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10 Best Orthopedic Cat Beds – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

cat in PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Cat Bed

You may not notice it at first. Your cat may seem less active and spend less time looking out the window from their window perch. Then, it becomes evident that your pet is walking a bit slower and has problems jumping up on the couch. You may find that they’re stopping and going up the stairs at a sluggish pace. These are all the classic signs of osteoarthritis in felines.

No cat is immune to this debilitating condition. It’s merely time taking its toll on your pet’s joints. While osteoarthritis isn’t curable, you can make your kitty more comfortable by getting an orthopedic cat bed.

After all, sleep is vital to felines, some of which may snooze up to 20 hours a day. Therefore, investing in a high-quality product makes sense, given its importance to your pet. Our guide below will discuss the features to look for to make an informed choice. We’ve also included reviews of some of the best orthopedic cat beds available this year, with pros and cons for each one.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
FurHaven Quilted Orthopedic Cat Bed FurHaven Quilted Orthopedic Cat Bed
  • Recycled materials
  • Excellent size selection
  • 30-day limited warranty
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Frisco Sherpa Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed Frisco Sherpa Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed
  • Value-priced
  • Comfy cushion
  • Easy entry and exit
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Petsure Orthopedic Cat Bed Petsure Orthopedic Cat Bed
  • Water-resistant liner
  • Sturdy construction
  • Non-skid bottom
  • K&H Pet Products Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed K&H Pet Products Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed
  • Soft interior
  • 1-year limited warranty
  • Well-made
  • MidWest Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed MidWest Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed
  • Water-resistant
  • Odor-resistant
  • The 10 Best Orthopedic Cat Beds

    1. FurHaven Quilted Orthopedic Cat Bed – Best Overall

    Furhaven Pet Dog Bed for cats dogs

    The FurHaven Quilted Orthopedic Cat Bed ticks off many of the boxes we look for in these products. It uses CertiPUR-US-certified foam, which puts it squarely in the dealmaker category. It is a cat sofa with an open front for easy entry and exit. The interior is quilted with orthopedic foam for comfort. It does an excellent job of redistributing the weight of your pet.

    The suede-lined sides provide more than adequate support, and the bed comes in a full range of sizes to fit any pet. It has a stylish design that will look attractive even in the family room. We liked that it’s made with recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly purchase. The price is affordable, especially considering the 30-day limited warranty.

    To conclude, we think this is the overall best orthopedic cat bed.

    Pros
    • Recycled materials
    • Excellent size selection
    • 30-day limited warranty
    • Removable cover
    • CertiPUR-US certified foam
    Cons
    • Foam not washable

    2. Frisco Sherpa Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed – Best Value

    Frisco Sherpa Orthopedic Bolster Cat & Dog Bed

    The Frisco Sherpa Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed is the best orthopedic cat bed for the money. It comes with a Sherpa-sided cushion and a chenille jacquard bed, both of which have removable covers. The filling is comprised of memory foam and polyfill. It is well-made and provides adequate room for cats that like to stretch out in their bed. We appreciate that the entire bed is washable.

    While it is affordably priced, the foam is neither certified nor chew-resistant. The bed is attractive but comes in only one color. The cushion is a light gray, which can be problematic for dark-colored pets. Given its size and price, we think it would make an excellent travel bed.

    Pros
    • Value-priced
    • Comfy cushion
    • Easy entry and exit
    Cons
    • Not chew-resistant
    • Not CertiPUR-US certified

    3. Petsure Orthopedic Cat Bed – Premium Choice

    Petsure Orthopedic Memory Foam Pet bed

    The Petsure Orthopedic Cat Bed is a high-quality product designed with the pet owner in mind. It has a removable base cover containing a 2.5-inch memory foam layer. It also has a sofa shape for easy entry and exit. We liked the non-skid bottom that makes placing it in a room with hardwood floors possible. The sides are well-padded for optimal support.

    However, given its price, we thought it was a shame that the bed wasn’t CertiPUR-US certified. The thinness of the cover was also a red flag if your cat has sharp claws. Overall, it’s a well-made product that scores high marks for comfort and support. It comes in three colors and three sizes.

