Best Cat Beds of 2021: The ultimate guide

£21.90

First up we have this adorable igloo bed, which is Amazon’s Choice for cat beds. Igloos are perfect for those kitties who love to be hidden and who like enclosed spaces where they can be cosy. This igloo is the perfect size to pop anywhere in your house, as it is only small so it won’t take up much space wherever you put it!

What’s more, the cushion that your cat would lie on can easily be removed and machine washed. This cool cat bed comes in three colours: grey, leopard print and black, with the most popular colour being grey, so you can get a comfy cat igloo to perfectly match your home!

Pecute Plush Pet Bed for Cats Small Dogs,Soft Comfy Washable Cat Dog Bed with Removable Cushion(Grey,53 * 43 * 18cm)

Pecute Plush Cat Bed (53cm x 43cm x 18cm)

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This fancy feline bed is made of premium quality micro suede exterior and a corn corduroy interior, stuffed with soft polyester fabric to ensure the softest, comfiest, highest quality cat bed around. The cushion, as with the model above, can be removed and machine washed. The cushion can also be used by itself if your cat just prefers to sleep there – two in one!

Additionally, this bed features soft raised sides, which provides additional support for your cat’s head, neck and back. You can buy this cat bed in a small size, as features here, or a medium-size which is 63cm x 53cm x 21cm for if you have a larger cat or your cat simply just loves to stretch themselves out! Finally, Pecute is so certain that your cat will love this bed that they offer 100% of your money back, so you can buy this bed with peace of mind.

Trixie 28631 Cuddly Bed for Cats 47 × 38 cm

Trixie Cuddly Bed for Cats (46.8cm x 37.4cm x 5cm)

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£19.76

Another of Amazon’s Choices for cat beds, this cuddly bed makes you want to lie down and curl up just by looking at it! This cute bed is reversible, with one side being fitted with a nylon cover and the other size with an insulating, soft and warm imitation of lamb’s fur. The latter side is perfect for winter and the nylon side is better for when the weather is warmer.

This style of cat bed is very open, so it’s good for those kittens who like being outside and who like to have a lot of space to stretch out. This is also one of the cheapest cat beds on the market, so if you are on a budget or don’t want to spend too much money on a cat bed in case your cat doesn’t like it, this bed by Trixie is the one for you.

Rosewood 40 Winks Tweed/Plush Bed, 19-Inch, grey

Rosewood 40 Winks Tweed/Plush Bed (23cm x 23cm x 15cm)

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£16.89

This tweed bed is definitely for those cats and cat owners who like a bit of luxury! This stylish bed will fit perfectly in any modern home since it’s tweed and plush, and the neutral grey colour will match every kitchen, living room and bedroom there it! It is also machine washable, so you’ll never have to think twice before throwing it into the washing machine after your cat comes in with muddy paws in the winter.

Hailed as great value for money and amazing quality by customer reviews on Amazon, there’s no reason why this Rosewood 40 Winks cat bed wouldn’t be the perfect one for you and your feline friend. Your cat is guaranteed to sleep their 40 winks with this bed!

Small dog bed for dogs, cats, kittens and puppies ,machine washable, super soft and cosy plush dog bed, grey and cream, 51 x 43 x 15cm (approximately 20 x 17 x 6 inch)

Rosewood Jumbo Cord / Plush Pet Bed (43cm x 51cm x 15cm)

Small dog bed for dogs, cats, kittens and puppies ,machine washable, super soft and cosy plush dog bed, grey and cream, 51 x 43 x 15cm (approximately 20 x 17 x 6 inch)

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£13.99

Last but certainly not least, we have another cat bed by Rosewood. This one is slightly different from the one above since it is larger, so it is suitable for if you have lots of space or a larger cat. Once again, this is machine washable so there’s no worrying about lots of cat hairs being left in this bed.

This fancy plush bed has over 750 five-star reviews on Amazon, so it is one of the best-rated cat beds on the UK market. Guaranteed to suit any home with its padded grey outer and soft luxury plush inner, there is truly nothing else that could make this bed more suitable for your cat. What more could a cat want?

Shopping Guide: Everything you need to know about cat beds

You’ve seen the best cat beds on the market, now it’s time for the buying part. If you’re interested in cat beds, then we’ve put together this list of things we recommend that you think about before making your purchase. We’ve also got a list of the most frequently asked questions so let’s dive right in!

girl sleeping in bed with her cat — Cats brighten up your lonely days.
(Source: Sergey Labutin: 50577969/ 123rf.com)

Why does my cat sleep a lot?

While these animals are also very fast hunters, cats actually spend most of their time resting. They sleep approximately 70% of the day and you need to be aware that their sleep cycles are very different from ours. Kittens and elderly cats will sleep, even more, so don’t freak out if you see your feline spending a lot of time asleep.

Despite being domestic animals, they still love to play and move around, so much that they easily get tired. For this reason, and because their general health requires it, cats sleep many hours a day.

