Ah, the cat bed. Some may wonder why in the world they would spend money on a fluffy bed for their feline when the cat seems to be happy with that week-old packing box, a too-small sofa arms, or your damn pillow over all else. At The Post we like to spoil our kitties so we went ahead and put this theory to the test, providing our cats with a multitude of beds to try out and see which ones stick, if any. As it turns out, cat beds can totally be worth the investment and the space they take up when it comes to keeping rogue hairs off your other surfaces and your cat happy.
But, where to start the hunt for the right one? Obviously, right here. Yes, there are thousands on the market in all different styles, sizes, shapes, and materials — but you don’t need to worry about that. We went ahead and tested a multitude of cat beds with our cats, in our full-sized homes and our tiny city apartments, with our spritely kittens and our old, fat, grumpy guys (miss you, Louie…be home soon).
We also spoke with the experts at Chewy as well as Dr. Anna Kaufman of Bond Vet in New York City to get their takes on the best cat bed materials, styles, and amounts to have. Check out our FAQ section below for more on their expertise on kitty-cat comfort.
- Best overall: Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler
- Best budget: Frisco Self-Warming Bolster Kitten Bed
- Best cave: Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed
- Best window bed: Coziwow Indoor Hammock for Window Cat Perch
- Best tunnel bed: Frisco Modern Elevated Tunnel Cat Bed
- Best for large cats: Frisco Long Faux Fur Donut Cat & Dog Bed
- Best splurge: Casper The Dog Bed
How we tested
When it comes to testing cat beds, it’s 50% about how your cat reacts to them and 50% about how they suit your space and lifestyle. We tested a multitude of cat beds according to the following criteria:
- Comfort and attraction: How much does the cat want to use the bed? Do they seem comfortable? Do they fit?
- Cleaning: How easy is the bed to clean? Does it attract cat hair? How often does it need cleaning?
- Aesthetic: How does the bed look? Does it detract from decor? Is it attractive?
Each cat bed was tested for at least a month, except for those totally rejected by our felines (in which case you won’t be seeing those on our list).
Best overall: Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler
Pros:
- Provides a sense of security and comfort
- Soft, cozy material
- Machine washable
- Helps reduce pet anxiety
Cons:
- Not suitable for larger cats
- Requires frequent fluffing to maintain shape
The Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler is designed to offer comfort and support for anxious pets. Its round shape and high walls provide a sense of security, while the soft, shag fur mimics a mother’s fur coat, promoting restful sleep. The bed is also machine washable, making it easy to keep clean.
My cat absolutely loves this bed! He curls up in it every night and seems much more relaxed and happy. The shag fur is incredibly soft, and she looks so cozy and content. It’s also easy to clean, which is a huge plus for me. I’ve noticed he sleeps more soundly and doesn’t get up as frequently during the night.
Best budget: Frisco Self-Warming Bolster Kitten Bed
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Self-warming feature
- Soft and comfortable
- Durable and easy to clean
Cons:
- Not machine washable
The Frisco Self-Warming Bolster Kitten Bed is an affordable yet high-quality option for your cat’s comfort. It features a self-warming material that reflects your cat’s body heat, ensuring they stay cozy without the need for electricity. The bed’s soft, plush interior is perfect for kittens to snuggle into.
This bed is perfect for my friend’s kitten. It’s warm and soft, and she loves snuggling in it. The self-warming feature is great because it keeps her warm without needing any cords or plugs. It’s also very durable and easy to clean. I’m really happy with the quality considering the low price.
Best cave: Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed
Pros:
- Made from eco-friendly materials
- Provides a secure, enclosed space
- Stylish design
- Durable and maintains shape
Cons:
- Can be a bit pricey
- May require some airing out due to wool smell initially
The Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed offers a cozy and eco-friendly option made from 100% Merino wool. It provides a warm, enclosed space for cats to hide and sleep, promoting a sense of security. The natural materials are durable and easy to maintain.
