Which Cat Bed Should You Choose?
Choosing the right cat bed depends on your cat's size, sleeping habits, comfort needs and your home environment. A good cat bed should offer security, warmth and support while respecting your cat's natural preferences. To compare styles by shape, material or look, browse our cat bed collection, which brings together beds suited to different personalities and body types.
What Size Cat Bed Should You Choose?
Bed size directly affects your cat's comfort, sleep quality and sense of security. A cat bed that's too small keeps your cat from stretching out properly, while one that's too big can weaken the reassuring feeling of being wrapped in a cozy nest.
Does your cat sleep curled up in a ball? The round cat bed with a cozy raised rim comes in sizes up to XXL 70 cm, with free shipping.
Choose a Cat Bed That Fits Your Cat's Body
Your cat should be able to lie down, curl up and stretch out without feeling cramped. As a general rule, choose a bed whose diameter is about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) larger than your cat's body length when curled up. Similar guidance comes from International Cat Care, which stresses the importance of a bed that is roomy enough and feels secure.
Cats That Sleep Curled Up vs. Cats That Sleep Stretched Out
Cats that sleep in a ball often prefer round, deep beds, while cats that sprawl tend to like oval beds or more open mats. Watching your cat's usual resting posture will help you pick the right shape.
Is a Bigger Bed Really More Comfortable?
Contrary to popular belief, an oversized bed can feel less reassuring to some cats. Many look for a snug space that works like a protective cocoon. For these cats, bolstered edges help them relax and sleep more deeply. You can also explore other types of beds and alternatives in our cat bedding collection.
What Is the Best Cat Bed for a Large Cat?
Large cats and bigger breeds need wider, thicker and better-built beds to support their weight. An unsuitable bed can sag, lose stability and become uncomfortable over time.
Reinforced Beds and Thick Cushions
For larger cats, look for beds with firm sides, a non-slip base and dense padding. These features improve durability, prevent the bed from losing its shape and keep your cat's body steadily supported.
Recommended Width and Depth
A large cat should be able to stretch out without hanging over the edge. Recommended dimensions are often between 50 and 65 cm (20 to 26 in) for the usable sleeping area, depending on your cat's size and natural resting posture.
Choose Sturdy Materials
Reinforced fabrics, faux leather, thick velvet or wooden cat beds with an inner cushion are better suited to heavy cats. They stand up better to claws, repeated movement and the gradual flattening of the padding.
Which Cat Bed Should You Choose for a Kitten?
A kitten's bed should be safe, comforting and easy to get into. Kittens look for warm, protective spaces that feel like a nest, and the bed should also be easy to clean and sized for their small frame.
A Cocoon-Style Bed for the Bonding Phase
Enclosed beds, shaped like a shelter or dome, help a kitten feel wrapped up and secure. This type of bed reduces stress, eases the transition to a new home and supports gradual exploration.
Entry Height and Safety
The bed shouldn't be too tall or hard to reach. Low sides and floor-level mats are better for kittens that are still learning to coordinate their movements. PDSA also highlights the importance of a safe, easily accessible environment while kittens grow.
Hygiene and Easy Care
Kittens can sometimes soil their beds, especially while they're learning litter habits. Choose a model with a removable, machine-washable cover and breathable fabrics to limit odors and make daily cleaning simple.
Why Won't My Cat Sleep in Its Bed?
If your cat refuses its bed, it may come down to placement, material, temperature or simply natural preference. Some cats also take time to accept a new bed.
A Bed That's Poorly Placed or Too Exposed
Cats avoid noisy, cold or high-traffic areas. A bed placed in a hallway, near a door or in a drafty spot may be ignored in favor of a quieter, safer place. To better understand how the environment affects your cat's behavior, read our article on bringing a cat home to an apartment.
Your Cat Prefers a Firmer or Warmer Surface
Some cats prefer to sleep on the couch, a rug, a piece of furniture or near a heat source. Above all, they look for a strategic, stable and familiar spot, even if the bed seems more comfortable to us.
How to Help Your Cat Adopt Its Bed
You can place a blanket that smells like your cat in the bed, put it in a quiet area or add a cushion your cat already uses. A gradual, pressure-free introduction encourages natural, lasting acceptance.
Not sure about an enclosed cat house? See which cat house to choose.
For a large cat (Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat…), look at an XXL cat bed.
📚 Sources and references
- International Cat Care. Resources on cat welfare and environment. icatcare.org
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Resources on cat health and behavior. vet.cornell.edu
- MSD Veterinary Manual. Normal behavior and welfare of the domestic cat. msdvetmanual.com
- Turner, D. C. & Bateson, P. (2013). The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour. Cambridge University Press
- Bradshaw, J. (2013). Cat Sense
FAQ: How to Choose the Right Cat Bed
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Shy or anxious cats often prefer enclosed beds, which feel like a cozy cocoon and cut down on outside stimulation. More confident cats tend to like open beds or mattress-style cat mats, which let them stretch out freely and keep an eye on their surroundings. The best choice depends on your cat's temperament and resting habits.
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Yes, and it's actually quite common for a cat to have several beds or sleeping spots. This lets them switch up where they rest depending on the temperature, the season, and the time of day. Some cats prefer a cocoon-style cat bed in winter, then a more open or cooler spot when temperatures rise.
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The bed should go in a quiet spot, away from drafts and busy walkways. Cats especially like places that are slightly elevated or close to a lookout point, such as a window or a sturdy piece of furniture. Avoid noisy areas so your cat can rest without being disturbed.
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Regular upkeep supports your cat's comfort and health. We recommend washing the cover or cushion every two to four weeks, depending on how much your cat sheds and how often the bed is used. Air out the bed between washes as well to limit odors and dust buildup.
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Yes, this is very common. Cats instinctively choose the spots where they feel safest: the couch, a piece of furniture, the duvet, a rug... Even if the cat bed is comfortable, it can take time to be accepted. By adjusting its location or adding a blanket that smells like your cat, you can help them gradually make it part of their usual resting spots.
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