9 Best Cat Beds in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks
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A good cat bed can help provide your pet with a comfortable place to rest and sleep. Cats and kittens will normally sleep wherever they happen to be, but they enjoy a comfortable bed from time to time, and we often find ours catching a cat nap in his bed every day or two. However, it can be challenging to find a bed suitable for your cat with so many available, especially if you are not sure what you need. We have chosen 9 different beds to review for you so you can learn a little more about them. We’ll give you the pros and cons of each one and tell you about our experience using them so you can pick the best cat bed for your cat. We’ve also included a short buyer’s guide where we take a close look at the cat bed to see what is important to look for while you shop so you can get the most for your money. Keep reading while we discuss size, thickness, material, washability, and more to help you make an informed purchase.
A Glance at Our Favorites in 2024
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Best Overall
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Hepper Nest Modern Cat Bed |
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Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed |
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Frisco Self Warming Bolster Round Cat Bed |
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K&H Pet Products Heated Cat Bed |
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Furhaven Calming Fleece Covered Bed |
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The 9 Best Cat Beds
1. Hepper Nest Modern Cat Bed – Best Overall
The Hepper Nest Modern Cat Bed is our pick for the best overall cat bed. It is generous in size and has plenty of room for larger cat breeds that can reach up to 20 pounds. Its unique bowl shape measures about 10 inches wide at the base and 17 inches wide at the top, offering optimal support and comfort to cats of all ages and ailments.
The Sherpa lining is warm and catches fur that may be otherwise airborne or on your furniture. One of the greatest benefits of this bed is that you can easily remove the liner and toss it in the washing machine, never compromising the bed’s structure like a traditional cat bed. The bowl itself is made of a durable yet soft-to-the-touch foam that’s lightweight and sturdy. A damp cloth is all that’s needed to wipe it clean.
The base of the Nest Bed is flat, allowing you to set it up on any surface that your feline enjoys sleeping. The shape is enticing for most cats who then quickly figure out it’s an excellent place to curl up and take a nap.
All in all, we think this Hepper cat bed is the best cat bed and the best cat bed for kittens available.
- Holds 20-pound cats
- Sherpa lined
- Modern design
- Easy to clean
- Portable
- Has limited color options
2. Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed
The Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed is a dome-shaped cat bed/cave that has a contemporary look, and it comes in five different colors so you have plenty of options to choose from. It also comes in two different sizes so that even large cats can enjoy it comfortably. It’s made from Merino wool using a process that makes the fabric dense enough to withstand frequent clawing and scratching as well.
The downside is that since it is made from Merino wool, this bed comes at quite a price considering what it is. Being made of Merino wool, combined with the shape of this bed, also makes it difficult to clean. If you need to clean it, you have to wash it by hand or spot-clean it only, as the fabric can become damaged in the washing machine.
- Comes in different colors
- Suitable for large cats as well
- Fabric resists clawing and scratching
- Pricey
- Hard to clean
3. Frisco Self Warming Bolster Round Cat Bed
Frisco Self Warming Bolster Round Cat Bed comes in three different colors: gray, cream, and brown. You can choose the color that best matches the decor in your home. It’s made out of faux fur and polyester to help warm your pet without the need for plugs and wires. The material used to make this bed is machine-washable as well so it’s easy to clean.
The bed itself measures 12” x 9” and it’s large enough for most cats to fit in comfortably. It’s also rounded to fit your cat’s body better when he is curled up while sleeping. The only downside is that it is not covered, so cats that prefer more secluded sleeping places may not use it.
- Self-warming
- Machine-washable
- Comes in 3 different colors
- Large enough to fit most cats
- Not covered
4. K&H Pet Products Heated Cat Bed
Because of their smaller size, kittens lose body heat more quickly than adult cats. That’s why the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggle Cup Bomber Heated Cat Bed is a great option for kittens. It comes in two different colors, chocolate and gray, and features a plush interior and fleece around the top for added warmth. It also comes with a heater so that the bed can be kept 10-15 degrees above the air temperature.
The heater can also be removed when extra warmth isn’t needed. Since the heater is removable, the bed is machine-washable as long as the heater is, indeed, removed. The bed is also large enough that your kitten can use it into adulthood as well. The only downside is that because it has a heater, the bed is a bit pricey.