Cats generally use the same places to rest, which is why they spend a lot of time in their bed.

Why does my cat need their own bed?

Even if you let your cats spend hours on the sofa or on your bed, they need to have their own resting and sleeping area because they love to be in a place surrounded by their own smell.

Yes, cats sleep a lot, but when they go to bed they need to have a comfortable resting place where they can lay their bodies on after a long day. It’s best to opt for a material which is waterproof and windproof if they sleep outside and comfortable on the inside.

Cute cat is sitting in his cat bed. — Cats love to have a clean bed.
(Source: Vadim Guzhva: 34916742/ 123rf.com)

Why is it better for me that my cat has their own bed?

The truth is that your cat having its own bed will offer you many different benefits. For example, they won’t leave their hair everywhere, as it will tend to collect in their bed. This is good for those who are allergic to cats. Additionally, cat beds are easy to wash and easier to wash than our beds, so it’s easy to remove hair from cat beds.

If your cat bed is made of a material which your cat can scratch, or if it has a scratching post attached to it, for example, your cat can play there instead of scratching the sofa, so say goodbye to those not-so-great-looking scratch marks on your furniture! Cats often scratch the place where they sleep, so if you want to minimise all scratched furniture, then it’s best to get multiple cat beds for your feeling friend.

Why does my cat like to sleep under the bed?

They’re hunters and they love places to feel warm, safe and hidden from sight. It’s for this reason that most cat beds have a top on them!

cat sleeping — Cat beds can be made from cotton, foam, wool – you name it!
(Source: Noppharat Manakul: 32432045/ 123rf.com)

Why doesn’t my cat like their bed?

Your feline friend may not like their new bed and keep using its common resting places for several reasons. First of all, you may have placed the bed in a spot of the house that your cat doesn’t like. Additionally, your cat may not like the material that the bed is made from.

They may not necessarily like that their bed doesn’t smell like him or her after it’s been washed. If this is the case, put a toy there so there’s a familiar smell and they’ll come back!

Lewis CarrollAuthor

“It is a very inconvenient habit of kittens (Alice had once made the remark) that whatever you say to them, they always purr.”

When will my cat most use their bed?

Cats are most active at dawn and dusk. So when you are resting, your pet will want to eat and play. Therefore, when you’re most likely to be busy during the afternoon is when they’ll probably be sleeping!

Even if you give your cat food at home, they still may want to go out at night and eat, since their instinct calls for them to hunt in the dark since they can see very well in the dark. Cats also love taking advantage of the sun to lie down and rest in its heat.

Can I put my cat’s bed in the garden?

Yes, especially during daytime when it will love enjoying the warmth of the sun. That being said, experts do recommend that your cat sleep inside at night, to remain protected from the cold. If you’d rather they stayed outdoors or if you notice that your cat prefers to stay outdoors all the time, provide a safe and sheltered space, that’s not likely to get too cold during the winter.

kitten sleeping on carpet — Cats are most active at dawn and dusk.
(Source: Berna Namoglu: 17751475/ 123rf.com)

Where is the best place to place my cat’s bed?

It’s best to place your cat’s bed where their favourite place is.

Cats like to spend their day in different parts of the house, so it’s a good idea to have several beds so that your cat doesn’t resort to sleeping on your chairs and sofas since they could damage them.

Having said this, they’re hard to control and love their own rules, so you may have to bend a bit! Otherwise, they may simply ignore their bed and continue to go to the areas of the house where they enjoy sleeping.

Can I let my cat sleep in my bed?

Yes! But think about it first: you could put a bed on top of yours so they have their own space, or you could let them sleep next to your face but remember that they may wake you up during the night and this could get annoying!

Cute ginger cat sleeps near kid girl on the sofa — Cats are creatures of habit.
(Source: Alena Ozerova: 37827230/ 123rf.com)

What are the benefits of sharing a bed with my cat?

Studies have shown that petting animals relieves stress and increases oxytocin production. Some even say that people who have a cat at home are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases. Cats are very pleasant company, which helps to avoid feeling lonely.

The purr of a cat is also very relaxing for certain people. This helps them sleep, as our feline friends tend to get more cuddly at night when their owner is around. Your cat will love to feel the warmth of your body and spend time with you. Some experts believe that this strengthens the bonds of affection.

Cats pay more attention to women than men because they understand better when spoken to in a high-pitched voice.

When shouldn’t my cat and I share a bed?

If you have asthma or an allergy to cats! Or maybe you’re sleeping with a young child or a baby – in this case, don’t sleep with a cat because remember that they’re animals and you don’t know how they’re going to react.

It is important to mention that most pets can spread various diseases. While these are particularly isolated cases for cats, it is possible to get cat-scratching disease, and ringworm or lungworm.

Should my cat sleep in my bed if I have allergies?