My cat loves hiding in this cave bed. It’s well-made and keeps her warm and comfortable. The wool is very soft, and the bed maintains its shape well. She seems to feel very secure inside, and it has become her favorite spot in the house. Plus, it looks great and blends in with our decor.
Best window bed: Coziwow Indoor Hammock for Window Cat Perch
Pros:
- Provides a great view for cats
- Soft, comfortable cushion
- Easy to install
- Sturdy and supports substantial weight
Cons:
- Limited to window placement
The Coziwow Indoor Hammock offers a comfortable and elevated resting spot for cats who love to watch the world outside. It attaches securely to windows, providing a sturdy and cozy perch with a soft cushion. The perch supports a substantial amount of weight, making it suitable for larger cats as well.
My cat spends hours on this window perch. It’s easy to install and very sturdy. The cushion is soft and comfortable, and the perch provides a great view for her to watch birds and squirrels. He’s up there all day, and it’s become his favorite spot. I highly recommend it for any cat that loves to look outside.
Best tunnel bed: Frisco Modern Elevated Tunnel Cat Bed
Pros:
- Combines play and rest areas
- Soft and comfortable
- Elevated design
- Stylish and fits with home decor
Cons:
- Takes up more space than standard beds
- Can be difficult to clean
The Frisco Modern Elevated Tunnel Cat Bed combines a fun play tunnel with a comfortable sleeping area. Its elevated design and soft materials make it a versatile bed for cats who enjoy playing and resting in enclosed spaces. The modern design fits well with any home decor.
My cat loves this tunnel bed! She plays in it all day and then curls up for a nap. The elevated design makes it unique, and she seems to enjoy the different levels. It’s also very stylish and fits perfectly with my home decor. It’s her new favorite spot to play and sleep.
Best for large cats: Frisco Long Faux Fur Donut Cat & Dog Bed
Pros:
- Spacious enough for large cats
- Soft and plush faux fur
- Machine washable cover
- Provides excellent comfort and support
Cons:
- Takes up significant space
- Faux fur may require regular brushing to maintain
The Frisco Long Faux Fur Donut Cat & Dog Bed offers ample space and plush comfort for larger cats. Its donut shape and faux fur material provide a cozy and supportive sleeping environment. The bed’s large size accommodates even the biggest cats comfortably.
This bed is perfect for my big cat. He has plenty of space to stretch out, and the faux fur is so soft. It’s very plush and cozy, and he loves curling up in it. It’s also easy to clean, which is great. I’m very happy with this bed, and so is my cat!
Best splurge: Casper The Dog Bed
Pros:
- High-quality memory foam
- Durable and stylish design
- Easy to clean with removable cover
- Provides excellent support
Cons:
- Expensive
- Designed primarily for dogs, but suitable for larger cats
The Casper The Dog Bed is a luxurious and durable bed designed with memory foam to provide ultimate comfort and support. Its design mimics the Casper mattress, ensuring a high-quality sleeping experience for your cat. The removable cover makes it easy to clean and maintain.
I splurged on this bed, and it was worth it. My cat loves it, and it looks great in my living room. The memory foam provides excellent support, and the bed is large enough for her to stretch out comfortably. It’s a bit pricey, but the quality and durability make it a great investment.
FAQs
Are there specific features or materials I should look for in a cat bed to promote my cat’s comfort and well-being?
According to Dr. Kaufman, “Elevated beds or beds that have little hiding spots are great for cats because they give them privacy and an area of the house that is their own.”
How many cat beds should I have in my home?
“The number of cat beds you should have in your home can depend on a few factors,” Dr. Kaufman said, “such as the number of cats you have, their preferences, and the layout of your living space.”
Where should I place them for optimal use by my cat?
“Quiet corners or secluded spots; cats often prefer to have a cozy, quiet place where they can retreat and feel safe,” said Dr. Kaufman.
Are there any strategies I can use to encourage my cat to use their bed regularly?
Dr. Kaufman recommended that “placing beds in an area where a cat can observe from a safe distance is often the trick!”
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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.