- Removable heater
- Machine-washable
- Ideal for kittens and adult cats
- Pricey
5. FurHaven Calming Fleece Covered Cat Bed
The Furhaven Calming Fleece Covered Cat Bed is great for anxious kitties or kitties who just prefer a secluded place to sleep. You can choose from four colors and each one is made from polar fleece fabric with insulated walls to provide your cat with plenty of warmth. The bed is also collapsible, so you can easily fold it up when not in use or for traveling.
The bed is designed for the whole thing to be machine-washed, but the base is removable so that it fits better in the washing machine. However, both the bed itself and the opening are somewhat small, so larger cats may have a more difficult time getting into the bed and laying it in comfortably.
- Machine-washable
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Made with fleece fabric and insulated walls
- It may be too small for large cats
6. Armarkat Cave Shape Covered Cat Bed
The Armarkat Cave Shape Covered Cat Bed is another model with a waterproof base that can come in handy in many circumstances. It also allows you to put it on the porch or in the yard temporarily for some summertime lounging. It uses a luxe velvet fabric that’s soft and comfortable with extra thick polyfill. If you’re looking for washable cat beds, this covered cat bed is machine washable, but the top-selling point is its unique cave shape that provides your cat with shelter and shade and is sure to be popular with your pet.
The downside to the Armarkat is that the top is easy to crush if your cat jumps on it, which it always does, and it doesn’t pop back up. You will need to pull it back up, and until then, the cat won’t be able to use the cave. Another problem we had was that it was a bit of a tight fit for our bigger cats.
- Waterproof and anti-slip base
- Luxe velvet fabric
- Extra thick polyfill
- Machine washable
- Cave shape
- Easy to crush
- Better for smaller cats
7. Pet Magasin Self-Warming Cat Cave
The Pet Magasin Self-Warming Cat Cave is a great multi-functional cat bed. The original configuration is a cat cave that is designed for cats that love to bury themselves in things when they sleep, but this bed can also be re-configured into a flat bed, a pod, or a cup. The exterior of this bed is made with microfiber and the interior contains fleece and foam padding.
It’s machine-washable, but only on a gentle cycle. Alternatively, you can hand-wash it if necessary. The downside to this bed is that it is pricey, especially if your cat only likes to lay on it as a flat bed. You could buy just a regular flat bed for cheaper if that is the case. It may also be too small for larger cats.
- Washable
- Made with self-warming materials
- You can use this bed in 4 different ways
- Pricey
- It may be too small for large cats
8. Frisco Modern Round Elevated Cat Bed
The Frisco Modern Round Elevated Cat Bed is a great alternative to cat beds that typically sit flat on the floor. The design of this bed gives it a contemporary look that fits in better with your home’s decor. It’s made from a comfy, warm, plush fabric as well. Since the bed sits on wooden legs, the whole thing can’t be machine-washed. But it does have a cushion that can be removed and machine-washed so that you can still clean it regularly.
One of the downsides to this bed is the price. It’s a reasonable price for such a sturdy and well-put-together bed, but it may not be the most budget-friendly option. You also have to be sure that you assemble it correctly, otherwise, the legs can wobble which may discourage your cat from using it if he or she doesn’t feel safe.
- Contemporary look
- Plush fabric is comfy and warm
- Removable, machine-washable cushion
- Pricey
- Legs can wobble if not assembled correctly
9. K&H Pet Products Thermo-Mod Dream Pod
As the name implies, The K&H Pet Products Thermo-Mod Dream Pod is pod-shaped and perfect for providing your cat with a cozy and secluded place to sleep. It also comes with a heating pad with a removable, machine-washable cover. The pod itself is designed to be unzipped so that you can easily remove the heating pad from inside during the warmer months or if you need to wash the cover.
One of the downsides to this bed is that it is pricey. Some users also say that the heating pad doesn’t get that warm and that their cat preferred to lay on a blanket inside of the pod instead. And although the opening to the pod is fairly large, larger cats may have a hard time actually fitting inside the pod comfortably.
