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We’ll update this guide in 2025 with new models to test, including the Bedsure Calming Cat Bed for Indoor Cats, the Cattasaurus Peekaboo Cat Cave, and the Best Pet Supplies Pet Tent.
Most cat owners at some point buy their pet a bed, only to find that their pet prefers to sleep in a paper or cardboard box.
To avoid similar problems in the future, we spent 19 hours researching 62 cat beds and tested 13 of them.
We’ve picked seven that we love for their style, softness, and cleanliness, as well as their ability to meet the behavioral needs of most cats.
While we can’t guarantee that the cat won’t neglect the bed again in the future, we think most cat owners will notice that these cats stand out.
We looked at over 60 cat beds and found a few that stand out for their sleep style: bolster beds, cave beds, pillow beds, and lounge beds.
We love cat beds that are easy to clean and that retain their shape after machine washing and drying.
We chose high, soft-touch cat beds with non-slip bottoms to prevent them from sliding on slippery floors.
Because cats are picky, we rely heavily on third-party and employee reviews to get inside information on long-term wear.
We tested different types of cat beds, including soft beds, cave beds, slatted beds, and more. We also looked at some cat beds that are suitable for small dogs, as some cats can be rough with their four-legged neighbors and steal their pillows. We also discuss how to choose the right bed for your cat.
I’ve written several Wirecutter guides to pet products. I’m also a lifelong pet owner, and I’ve had several cats who refused to use a bed I knew they’d love, and I had to return them to the store in embarrassment.
I consulted Russell Hartstein, a pet behaviorist with 25 years of experience and the founder of Fun Paw Care in Los Angeles. I also asked the Wirecutter staff to share their cats’ favorite beds, and we asked cats from Little Wanderers Cat Rescue in New York City to test out some of our favorite beds.
If your cat sleeps in strange places or on strange objects, it may simply be because they don’t have a preferred sleeping surface. “Cats often sleep in strange places when they don’t have a bed or a place they like,” says Russell Hartstein, a certified pet behaviorist with 25 years of experience. So, having the right cat bed in the perfect location can help eliminate your cat’s odd sleeping arrangements.
Observe her behavior: Pay attention to where and how your cat sleeps. If she curls up in a ball, find a round bed. If your cat curls up under laundry baskets or often sits under chairs, try a cat cave. Or, if she’s on a windowsill or couch cushions, a rug might be a better option. “Part of the fun of pet parenting is being able to experiment with what your family member likes,” says Hartstein. So if one style doesn’t work for you, you can always try another.
Consider the size of the bed: Depending on your cat’s sleeping preferences, the bed should be large enough for her to stretch out in or small enough for her to curl up comfortably and feel secure. If your cat is an outdoor cat, look for a bed that is the same length as her body (not including her tail), about 18 to 20 inches long. If your cat is a curl-up cat, a soft round bed or cave that is at least 15 inches in diameter is a good choice, but don’t be afraid of large enclosed beds, as they can provide some of the security that cats love, as well as the ability to stretch out when needed. If you have a larger breed cat, such as a British Shorthair or Maine Coon, a larger bed is always the best option.
Choose natural materials first: Cats have a sensitive sense of smell, so choose natural materials like cotton, wool, or unbleached bedding, which breathe better and have less of a chemical smell than synthetic materials. If your cat doesn’t mind synthetic materials like the soft polyester that’s popular as pet bedding, you may want to give it a try, depending on your budget.
Consider comfort: Consider your cat’s mobility and life stage. For example, an older cat will need a thicker orthopedic bed with a lower entry edge, while an active young cat will not.
Make sure the bed is easy to clean: To protect your mental health, buy a cat bed that is machine washable and follow the care instructions carefully, as even the slightest changes in your washer or dryer can cause wrinkles or tears in the bed.
Where to Place a Cat Bed: Your cat’s favorite sleeping spot can be a clue to where to place a cat bed. If your cat often sleeps by a sunny window, near a vent in a heated floor, or on the highest perch in her den, consider placing a cat bed in these areas. Be sure to measure the space first to ensure the cat bed will fit.
After researching cat beds online and talking to our experts and staff, we compiled a list of over 60 cat beds. We narrowed the list down by taking into account shape/style, size, cleanliness, materials used, and online user reviews. Our top picks are cat beds that are widely available at retailers like Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Chewy, Jet, Overstock, Petco, PetSmart, and Walmart. Because cats can be picky, we keep our testing to a minimum and rely primarily on third-party and employee reviews, but we do test on the following criteria:
Bed shapes, styles and sizes: We categorize beds based on sleep style into upholstered beds, cave beds, pillow-top beds and wing beds. Within each category, we compare the quality of construction, softness and thickness. If the features are similar, we prefer a larger bed over a smaller one.
