked her to not only select the best cat bed, but also to offer tips for what to look for in a cat bed, advice on when your cat may not need a bed at all, and to offer her top picks for a variety of use cases.
The 5 Best Cat Beds
- Best Overall – Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler
- Best Budget – Furhaven Pet Products – ThermaNAP Cat Bed Pad
- Best Window Bed – Zakkart Cat Window Perch for Indoor Cats
- Best Heated – K&H PET PRODUCTS Heated Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash Cat Bed
- Best Elevated – Catry Cat Bed with Scratching Post
Cat Beds Compared
Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Editor’s Picks | Model | Rating | Dimensions | Machine Washable | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler | 20 x 20 x 12 inches | Virgin AirLOFT fibers | ||
| Best Budget Buy | Furhaven Pet Products – ThermaNAP Cat Bed Pad | 17 x 22 x 0.25 inches | Polyester, Mylar | ||
| Best Cat Window Bed | Zakkart Cat Window Perch for Indoor Cats | 23 x 13 x 12.5 inches | Sherpa covered pad, metal support | ||
| Best Heated Cat Bed | K&H PET PRODUCTS Heated Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash Cat Bed | 18 x 18 inches (Small) or 16 x 22 inches (Large) | Polyester | ||
| Best Elevated Cat Bed | Catry Cat Bed with Scratching Post | 23 x 16 x 20 inches | Plush, Wood, Sisal, Fabric |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Cat Bed
- Cat owners who want to keep their cats off the furniture – If you own a cat, you know how stubborn they can be. One of the best ways to prevent them from doing things you don’t want them to do is to provide a more pleasant alternative. In this case, that means getting a cat bed that’s more appealing to your cat than your bed or couch.
- Cat owners who want to minimize the spread of fur and dander – Even if you’re fine with your cat on the furniture, it can be a good idea to provide a cat bed to help keep fur and dander contained. You could even put a mat-style bed on the furniture itself to encourage your cat to stick to that particular spot. Plus, it’s easier to throw a cat bed or cover in the wash than to try to clean your sofa.
- Owners of older cats – Senior cats who aren’t as spry as they used to be may have a hard time jumping up to their favorite snoozing spots, like the bed, couch, or cat tower.1 A cozy bed lower to the ground can give them a comfy place to rest that’s easier to access.
- Cat owners who just want to treat their cats to a cozy sleeping spot – Of course, sometimes we just want to get our cats something because we love them. In that case, a cozy cat bed can be the perfect gift for your beloved kitty.
Who Should Not Buy a Cat Bed
- Owners of picky cats – If your cat has some favorite spots and tends to turn their nose up at anything unfamiliar, a new cat bed will probably get the same reaction. Save your money and give your cat some extra cuddles or playtime instead.
- People whose cats already have convenient favorite spots to nap – If your cat has carved out some favorite spots that both you and the cat are happy with, there’s really no need to introduce a new bed. Still, if you just want to give your cat a new option, you could try one out anyway.
Buying Guide: Research Tips from a Veterinarian
Cats need spots in their home where they are comfortable and feel safe. A good cat bad can do that! Here are a few tips for choosing the best cat bed.
Talk to friends and family who are pet parents to learn what types of cat beds have worked well for them. Your veterinarian can also point to any features that might be ideal based on your cat’s age, size, and health status. Closely read product descriptions to avoid unpleasant surprises. Looking at customer reviews posted on trusted sources can give you an idea of how satisfied pet parents are with their purchase.
- Look for a warm bed – Cats spend a lot of time sleeping,2 and they enjoy having a cozy spot to call their own. Since cats can have trouble staying warm, particularly as they become older, they often prefer beds that they can snuggle into, are elevated off cold floors, can be placed near a sunny window, or are self-warming or electrically heated.3
- Make sure it’s easy to clean – Though they clean themselves, cats can still leave their beds messy with fur, dander, kitty litter (even when you’ve opted for dust free clumping cat litter), and more. For that reason, you want a cat bed that you can throw in the wash, or at least one with a removable, machine-washable cover. Ideally, you can also vacuum the cover between washes.
- Consider the material – You want to make sure your cat’s bed is made of materials that are safe for your cat. Construction also matters. Your cat shouldn’t be able to rip apart the bed, as damaged pet products may no longer be pet safe.
- Think about size and shape – Different cats have different preferences for the size and shape of their bed. You can look at their current favorite places to nap for ideas. For example, if your cat prefers to nap on a bare area of furniture or floor, they’ll probably prefer a mat-style bed with no walls. Do they prefer to cuddle into blankets? Then a plush bed with walls will probably be a hit. If they like to nap on the sill, maybe a window-mounted cat bed is the right choice. Under furniture? A cave-style bed may be their preference.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $10 and $60
For a decent cat bed, you can anticipate paying between $10 and $60. The simpler the design, the less the bed will cost. For example, a plain sleeping mat will be close to $10. An enclosed or walled cat bed will cost more. As you add extra features, like heaters, scratching posts, or window mounts, the price rises even more. Of course, there are very fancy cat beds available that cost even more than $60, but unless your vet recommends a bed in that price range, you’re probably better off saving your money.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily
I’ve evaluated these cat beds based on my professional experience as a veterinarian combined with product feature considerations. Every cat is different, so I’ve chosen a variety of cat beds to fit all kinds of cat personalities. However, all of the beds I recommend are high-quality beds that will stand up to years of use. All you have to do is figure out which one your cat will like best! – Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM
The Best Cat Bed Reviews
1. Best Overall – Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler
The Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler is one of the coziest cat beds out there. This bed has elevated sides and a high back for comfort and support. The rear wall is 12″ tall and the front and sides are 9″ tall. The lower front and sides make it easier for your cat to get in and out and provide a comfy place for your kitty to rest its head. The high loft filling and sherpa fabric make the bed soft and warm. It’s perfect for your cat to cuddle into.