- Can be unzipped for easy access to the inside
- The heating pad comes with a machine-washable cover
- Pricey
- Larger cats may not fit comfortably inside
- The heating pad may not get warm enough
Buyer’s Guide – Selecting the Best Cat Bed for Your Cat or Kitten
Let’s look at some of the most important things to consider when choosing the best cat bed for your furry friend.
Material
One of the first things you will want to decide when choosing your pet bed is what type of material you want. In our experience, using natural material made from cotton or wool is more inviting to the cat, rather than man-made fabric like polyester. It’s not that they won’t use the polyester bed. It just might take a lot longer to smell like home to some cats. Cats are also more likely to have an allergic reaction to beds that use synthetic material, so if your cat never used polyester fabrics before, it might be a good idea to introduce them slowly.
Machine Washable
You will also want to check before you purchase your bed to make sure it is machine washable. Your cat’s pet will collect plenty of fur and oils from your cat’s body, and you will need to wash it from time to time to keep it looking new. If your cat comes in contact with fleas, they will also hide in the bed and be difficult to remove without washing it in a machine. If the entire bad can’t go into the machine, at least the cover should come off.
If you do get a bed that is not machine washable, you can still hand wash it to get rid of the fleas and oils. You will need to fill a tub or large basin with hot water. Wear rubber gloves to get the water as hot as possible, and hand-wash the bed using a pet-safe shampoo. If fleas are on the bed, you will need to use a pet-safe flea and tick shampoo.
Size
You will need to measure your cat from their head to their tail base and use those measurements when choosing a bed for your cat. Most beds have the size listed on the package, but we found quite a few that seemed a lot smaller than they seemed. We tried to list those in our reviews, but you will want to be careful if you continue to shop elsewhere.
Shape
Most cats have a favorite sleeping position, and you should consider this when choosing your cat bed. Long rectangle beds are better for cats that like to sleep stretched out, while a round basket-style bed will be suitable for a cat that likes to sleep curled up.
Some beds also come with more elaborate shapes, like the cave-style bed in our reviews. These beds can provide your pet with a better experience, and they may use them more often than they use other beds, especially if they offer a better vantage point.
Accessories
Some beds may offer a wide variety of accessories, and you can only define their usefulness. However, we recommend avoiding beds with strings or tassels and any small parts like beads. Cats can be relentless when they want something and can easily tear off these small parts and swallow them. In some cases, this tugging and pulling can compromise the bed and cause it to fall apart much sooner than it should.
Some beds have heating mechanisms, and they can provide your pet with a warmer experience, especially if they are staying in a colder environment, like an enclosed porch.
Tips for Getting Your Cat to Use Their Bed
- Place the new bed in an area of the home where your cat already sleeps.
- Place the bed in a sunny spot of the home, unless you have a hairless cat. Cats love sunning themselves and are more likely to try the bed if it’s in an area they enjoy sitting.
- Make sure it’s secure. Many of the cat beds have non-slip bottoms, so they won’t slide or tip over when your cat is trying to get in. If the bed slides, it could scare the cat, and it will be much less likely to try the bed again.
- It is common to get a bed for your cat while it’s still a kitten which is fine, but if you notice your cat is outgrowing the bed, you should replace it with a similar but larger model.
- If you have more than one floor in your home, your cat will appreciate a bed on each floor.
- If you have more than one cat, each should have a bed to call its own.
- If you just got the cat, watch it for a while to see how it sleeps, so you are more likely to purchase a bed the cat will enjoy.
- Look for a brand that uses a mildew-resistant fabric.
Final Verdict
There are several great beds on this list of cat bed recommendations, but it’s difficult to beat our pick for the overall best cat bed. The Hepper Nest Modern Cat Bed is large enough to fit most cats and is soft and comfortable. It’s attractive and features a modern design, and you can throw it in the washing machine if it gets dirty. The Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed provides your cat with fabric that resists clawing and scratching that they are sure to enjoy. Another option is the Frisco Self-Warming Bolster Round Cat Bed. This bed is extremely soft and machine washable. It’s large enough for most cats, and it has raised sides for support.
We hope you have enjoyed reading these reviews and found a few models suitable for your cats.
- Related Reads: Where Do Cats Sleep? Sleeping Habits Explained