Ease of cleaning and shape retention: We put washable cat beds through the washer and dryer and rated how easy they were to clean and dry. We then inspected the cat bed for signs of wear.
Materials: For cats who don’t hate beds made of synthetic materials, we chose beds that are thicker and softer to the touch, which means more comfort. We also prefer beds with a non-slip bottom, which helps prevent baby from moving around on smooth wooden floors.
Why we like it: We reviewed 13 cave beds, and one of the three we tested, the Cat Ball Bed, came out on top thanks to its generous size, quality construction, washable bedding, use of natural materials, and top-notch reviews from third-party experts. If you’re not sure which type of bed your cat will prefer, the Cat Ball Bed is the best option because its enclosed shape provides security, and its large base is perfect for large cats to stretch out or curl up in. It has a foam frame, so it’s more comfortable than the other spherical cave bed we tested, the Meowfia Premium Cat Bed Cave, which doesn’t have any extra padding.
Made from 100% cotton, the Cat Ball is easier to clean than competitors’ products: Others require hand washing or spinning several times to remove excess moisture. While most of the beds we reviewed are made from synthetic fibers, the Cat Ball is made from cotton, which is less likely to irritate your cat’s sensitive nose. The bed is 17 inches in diameter, 16 inches high, and has 6- and 10-inch entrances. It can accommodate a cat up to 19 pounds.
Cons, but not cons: Because the foam filling is less than half an inch thick, it is not suitable for older cats who require the support of a thicker mattress. This mattress comes with special washing instructions: wash it separately from other clothes, and be aware that the mattress may shrink if washed and dried on improper settings.
Why we like it: If your cat loves to knead (massage a surface with their paws), which is an instinctive behavior that reflects contentment, then the 4Claws Fluffy Pet Bed/Rug is the perfect choice for you. It’s lined with plush white fleece on top, perfect for massaging, and a durable denim-like material underneath. Of the 16 rugs we reviewed and three we tested, this was the only one with a flexible design. It’s a flat mattress that quickly transforms into a bed; just fold the sides together and secure with buttons and loops. The rug holds its shape well in the washing machine, and its soft yarns look like new once dry. In fact, we love the luxurious feel of the 4Claws rug so much that we wish it were human-sized! When unfolded, it measures 24 x 20 inches, and when folded, it’s 15 inches in diameter.
Cons, but not cons: This cat bed is more fragile than most models we tested because its fabric has longer fibers that can be damaged in the wash. The label says to wash the cat bed in a laundry bag and air dry, but we put it in the dryer by itself, washed it on low, and monitored it throughout the wash cycle, and it was fine.
The padding is less than half an inch thick, so it won’t provide much support for older cats. If comfort is important to you, we recommend placing the mat on your cat’s favorite chair or couch cushion.
This bed is super soft, thick, and easy to clean, making it ideal for cats who prefer to sleep in a crate. It’s also one of our favorite dog beds.
Why we like it: The MidWest QuietTime Deluxe Ombré Swirl is the most comfortable cat carrier we’ve ever found. Its cover is super soft, comparable to the 4Claws. Its soft exterior is lined with brushed polyester for durability. You won’t have to disassemble and refill the upholstery, as the entire bed is machine washable and will retain its shape. It’s filled with 2 ½-inch thick polyfiber, which provides plenty of support for cats.
Cons, but not cons: This bed is not suitable if your cat is a frequent sprayer, and the upholstery is not absorbent, so a leaky, dirty bed could damage the carpet or hardwood floor underneath. Place the bed in a plastic-lined crate on the floor to absorb spills.
This heating pad is ideal for cats who love to snuggle up to something (or someone) warm, as well as older cats who need help staying warm.
Why We Love It: The Wirecutter staff raves about the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat because it’s the perfect size for cats to enjoy the warmth of a heating pad without having to get out of bed. The heating pad measures 12½ x 25 inches, making it the perfect size to pair with a pillow or our other featured products, like the 4Claws Furry Pet Bed/Mat and the MidWest QuietTime Deluxe Ombré Swirl. The manufacturer claims the mat can be heated up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about the same temperature as your pet’s body.