    Pros
    • Water-resistant liner
    • Sturdy construction
    • Non-skid bottom
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Not CertiPUR-US certified

    4. K&H Pet Products Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed

    K&H Pet Products Orthopedic Bolster Cat & Dog Bed

    The K&H Pet Products Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed provides a plush place to curl up for a catnap, with its velvet and microfiber interior that will make a favorable impression on your cat. The sides are thick and soft, and the 3-inch orthopedic foam and foam base provide support. It has a removable cover that is machine washable in the delicate cycle. The manufacturer recommends line-drying it.

    The design makes it easy for your pet to get inside, but the opening is smaller than we usually see with these sofa-style beds. It comes in two colors and four sizes, and the manufacturer also offers a 1-year limited warranty.

    Pros
    • Soft interior
    • 1-year limited warranty
    • Well-made
    Cons
    • Only the cover is washable
    • Not CertiPUR-US certified

    5. MidWest Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed

    MidWest QuietTime Defender Orthopedic Bolster Cat & Dog Bed w:Removable Cover

    The MidWest Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed looks more like your run-of-the-mill model than an orthopedic bed. It consists of a foam bolster with a fleece lining over an egg-crate base. The latter allows for circulation, but the higher sides do not. It is also taller than comparable products, making it a possible issue for arthritic cats.

    On the positive side, the Mid we don’t always like about pet beds, with their odor- and water-resistant properties. The latter is a Teflon-coating, which we questioned for its safety. While it’s easy to clean, the bed doesn’t provide enough support to alleviate pressure points. It’s also expensive for what it is.

    Pros
    • Water-resistant
    • Odor-resistant
    Cons
    • Inadequate support
    • Expensive

    6. Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Cat Bed

    Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Pillow Cat & Dog Bed w:Removable Cover

    The Brindle Waterproof Orthopedic Cat Bed consists of two 2-inch layers of support and memory foam. It has a velour, removable cover with a waterproof liner inside to protect the base. The top is soft and relieves pressure well. Unfortunately, it’s only a pillow and not a complete bed with sides. It will provide some warmth with its thickness. However, it’s not the same as a bolster model that allows a cat to curl up inside it.

    The Brindle bed is well-made, with a washable cover. It has a non-skid bottom and comes in three sizes and three colors. One standout feature is the 3-year warranty that the manufacturer offers. That says a lot about the quality of the product and its durability. Nevertheless, it is not scratch- or chew-resistant.

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Non-skid bottom
    • 3-year warranty
    Cons
    • No side support
    • Doesn’t retain heat

    7. American Kennel Club Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed

    American Kennel Club Orthopedic Circle Stitch Cuddler Pet Bed

    The American Kennel Club Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed looks like a regular sleeping spot with full padding on three sides for excellent support. The outer material is canvas, offering decent durability. The interior is a fleece-like material. The bed is one piece only, with no removable cover or pillow. Unfortunately, it is not machine-washable, either. It’s too bad, given its light color.

    The bed comes in three colors and only one size. The manufacturer recommends it for pets up to 25 pounds. The filling is polyfill, and although it’s soft enough, it’s not an orthopedic product nor CertiPUR-US certified. On the positive side, it is affordably priced for an extra bed to have at home or for travel.

    Pros
    • Value-priced
    • Excellent side support
    • Water-resistant
    Cons
    • Only one size
    • Non-washable

    8. Best Friends by Sheri Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed

    Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler

    The Best Friends by Sheri Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed has a cozy interior that is sure to keep your pet comfortable. The padding is thick at 3 inches, and the back is taller than the sides for better heat retention. The material has a lot of loft for trapping air and making it even warmer. Unfortunately, it doesn’t provide the support we’d expect in an orthopedic product.

    On a positive note, the bed is easy to clean. You can throw it in the washer and pop it in the dryer on the delicate cycle to finish. It’s also value-priced. While it keeps its shape all right, the sides flop over with any pressure. Its value rests with the warmth it provides and not the support. It comes in seven colors and two sizes.

