Cat cave beds can be perfect for cats that like to hide and snuggle. They can be a particularly great fit if you have a noisy household, multiple pets, or live somewhere where you need to worry about protecting your cat from getting too cold.
Not only do these beds provide some level of privacy while your cat sleeps, but they also provide cozy fabric for your cat to snuggle in while feeling safe and secure.
But cats can be picky about where they sleep! Some cats may prefer an open bed, and getting a cat cave bed that you’re not going to be able to clean can really turn a cat off as well (as they tend to avoid smelly areas for sleep and relaxation).
To help you both decide if a cat cave is right for your cat, and to select the right bed, our vet advisor, Dr. Chyrle Bonk, chose the best cat cave beds based on careful evaluation of quality, durability, and other considerations (while also offering some tips and advice on who should and shouldn’t buy a cave bed for their feline friend).
Dr. Bonk chose the SISROL Self-Warming Plush Cat Tent as the best overall cat cave because it’s easy to clean, comfortable, and made from quality materials.
While this is the top pick, there are a lot more considerations for anyone considering a cat cave bed. For that reason, we’ve included a buying guide, a list of reasons you may not want to buy a cat cave bed at all, as well as Dr. Bonk’s picks for the best cat cave bed for a variety of specific use cases.
The 5 Best Cat Cave Beds
- Best Overall – SISROL Self-Warming Plush Cat Tent
- Best Budget – Furhaven Triangle Dome Fleece Pet Tent
- Best Foldable – Bedsure Large Cat Cave
- Best Large Bed – Miss Meow Cat Cave Bed
- Best Wool Bed – Feltcave Cat Cave Bed
Cat Cave Beds Compared
Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Vet’s Picks | Brand | Rating | Machine Washable? | Size | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | SISROL Self-Warming Plush Cat Tent | 19.7″ x 15.7″ x 11.8″ | Pets between 7 – 17 lbs | ||
| Best Budget Buy | Furhaven Triangle Dome Fleece Pet Tent | 16″ x 13″ x 13″; opening 7″ x 6″ | Pets up to 20 lbs | ||
| Best Foldable for Storage | Bedsure Large Cat Cave | (cover only) | 16.5″ x 16.5″ x 14″; opening 8.5″ x 8.5″ | Not noted | |
| Best for Large Cats | Miss Meow Cat Cave Bed | (cushion cover only) | 16″ x 24″ x 18″ (large); 12″ x 18″ x 14″ (medium) | Pets up to 25 lbs (large); pets up to 15 lbs (medium) | |
| Best Wool | Feltcave Cat Cave Bed |
17″ x 12″; opening 7″ | Pets up to 15 lbs |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and are based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers.
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Cat Cave?
- Owners of skittish cats – If your cat is a bit on the scared side, then they may benefit from a cat cave bed to help them feel more secure.1
- Cats that like enclosed spaces – For cats that like to snuggle under covers or other enclosed spaces, you should consider a cat cave. They allow your cat to enter without you having to lift or fuss with blankets to cover them up.
- Owners of multiple cats – If you have multiple cats, it is always best to provide access to various beds to suit each cat’s preference.2
Who Should Not Buy a Cat Cave?
- Owners of cats that don’t like tight spaces – If your cat doesn’t like tight spaces, they probably aren’t going to utilize a cat cave bed.
- Cats with already well-loved beds – If your feline already has a well-loved bed, they may not use a new one.
Buying Guide: Research Tips from a Veterinarian
It may seem as though any cat bed will do at first, but when you dig further into the different types of beds out there, you’ll see there’s quite a difference. As a veterinarian, I’m often asked about the types of beds cats will enjoy most or be most likely to use. Here are some considerations to help you choose the best cat cave bed for your favorite feline.
- Know how your cat likes to sleep – Some cats like to sprawl out, and others like to sleep curled up in a tight ball. Some even like to hide.3 If your cat is a hider, a cat cave bed may be just what you’re looking for. That’s because they provide privacy and security and varying levels of coziness.
- Type of cat bed – If your cat is the type that will likely enjoy a cave bed, you’ll need to choose between a sleeping bag style that wraps them in comfort or a tent style with a higher ceiling. It still gives them privacy but without confinement.
- Consider the materials – After the shape and size of the cave bed, look at the material. Most cats will prefer plush and soft, but some might like a firmer feel. If your cat has sensitive skin, you’ll also want to choose materials that won’t irritate its skin. Finally, some materials are easier to clean than others, so be sure to look at the washing instructions before choosing a cat cave bed.
- Keep size in mind – After you’ve decided what your cat will like, choose a bed based on the space you have available and what additional features you would like. Some cave beds have an open loft on top that can be used for lounging, and others have a scratching part or attached toy to make it multifunctional if you’re tight on space. Others will be larger to accommodate multiple cats, if you have them, or if your kitty likes a bit more space. However, they are going to take up more room in your home.
- Bonus features – You may want to choose a cave bed made of natural materials, such as wool. This makes them more sustainable and eco-friendly and less likely to be treated with chemicals that can irritate your cat.4 You’ll also want to look at self-heating capabilities if your kitty likes it a little warmer, waterproofing if they’re prone to accidents, and an anti-skid bottom to keep the bed where you want it on hard flooring.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $15 and $30
Generally, most cat cave beds are between $15 to $30 for a quality product. The quality of a cat cave bed doesn’t always match the price, so don’t assume that a $30 bed is better than a $15. You often don’t miss much if you opt for a budget option, though you may lose a little durability.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily
When choosing the best cat cave beds, I looked at the materials they were made out of and whether they were soft and cozy or rough and harsh. I also looked at the quality and durability of the beds since they need to stand up to years of snuggly sleeping. Washability is an essential factor since cat beds can quickly become dirty, and no one wants to clean them if it’s complicated. A machine-washable cat cave bed is more likely to stay clean and sanitary. – Dr. Chyrle Bonk
The Best Cat Cave Bed Reviews
1. Best Overall – SISROL Self-Warming Plush Cat Tent
The SISROL Self-Warming Plush Cat Tent is a self-warming cat cave bed that features silk for durability and coziness. It helps your cat stay warm while also standing firm against her nails. There are two different colors available: gray and coffee. The triangular shape provides a cozy space for your feline, but it also prevents your cat from being completely covered, so she won’t feel as though she’s trapped.