An added bonus is that this heated cat bed stays plugged in, so it will always provide a cozy place for your pet to relax. And because the mat is certified by MET Laboratories, a lab that independently evaluates products to meet national electrical safety standards, cat owners can rest assured that the mat will not overheat or catch fire when used correctly.
The heating pad is removable, so you can easily clean the cover if your pet has an accident. Simply machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and line dry. The heating pad can be wiped down with a paper towel, but the staff says they have never had a heating pad leak through the cover after a pet had an accident. The Thermo-Kitty Mat from K&H Pet Products comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Cons, but minor: This heated cat bed does not work without a cord. Be sure to plug it into a wall that is not frequently walked on so as not to disturb your cat.
Why We Love It: Cardboard boxes are the best. They’re inexpensive, easy to find, and cats love to sit in them. The high walls help retain the cat’s body heat and provide a sense of security, which is great for cats. After unpacking all of the useless human stuff from the box, be sure to fold the lid inward to reinforce the sides of the box and place a cozy blanket or rug, like the 4Claws Fluffy Pet Bed/Mat, on the bottom for maximum comfort.
Cons, but not cons: Corrugated cardboard is fragile, gets dirty easily, and can’t be cleaned the same way as soft cat litter.
Why we like it: It may seem silly to spend money on a cardboard box, but the Omega Paw Scratch’n Massage Bed will last longer than your last online-bought box and comes with three layers of removable scratching posts, so if your cat scratches one, you can peel it off and the bed will look like new again. It’s also treated with catnip oil, though the brand is unknown, so there’s no telling how your cat will react. The sides of the bed taper outward at a 45-degree angle, so cats will feel more comfortable sleeping in it than in a traditional box. The waves on the scratching post are open and massage your cat’s paws as they scratch. There’s also a plastic comb on the side of the box so your cat can scratch their chin whenever they want. The box measures 16 x 16 x 5 inches.
Cons, but not cons: We’ve read some complaints about the Omega Paw wearing out quickly, but it’s made of cardboard. We’ve given this to several cats, and their owners have had no complaints about its durability. One cat used this scratching post for three years without ever replacing the cardboard sheet, but the lifespan of the scratching post depends on the cat’s activity level.
This dual-function scratching post is the most convenient we found, as well as the largest we tested. Its generous size makes it ideal for multi-cat households and is large enough to comfortably accommodate four cats.
Why we like it: The PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratching Post is ideal for multi-cat families who like to sleep together, as it can accommodate four or more cats at a time. While it’s pricey, you get two birds with one stone: a scratching post and a bed. Since it’s a cardboard scratching board, it’s thicker than other products we tested. It’s made from 120 layers of 2mm-thick recycled cardboard (yes, we counted), and some cats have slept in this bed for over a year. If the top surface gets worn out, you can flip it over and use the bottom surface, thereby extending its life. The chair is quite large, measuring 39 x 11 x 14 inches, and it’s pretty sturdy — it was able to support a 130-pound Wirecutter employee standing on it.
New York City rescue group Little Wanderers tested the PetFusion Jumbo and the smaller PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge in a 30-cat cage and reported that the cats preferred the larger version. “They really like it as a resting place and play area,” said one volunteer. “One cat on top, one on the bottom, and they’ll hit each other. I’ve seen it happen many times with multiple cats. Cost is always an issue, but for a multi-cat household, the Jumbo may be a more economical option.”
Cons, but not cons: Despite being both a bed and scratching post, the cardboard the Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge is made of may be too thick for some cats to scratch comfortably. Even without the scratching post, there’s still plenty of room for interactive play in a multi-cat household.
The Armarkat cat bed has a rectangular base, a domed tabletop, and a removable cushion. The bed and cushion are filled with an extra-thick layer of 100% polyester filler, which took a long time to dry in our tests; it also took three spin cycles to remove excess moisture that had accumulated in the polyester filler.
The Meowfia Premium Cat Cave is about the same price as the cat ball, but it doesn’t have the extra holes or thicker padding that we think most cats will appreciate. It’s made from merino wool, so it’s soft, but it’s hand-washable.
The Aspen Pet Self-Heating Round Mattress has too many cushions, so it often tilts to one side, which can make it difficult for a cat to find a comfortable position. A Wirecutter contributor had the same problem, and said her cat avoided her bed for this very reason.
The K&H Pet Products Self-Heating Lounger has a soft outer shell, but the thick mattress is difficult to clean. It took two spins to remove excess moisture that had built up in the mat, and the center mat tended to bunch up more than other mat beds we tested.