    Pros
    • Machine-washable
    • Dryer-friendly
    Cons
    • Too high to get in and out of it
    • No anti-skid bottom

    9. PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Cat Bed

    PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed, Solid CertiPUR-US Orthopedic Memory Foam

    The PetFusion Ultimate Orthopedic Cat Bed starts right with a waterproof liner and replacement covers available for its bolster-type product. Unfortunately, water-resistant is a better descriptor. However, it is easy to spot-clean it as long as you tackle the issue early. The design is attractive and provides decent side support, and the opening isn’t too high for senior cats.

    On the downside, the cat bed is expensive, especially considering that it isn’t CertiPUR-US certified. The small size measures 25 inches x 20 inches. The padding takes up 2 inches on all sides, cutting down the usable space. The manufacturer offers a 36-month limited warranty on the bed, and tt comes in three sizes and four colors.

    Pros
    • Eco-friendly materials
    • Replacement covers available
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Quality control issues with zippers
    • Inflammable

    10. Milliard Premium Orthopedic Cat Bed

    Milliard Premium Orthopedic Memory Foam Cat Bed

    The Milliard Premium Orthopedic Cat Bed is the second of two products on our roundup that are CertiPUR-US certified. This one has 4 combined inches of orthopedic and base foam to provide adequate support and pressure relief. Unfortunately, it’s just a pillow that provides comfort but no heat retention. Nonetheless, it is soft and affordably priced.

    The cover is removable and washable. That’s a good thing, considering the bed comes in only one light color choice that is sure to require frequent cleaning. The Millard bes has a detectable odor, which isn’t unusual for these items. It was a turn-off, nevertheless. While the manufacturer says the cover is waterproof, we thought it was water-resistant—only to a point.

    Pros
    • CertiPUR-US certified
    Cons
    • No side support
    • Lack of heat retention
    • One color choice
    • Odor

    Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Orthopedic Cat Beds

    The quality of cat beds has soared in recent years. Manufacturers have realized that people often view their pets as members of the family. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), pet owners spent nearly $73 billion on their animal companions in 2018, an industry record-high amount. That means you’ll probably have no problems finding quality products at a wide range of prices.

    However, getting what you paid for in an orthopedic cat bed is also essential. Remember that by the time your pet starts showing signs of joint pain, the disease has progressed quite a bit. Comfort and your kitty’s well-being are at the top of the list of features. Some points to consider include:

    • Materials and construction
    • Support
    • Cover
    • Washability and care
    • Other features
    • Price

    You’ll likely find that shopping for a cat bed isn’t unlike getting one for yourself. You’ll see the same selling points and benefits. You may even recognize national brands that have expanded into the pet market. The best thing about it is that it gives you an excellent grasp of what you can expect and how that will translate into a better quality of life for your cat.

    Materials and Construction

    This feature is by far the most important of any you’ll consider. It will make the most significant impact on your pet’s comfort. Orthopedic foam is more of a marketing term than an actual product designation. The proof is whether or not it alleviates pressure and provides adequate support. For example, a memory foam bed may be orthopedic, but that term can also apply to latex or polyfill, depending on the design.

    An extra thick cat bed isn’t necessarily orthopedic. It’s all about the design. A quality product often has more than one layer, with memory foam on top and support foam underneath to help it keep its shape. One way to determine if it’s the real deal is to look for CertiPUR-US certification. That tells you the manufacturer made it without formaldehyde, flame retardants, or other hazardous materials.

    The absence of flame retardants is particularly critical for cats. Research has suggested that long-term exposure can increase your pet’s risk of thyroid disease. However, that makes the placement of the bed essential to keep it from any fire hazards, such as in front of a fireplace or kerosene heater.

    Certification is one way to ensure that you’re getting a well-made bed. However, you’ll likely see it reflected in the product’s price. Other materials you may see include polyfill, microfiber, gel foam, and recycled materials. Manufacturers often construct their beds with a base layer. Egg crate foam is a popular choice. A memory or orthopedic layer sits on top of it to provide the balance of the pressure relief.

