If you are a true animal lover, you probably consider your cat as another member of the family. You probably find yourself talking to him in full sentences, even though you know he doesn’t understand you, or making sure he has all the comforts a human would expect. As part of your family, it is important that your feline is comfortable, especially considering that he spends much of the day sleeping.
So, do cat beds actually matter? The answer is yes. Regardless of breed, age, or personality, every cat benefits from having their own dedicated resting spot. Let’s explore exactly why, and how to pick the right type for your specific cat.
Quick Facts: Cat Beds
- Cats sleep roughly two-thirds of their lives, making bed choice genuinely important
- A fixed sleeping spot reduces stress-related issues, including some urinary tract problems
- Personality matters more than price — a shy cat and a bold cat want very different bed types
- Placement is often more important than the bed itself for getting your cat to actually use it
- Wash weekly if possible, since cat beds trap hair, dander, and odor quickly
Reasons Why Cats Need Their Own Bed
1. Comfort: Cats Love Comfortable Rest
Cats are known for being picky creatures, especially when it comes to their resting places. They prefer comfortable spots, which explains why they sometimes choose to sleep in closets full of soft clothing. Curiously, they also like to lie on electronic devices due to the heat they emit.
A bed designed specifically for cats provides a warm, soft place for your kitty to rest peacefully. Considering that cats sleep two-thirds of their lives, choosing a suitable bed is as important as choosing a good mattress for ourselves.
2. Routine: A Bed Helps Establish Stability
If you have chosen the right bed and your cat loves it, you have achieved something very beneficial. Having a fixed place to sleep reduces stress, especially in changing situations, such as moving house. This can help prevent stress-related health problems, including some urinary tract disorders.
3. Hygiene: Concentrating Hair in One Place
A cat bed can help keep the house cleaner by concentrating most of the shed hair in one place. This makes cleaning easier and prevents you from finding hair scattered across the sofa, your bed, and your clothes.
4. Your Own Rest
Although we love pampering our cats, sharing a bed with them can disrupt our sleep. Cats are more active at night, and their movements can wake us up. Allowing them to sleep with us can also create a habit that becomes difficult to break, especially if they develop strong dependency on it.
Choosing the Right Bed Type for Your Cat’s Personality
Not every cat wants the same kind of bed, and matching the type to your cat’s personality makes a real difference in whether it actually gets used.
Cats Who Like to Curl Up and Hide
Shy or anxious cats, and cats that like to feel enclosed and secure, generally do best with a round, plush bed with raised sides they can nestle into. The Bedsure Small Round Cat Bed is a solid option here, with soft plush material, an anti-slip bottom, and a machine-washable design that holds up well to regular cleaning.
Cats Who Want a Perch and a View
Bold, curious cats that like to supervise the household from up high generally prefer an elevated spot, especially near a window. A cat window perch gives them both the height and the sunlight most cats actively seek out. The Zakkart Cat Window Perch is built with a sturdy hardwood and metal frame designed to hold larger cats securely, with an orthopedic hammock-style cushion for comfort.
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Bed types compared, by personality:
| Bed Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Round plush/cave bed | Shy, anxious, or cold-sensitive cats who like to feel enclosed |
| Elevated window perch | Bold, curious cats who like height and sunlight |
| Flat/orthopedic bed | Senior cats or cats with joint stiffness |
| Heated bed | Cats in cold climates or older cats who feel the cold more |
How to Make Your Cat Use Its Bed
You may have bought a comfortable bed for your cat, but they still prefer a cardboard box. To change this, you can make the bed more attractive with treats or catnip. Catnip will not only pique their interest, but will also encourage them to snuggle up and sleep in their new bed.
Place the bed somewhere high, quiet, and sunny, or in an area close to you if your cat likes to be nearby. If your cat insists on sleeping with you, place their bed next to your pillow so they feel close without interrupting your rest.
Cat Bed Hygiene and Cleaning
It’s important to choose a bed that’s easy to clean, especially if your cat sheds a lot. Before washing, remove as much hair as possible with tools like lint rollers or a pet-hair vacuum attachment. Wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and consider a hair-trapping laundry bag or product during the wash cycle to keep your machine running well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats really need their own bed?
Yes. A dedicated bed supports better rest, reduces shedding around the house, and gives cats a stable, stress-reducing routine, regardless of breed.
What type of bed is best for a shy cat?
A round, enclosed, or cave-style bed with raised sides works well for shy or anxious cats, since it lets them feel hidden and secure.
Why does my cat ignore the bed I bought and sleep in a box instead?
Cats are often drawn to enclosed, snug spaces. Adding catnip to the new bed or placing it somewhere quiet and warm can help make it more appealing.
Where should I place my cat’s bed?
Somewhere quiet, warm, and ideally sunny, away from high-traffic areas, works best. Cats also often prefer a spot with a good vantage point.
How often should I wash my cat’s bed?
Weekly is ideal if possible, since cat beds accumulate hair, dander, and odor quickly, especially with cats that shed heavily.
Do cats prefer elevated beds or beds on the floor?
It depends on personality. Bold, curious cats often prefer elevated perches near windows, while shy cats tend to prefer low, enclosed beds.
Can a cat bed help with stress or anxiety?
A fixed, comfortable sleeping spot can reduce stress tied to routine changes, since it gives your cat a stable, predictable place to retreat to.
Is it bad to let my cat sleep in my bed?
It’s not harmful, but it can disrupt your sleep due to nighttime activity, and it can create a dependency that’s hard to change later if you decide against it.
What’s the best cat bed for a senior cat?
A flat or orthopedic-style bed with soft, supportive cushioning is generally best for senior cats, especially those with joint stiffness.
How many beds does my cat need?
One dedicated bed is enough for most cats, though multi-cat households often do better with one bed per cat, plus one extra, to reduce competition over resting spots.
Getting a suitable bed for your cat is not only an act of affection, but a necessity for their well-being. Providing them with a comfortable space, improving their routine, maintaining hygiene in your home, and ensuring your own rest are all powerful reasons to invest in the right cat bed. With a little patience, you can help your cat adjust to and genuinely love their new spot.
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