To make things easier for you, the bed has a water and dirt-resistant bottom and is machine washable. It’s also available in two sizes and several colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your cat and your home decor.
- Machine washable
- Water and dirt resistant bottom
- Reasonably priced
- Soft, warm, and cuddly
- Regular size may be too small for large cats
- Sides are floppy, not firm
2. Best Budget – Furhaven Pet Products – ThermaNAP Cat Bed Pad
The Furhaven Pet Products – ThermaNAP Cat Bed Pad is great for owners looking for a budget cat bed and for cats that prefer a simple, mat-style bed. It’s also great for putting on furniture to create a barrier for cat fur and dander. And it’s light and thin, making it an excellent option for travel.
The interior contains a reflective thermal sheet covered with polyester fiber cushioning, so the bed is self-warming with no need for electricity. The cover is quilted and made of soft faux-fur. The cover is removable and safe to machine wash and dry. It’s available in two sizes and six colors, all of which are very inexpensive. The smaller size measures 17″ x 22″ and is great for most cats. The larger size measures 36″ x 24″ and is perfect for multiple cats to share the bed or even just a single cat that likes to sprawl.
- Simple, versatile design
- Self-warming
- Very inexpensive
- Can be machine washed and dried
- No soft sides
- Minimal padding
- Thermal sheet can make a crinkling sound, which some cats may not like
3. Best Window Bed – Zakkart Cat Window Perch for Indoor Cats
If your cat is a bird watcher or even just a nosy neighbor, they’ll love the Zakkart Cat Window Perch for Indoor Cats. This cat bed features a metal support frame with strong suction cups that attach to the glass on your window. The supports are under the bed, unlike other window beds where the bed hangs with cables on either side. This prevents the bed from wobbling and allows the cat to easily jump on and off the bed from any direction. The 40-pound weight limit makes the bed sturdy enough for virtually any cat. Just remember to periodically check the suction cups to make sure they’re still in good condition.
The bed itself has a soft sherpa cover that is removable and machine washable. Between the soft fabric and the raised edges, this bed will help your cat stay cozy and warm, even when the weather on the other side of the window is chilly. It’s also large enough for big cats, measuring 23″ x 13″. The bed itself is available in gray and white, while the frame is black.
- Can be used on any window, with or without a sill, and at any height
- 40-pound weight limit
- Machine washable
- Available in grey and weight
- Need to inspect suction cups regularly to ensure safety
- Not the most attractive design
4. Best Heated – K&H PET PRODUCTS Heated Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash Cat Bed
The K&H PET PRODUCTS Heated Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash Cat Bed electrically heats up to your cat’s normal body temperature to keep them warm and comfortable but goes no higher for safety. It’s also thermostatically controlled, so it only heats up while your cat is using the bed. It uses an energy-efficient, low-wattage heater and K&H Pet Products sells replacement parts so it’s easy to repair, extending the life of the bed.
The bed also features an orthopedic foam base with bolsters, making this bed especially good for older cats and cats with joint issues. The cover is removable and machine washable for your convenience. It comes in two sizes and two colors to suit a variety of cats and homes. The small size is a 16″ diameter circle, while the large is a 16″ x 22″ oval.
- Heated
- Thermostatically controlled
- Two sizes and two colors
- Machine washable cover
- Requires an outlet
- Small size is a little small for most adult cats
- Warms while in use, which cats may not understand at first
5. Best Elevated – Catry Cat Bed with Scratching Post
The Catry Cat Bed with Scratching Post is an excellent choice for cats that like to sleep up high and for owners who want a cat bed that doubles as a scratching post. The elevated bed satisfies a cat’s desire to survey their territory, while the sisal scratching post underneath allows them to engage in natural scratching behaviors without damaging your furniture or carpet. The post is large, 16″ x 12″ x 4,” which gives your cat plenty of room to scratch and provides plenty of support for the bed on top. It’s also a great option for placing in front of a window. The wide base makes sure the bed is stable despite its tall height.
The bed itself is big and plush, measuring 23″ x 16″, so it’s large enough for most cats. The soft bed cover is removable and machine washable. Finally, the overall design of the bed is much more attractive than many other beds on the market.
- Elevated bed
- Good height to put in front of window
- Large base for stability
- Machine washable cover
- Requires you to assemble the bed yourself
- The bed isn’t very padded
Frequently Asked Questions
Article Sources
Pet News Daily uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- AVMA. Senior pet care FAQ. Avma.org. Accessed March 9, 2022.
- Waring L. Why do cats sleep so much? Vethelpdirect.org. Published January 10, 2021. Accessed March 9, 2022.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Loving care for older cats. Vet.cornell.edu. Accessed March 9, 2022.
- Fish T. What cat sleeping positions really mean — curled up, bread loaf and more. Newsweek.com. Published February 26, 2022. Accessed March 9, 2022.
- Weir M, Buzhardt L. Taking your pet’s temperature. Vcahospitals.com. Accessed March 9, 2022.
Dr. Jennifer Coates was valedictorian of her graduating class at the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and has practiced in Virginia, Wyoming, and Colorado. She is also the author of numerous articles and books including the Dictionary of Veterinary Terms: Vet-Speak Deciphered for the Non-Veterinarian.