    Support

    Adequate support is the primary benefit of choosing an orthopedic cat bed over a less expensive item. Its purpose is to relieve pressure on your pet’s joints to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. It also speaks to the bed’s durability, especially if your kitty is on the heavy side. Look for a well-constructed design with padded sides. However, make sure they aren’t too high since it could make it difficult for your kitty to get out of it.

    Bear in mind that the padding will cut down on the room inside of the bed. We suggest checking the dimensions for both the bed and the interior space to make sure that you’re getting the correct size. Ideally, the bed will allow your pet to get inside with its entire body with room overhead in the case of hooded styles. If in doubt, measure your cat to play it safe.

    cat sleeping in its cave bed

    Cover

    The cover material will also play a significant role in comfort. Softness and durability are the primary considerations. After all, you want it to feel comfortable to your cat. The second factor is a valid point if your cat likes to knead. Some pets get quite zealous about this sleep ritual and can make short work of flimsy materials.

    Options you’ll see include faux fur, Sherpa, and polyethylene, among others. The top criterion is that it’s warm and will help retain heat when your cat curls up inside the bed. Textured materials like chenille do an excellent job of trapping air and keeping things cozy. These conditions can make your pet more comfortable by encouraging blood circulation to speed healing. It also just feels good.

    Washability and Care

    We consider this feature a must-have, especially if you have a senior pet. It can extend the bed’s lifespan, making it a wiser investment. We suggest reading the care instructions before you buy a product. Find out what you can and cannot machine wash. Some beds have removable covers that make this task easier. We recommend also checking the availability and cost of replacements to get more out of your purchase.

    Many of the products we reviewed had washable and spot-clean parts to them. That makes the color availability more desirable so that it doesn’t show any spots. Most of the beds we researched had a limited number of choices. We suggest getting a color that closely matches your cat’s fur to make it less noticeable.

    cat outside its bed
    Image By: Kimcolley, Pixabay

    Other Features

    Specialty and premium orthopedic cat beds include other features that can almost make it seem like a spa experience—feline style. We’ve seen products with removable heaters for the winter and cooling pads for the warmer months.

    You’ll find water-resistant and waterproof items, too. Bear in mind that there is a distinct difference between the two terms. However, this feature is a double-edged sword. Truly waterproof products can retain moisture, which can cause mold and mildew if the cover or liner isn’t completely dry.

    Ideally, the product description will have an International Protection Rating (IP). This two-digit code tells you how much an item will keep out debris or moisture. You often see it on electronics, outdoor lighting, and outerwear. This number quantifies how waterproof something is. Our research found few pet bed manufacturers provide this spec.

    Most cat beds have a non-skid bottom for optimal safety. Of course, that feature matters most if you put the bed in a room with hardwood floors or tile. Some products have hoods, which makes the bed a hiding place for your kitty.

    Price

    The price range of orthopedic cat beds is surprisingly wide. We found budget-friendly ones under $25. On the high end, we reviewed products costing hundreds of dollars. Most sellers will at least refund or replace defective products. You probably won’t see many with warranties unless they include a heating element.

    Our advice is to consider how your cat uses their supplies. If they’re rough on toys and scratch whatever they find, it makes sense to spend a bit more on a bed that will last. Also, think about how often you replace it. You can justify shelling out more for an orthopedic cat bed that will pay for itself with better construction and durability.

    Conclusion

    No one likes to see their pet in pain. An orthopedic cat bed can help your cat get a better night’s sleep and wake up feeling less stiff. Fortunately, we found several products that can fit the bill nicely. The FurHaven Quilted Orthopedic Cat Bed claimed the number one spot in our roundup of reviews. Not only is it attractive, but it’s practical and provides excellent support at an affordable price.

    The Frisco Sherpa Orthopedic Bolster Cat Bed has an attractive design that makes it stylish as well as practical. While it’s not CertiPUR-US certified, it provides a comfortable space to curl up that will retain heat well. Its affordable price makes it an excellent choice for a second bed.

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