This bed has very little set-up time. It is packed in a vacuum-seal bag to keep it clean while shipping. Once you place the bed on the ground, it automatically re-fluffs and spreads out, so there’s no complicated assembly required. It’s also easy to clean: when you need to wash this bed, you can throw it in the washing machine and hang it up to dry.
- Machine-washable
- Little set-up time
- Made from cozy PP floss silk
- Triangular shape
- One size; too small for some cats
2. Best Budget – Furhaven Triangle Dome Fleece Pet Tent
For those on a budget, we recommend the Furhaven Triangle Dome Fleece Pet Tent. This bed features a cozy insulated polar fleece sleep surface for cats up to 20 pounds to snuggle into and a 7″ x 6′ opening for your cat to enter and exit. The insulated cave is collapsible and can fold up for easy storage. You can fold it up and set it back up quickly. Plus, this cat tent and the insulated cushion inside are machine-washable.
We also liked that this bed includes a 90-day limited coverage against material defects, so if anything is off with the bed, you should be able to get a replacement or your money back.
- Insulated cushion
- Cozy material
- 90-day coverage against material defects
- Machine washable
- A bit thin
3. Best Foldable – Bedsure Large Cat Cave
The biggest boon of the Bedsure Large Cat Cave is that it can easily be folded flat for storage purposes, and it’s also quick and easy to assemble. If you need to store your cat’s bed regularly, this is an excellent cat cave bed to consider. There are multiple mats included – one for the top and one for the bottom. The firmer one is for the top, while the soft one goes inside the cave.
This cat bed has a spacious 8.5″ opening, so it will work for bigger cats. It also includes a hanging plush ball that allows your cat to enjoy a bit of playtime and a durable scratching board made from sisal cloth, so your kitty can sharpen her claws on a suitable surface, rather than the furniture. Because the entrance is so low to the ground, this is also a great choice for aging cats.
- Sisal cloth board
- Sturdy MDF boards
- Thick cushion
- Folds for easy storage
- May smell at first after opening
4. Best Large Bed – Miss Meow Cat Cave Bed
For larger cats, the Miss Meow Cat Cave Bed is a good choice. The fabric provides aeration and temperature moderation to keep your kitty comfortable, and it’s also allergy-friendly, so it may work well for cats with allergies or sensitive skin. You can also convert this bed from a cave to a flat mat. If you are unsure if your cat will use the cave, this bed is a great decision. If she won’t use the cave configuration, she may still use it as a mat.
This cat cave bed is straightforward to clean, with a removable and machine-washable cushion cover. However, it does need to be air-dried. The reinforced bottom prevents the fabric from getting dirty while also preventing the bed from moving and scratching your floors.
- Very easy to clean
- Reinforced bottom
- Converts from cave to a flat mat
- Allergy-free fabric
- Bottom isn’t super sturdy
- Bed leans with cat
5. Best Wool Bed – Feltcave Cat Cave Bed
Wool can be an excellent choice for cats, as it is naturally smell-resistant and durable, and the Feltcave Cat Cave Bed is definitely worth considering, particularly if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option. Handmade by crafters in Nepal with 100% natural, soft felted Merino wool that is both flexible and sturdy, this cat cave bed is suitable for cats up to 15 pounds. You can expand the entry hole as necessary if your kitty prefers a larger opening.
While this cat cave bed flexes as your cat cuddles into it, it also retains its shape over time. Because it is all one big piece, it won’t break down over time. It also naturally repels odors, dirt, and stains, and you can easily vacuum it or use warm water and detergent for a deeper clean.5
- Soft felt
- Flexible
- Naturally repels odors & dirt
- For cats of all sizes
- No pad
- Squishes easily
- Not machine-washable
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for additional resources to help keep your cat healthy, happy, and clean you can also check out our list of the best cat litter for odor control and dust-free options.
And, if you’re like some of the Pet News Daily staff, you may have both a cat and a dog at home. If that’s the case and you’re in the market for a dog bed as well, you may want to check out our series of buying guides on that topic, including our guide to the best waterproof dog beds, our breakdown of the best outdoor dog beds, our look at the best-elevated dog beds, or our guide to evaluating the best dog sofa beds.
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.
- The Anti-Cruelty Society. Adopting a Shy Cat. Anticruelty.org. Accessed January 3, 2021.
- Adelman B. Cats Don’t Share. Here’s Why. Fearfreehappyhomes.com. Accessed January 3, 2021.
- Jane A. Experts Explain What Your Cat’s Sleeping Position Means. Onegreenplanet.org. Published November 28, 2021. Accessed January 13, 2022.
- Textile School. Wool fiber – Basics, Characteristics, & Properties. Textileschool.com. Updated May 1, 2019. Accessed January 13, 2022.
- Woolday. Merino Wool – A Great Gift From Nature. Woolday.com. Accessed January 13, 2022.
Pet News Daily writers are experts in pet care, health and behavior. We are members of Society for Professional Journalists and practice ethical journalism.