The skin of felines produces a protein called Fel D1 that is responsible for causing allergies in people. If that’s your case, you can naturally continue to cohabit with your cat, but there are a few precautions to follow. It is recommended to frequently brush your pet, remove any rugs you may have and clean them, clean your home often and avoid sleeping together. This last part may be difficult for some people.

You should also know that mattresses, duvets, sheets and upholstery tend to attract allergens. It is therefore advised to avoid sharing them. This is why your cat having its own bed will be better for your health. Your pet will be happier with its own bed and won’t rest on surfaces that you use.

Abyssinian cat on the hands — A cat’s purr can be very relaxing for some people.
(Source: Dmytro Skorabogatov: 46342978/ 123rf.com)

Can I teach my cat to sleep wherever I want them to?

While you can train your cat, it has to be within what they like. If your pet likes to rest on the couch, for instance, you won’t want to put its bed anywhere else in the house. Place it on the couch, close to it, or on a high surface. You can also leave treats in the bed or wherever you want your cat to sleep, or a garment that smells of you so they don’t miss you.

Shopping Criteria

When you’re thinking about buying a cat bed, it’s important to think about lots of things. All of this new information could be overwhelming but luckily for you, we’ve done all the hard work. We’ve summed them up below – take a look!

What size do I want it to be?
What materials do I want the exterior to be made from?
What materials do I want the exterior to be made from?
What design do I want?
Where do I want to put my cat bed?

What size do I want it to be?

Buying a bed or mattress where your cat fits perfectly is essential for its rest. The majority of products available are closed to provide a sense of security to your pet, which is why you need to make sure they can fit inside before making the purchase. Take into account the length and width of your cat and you’ll find just the right bed.

A lot of beds on the market come in a single size, which is why you need to pay attention to this. These models are generally designed for medium-sized cats, which are the most common. If your animal is very tall or overweight, you’ll have to be very careful with the characteristics of the product you want to buy – especially if it is an enclosed space.

cute red haired kitten sleeping in hammock on a white background. — You can get a cat bed for any shape or size of a cat!
(Source: Grigory Lukyanov: 19055185/ 123rf.com)

What materials do I want the exterior to be made from?

The external part of the bed is important to consider, as it will offer a more or less pleasant touch for your cat. It also in part determines where you can put the bed. The manufacturing materials commonly used are: cotton, plush, foam, wool, leather, latex, plastic or wicker. The material should also be chosen according to the time of year.

Cotton and wool, for instance, will be most appropriate during the winter months, while felt or wicker is great bed materials in the summer.

Remember to opt for waterproof materials if you decide to put the bed in the garden – plastic, latex or wicker are ideal for this. You can also buy a sleeping bag that is warm inside and covered with plastic to wick moisture away.

What materials do I want the exterior to be made from?

The key to your cat’s comfort is the material used to fill it. The floor on its own isn’t good enough to rest, and the truth is that your pet will always be on some kind of surface of your home. If you want your feline friend to be happy with its own space, opt for a bed with the right padding that will make it soft and comfortable.

Foam is the most common filler used. You may want to go for a bed filled with memory foam if your cat is older and has joint problems. Allergy-prone animals will prefer cotton, feathers or wool. Ideal for summer, hammocks or wicker beds sometimes come with a mattress; otherwise, you can add one yourself.

Couple cats sleep and hugging in their soft cozy bed on a floor carpet — Cats love sleeping, so they’ll be very happy with your new purchase of a bed!
(Source: Alena Ozerova: 40069117/ 123rf.com)

What design do I want?

The design of a cat bed should be chosen based on how your pet sleeps and its size. Two things truly matter: that your cat is comfortable, and they use its new bed instead of your furniture. There is a great variety of models out there when it comes to their shape. Here’s a quick table to help you pick the right one for your feline friend:

If your cat:	Get this type of bed:
Sleeps stretched	Mattress. Some models are flat and others have raised edges to provide support for the head.
Sleeps rolled-up	Enclosed/igloo type. This type gives a safe space for your animal to sleep.
Tends to be cold	Sleeping bag. Your cat can sleep on top when it’s hot, or get inside for warmth during the winter.
Loves heights	Hammock. These little beds can be hooked with suction cups or nails onto walls and windows for your feline to enjoy sleeping in height.
Often scratches with its claws	Scratcher. These models feature shapes and materials that are suitable for your cat’s claws. That way, it won’t scratch your furniture or its fabric bed.

Where do I want to put my cat bed?

Choose a place where you know your cat likes. If they love the sofa, put the bed there! If they love sleeping outdoors, get a weatherproof cat bed and pop it outside. If they don’t mind not being on an elevated surface, a well-padded bed will be your option of choice.

On the other hand, if your cat is cold or timid and likes to hide to sleep, we recommend you opt for an enclosed bed or a sleeping bag that will provide true shelter. Or perhaps your cat loves open spaces and nosing around at what’s going on in the house or out of the window so you can put a hammock on the window.

What it comes down to, in the end, is where they like to spend their time. Put your bed where they like to spend their time and you can’t go far wrong!