
Should You Buy a Cat Bed, or Will Your Cat Just Sleep Anywhere?
Introduction: Do Cats Really Need a Bed?
If you’ve ever lived with a cat, you know this scene well:
Your cat completely ignores the expensive, plush bed you bought—and chooses to nap in a cardboard box, your laundry basket, or the bathroom sink.
“Should I even bother buying a cat bed?”
“What kind of bed do cats actually use?”
“Are there real benefits to giving a cat a designated bed?”
The truth is: while cats can sleep just about anywhere, the right bed provides comfort, safety, and better rest—especially if chosen wisely.
This guide covers:
- Whether your cat needs a bed
- Different types of cat beds (and who they suit best)
- Where to place the bed for maximum success
- How to choose the ideal bed based on your cat’s habits and age
1. Do Cats Need a Bed?
Not strictly—but they benefit from one.
Cats will nap anywhere they feel safe, warm, and undisturbed. But giving your cat a dedicated bed helps:
✅ Provide Comfort and Security
- Soft materials cushion joints and muscles
- Enclosed beds offer protection and calm
- Ideal for senior, anxious, or recovering cats
✅ Establish a Personal Territory
- Helps prevent territorial stress
- Gives your cat a “safe zone”
- Encourages independence
✅ Protect Your Furniture
- Reduces fur and claw wear on your couch or pillows
- Encourages cats to nap in their space, not yours
📌 A cat bed isn’t essential—but it’s a great comfort and training tool.
2. Where Do Cats Like to Sleep?
Cats sleep up to 16–18 hours a day—and prefer spots that are:
- Warm and elevated
- Quiet and out of reach
- Near you—but not too close
- Soft and cozy
- Away from strong smells, noise, or foot traffic
That’s why beds near sunlight, windowsills, shelves, or quiet corners are usually a hit.
3. Types of Cat Beds (And Which Cats Love Them)
Different beds suit different personalities, ages, and lifestyles.
🛏 1. Bolster Beds (Soft, Open, with Raised Sides)
Best for:
- Cats who like to curl up
- Cats who want head support
- Cooler months (holds heat well)
📌 Look for memory foam or orthopedic options for senior cats.
🏠 2. Covered or Cave Beds
Best for:
- Shy or anxious cats
- Cats that like to hide or feel enclosed
- Multi-cat homes (for privacy)
📌 Enclosed beds mimic den-like safety and reduce stress.
🛋 3. Window Perch Beds
Best for:
- Cats who love sunbathing
- High-energy or curious cats
- Apartment dwellers with limited space
📌 Suctions to windows or attaches to sills—turns nap time into bird-watching time.
🔁 4. Heated Beds
Best for:
- Seniors with joint issues
- Cats in cold climates
- Short-haired or hairless breeds (like Sphynx)
📌 Choose low-watt, auto-regulating heated beds. Never use human heating pads.
🧺 5. Blanket Nests or Self-Warming Mats
Best for:
- Cats that dislike structured beds
- Summer naps
- Budget-conscious cat parents
📌 Often preferred over thick beds—especially in warmer weather.
🌙 6. Hammock-Style Beds
Best for:
- Climbers or perch-loving cats
- Those who want airflow while sleeping
- Stylish homes (furniture-integrated)
📌 Great for ventilation and cats who hate enclosed beds.
🧳 7. Travel & Multi-Purpose Beds
Best for:
- Crate training or travel use
- Vet visits and calming environments
- Compact living
📌 Look for portable, washable designs that double as carriers or hideouts.
4. Where Should You Put the Cat Bed?
The right location can make or break whether your cat uses the bed.
✅ Best Locations:
- Near windows with sun or outdoor views
- Quiet rooms like bedrooms or studies
- Close to their favorite humans
- Elevated shelves or under furniture
- Corners with minimal disturbance
📌 Cats often prefer multiple beds in different areas. Variety = higher usage rate.
5. How to Get Your Cat to Use the Bed
😻 Tips to Encourage Usage:
- Place a used blanket or shirt with your scent
- Use catnip or silvervine spray
- Put the bed in a favorite nap zone
- Avoid placing in high-traffic or noisy areas
- Don’t force it—cats choose comfort on their terms
💡 Some cats ignore new beds for days or weeks before deciding it’s “theirs.”
6. What If My Cat Still Prefers Boxes or Sofas?
That’s normal!
Cats love:
- Enclosed cardboard spaces
- Your smell on couches or beds
- Elevated and unpredictable napping spots
✅ Strategies:
- Add a soft insert or blanket into a box = DIY bed
- Create “inviting” cat beds on sofa corners with washable covers
- Offer multiple options—beds, mats, boxes
📌 The goal isn’t to control where they sleep, but to provide safe, healthy options.
7. Should You Have More Than One Cat Bed?
Yes—especially if:
- You live in a multi-room or multi-story home
- You have more than one cat
- Your cat likes different sleeping environments (warm vs. cool, high vs. low)
✅ A good rule: 1 bed per cat, plus 1 extra in a secondary location.
8. What to Look For in a Quality Cat Bed
Feature | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Washable cover | Hygiene and odor control |
Non-slip base | Safety on hard floors |
Durable stitching | Scratch and bite resistance |
Hypoallergenic materials | Good for sensitive skin |
Size & shape | Must fit your cat’s body and sleeping style |
9. Best Cat Beds (2024 Recommendations)
Product | Type | Notable Features |
---|---|---|
Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut | Bolster | Orthopedic, soft faux fur, raised edges |
Frisco Igloo Cave Bed | Covered | Enclosed, machine washable |
K&H Thermo-Kitty Heated Bed | Heated | Low-watt, vet-recommended |
PetFusion Elevated Lounge | Hammock | Modern look, cooling airflow |
Kitty City Stackable Condo | Modular | Great for multi-cat homes |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do cats actually like cat beds?
Yes—when the bed suits their preferences. Many cats ignore poorly placed or overly warm/fluffy beds.
Q2: How do I know what kind of bed my cat likes?
Observe where and how they sleep:
- Curled up? → Try a donut or bolster bed
- Hiding? → Try a cave bed
- Stretching out? → Try a flat mat or large lounge bed
Q3: Is it okay to let my cat sleep in my bed instead?
Absolutely. But a cat bed gives them an alternative for solo naps and territory independence.
Q4: How often should I wash the cat bed?
Every 1–2 weeks (more if your cat sheds heavily or has allergies). Choose machine-washable options.
Q5: Are heated cat beds safe?
Yes—if designed for pets. Use low-wattage models with auto shutoff and no exposed wires.
💛 Final Thoughts: A Cat Bed Is a Comfort, Not Just a Convenience
While cats can nap anywhere, a thoughtfully chosen bed offers:
- Security
- Comfort
- Better sleep
- Health support (especially for seniors or anxious cats)
It also helps:
- Define their space
- Protect your furniture
- Strengthen their independence
❤️ Want a happier cat? Give them a bed that matches their instincts—and let them decide when it becomes their favorite place.