The 13 Best Cat Beds (Purchased and Tested) In 2024 - Cats.com (2024)

Kate Barrington / Cats.com

Overall Best

Best Orthopedic Bed

Best Cave Bed

Best Elevated Bed

Best Heated Bed

Best Calming Bed

Best for Large Cats

Best for Kittens

Best Sleeping Bag

Best Window Perch

Best for Travel

Best Budget

Best Multi-Functional Bed

#1 Overall Best: Aspen Pet Self-Warming Bolster Bed

All cats will have their individual preferences, but this bed ticks a lot of boxes. For starters, it’s self-warming. An internal layer of mylar reflects your cat’s body heat back at them when they sit down—no electricity or batteries required.

Most cats will appreciate this bed’s cozy materials, which include faux lambs wool and corduroy. It has a non-slip bottom and raised plush sides that are ideal for cats who like to burrow or those who prefer the security of an enclosed perimeter.

Even with a varied lineup of beds at his disposal, our feline tester always chose the Aspen. This bed is affordable, and it was big enough to accommodate our heftier kitty.

What We Liked

• Self-heating material
• Plush bolsters provide a nice headrest
• Machine-washable
• Affordable option

What We Didn’t Like

• Tall bolsters (7”) may make it inaccessible for less mobile cats
• Could be too plush for cats who need firmer support

#2 Best Orthopedic Bed: Frisco Plush Orthopedic Bed

Orthopedic beds are ideal for senior cats, arthritic cats, or any cat who needs extra support for their joints and frame.

When unboxing this Frisco model, I immediately thought: Wow—this is a super nice bed! It has a sleek, attractive design and rectangular shape. Bolsters surround most of the perimeter, with an opening in the front for easier access—a nice feature for older kitties with limited mobility.

In terms of orthopedic support, memory foam is your best bet. This Frisco mattress has a 3-inch foam slab topped with one inch of memory foam. It has a firm yet comfortable feel. The interior sleep surface of the medium-sized bed is 17.5” X 14.25.”

What We Liked

• Memory foam provides support
• Low profile entry
• Poly-fill bolsters provide a sense of security
• Sleep surface is covered with incredibly soft shag
• The removable cover is machine-washable

What We Didn’t Like

• Pricey, as far as cat beds go
• May be too large for small cats who like to curl up

#3 Best Cave Bed: Feltcave Wool Cat Cave

Some cats love the security afforded by a cave-style bed. These beds are great for cats who like to hide or burrow. This cat bed is hand-felted from soft but durable materials, so it will retain its cave-like shape.

Handcrafted from 100% merino wool, this comfy cat bed is the perfect pick if you want to spoil your cat. It’s easy to clean, and the merino wool naturally repels odor, dirt, and stains. To remove accumulated cat hair, you can simply use a vacuum or handwash with warm water and detergent for spills and stains, then let air dry.

Even though it’s handmade from premium materials, this cat bed is reasonably priced at $50. One thing to keep in mind is that this bed is intended for cats 15 pounds or less. And because each bed is made by hand, the dimensions may vary slightly from one product to another. We also noticed a slightly off-putting smell to this bed during testing.

What We Liked

• Handcrafted from 100% merino wool
• Cave-like design is cozy and protected
• Available in eight different colors
• Material naturally repels odor, dirt, and stains

What We Didn’t Like

• A little more expensive than other options
• Some cats don’t take to the cave-like design

#4 Best Elevated Bed: Cat Catry Snooze Station

As both predators and prey animals, cats love vertical space. A high vantage point offers safety and a prime spot for scanning the area.

This bed kills two birds with one stone: below, it gives cats a place to scratch; above, it offers a spot for naps. Speaking of birds, our tester cat appreciated the advantageous view of our pet finches this tall bed gave him.

One worry was the bed’s stability: would it tip under the weight of a heavier cat? We found that was not the case—this platform bed is steady and solid. If we had one complaint, it would be the slight smell from the scratching post (which faded over time.) Also, be prepared to do a bit of assembling, as the bed comes in several pieces.

What We Liked

• Gives cats a safe place away from other pets and small children
• Great for enrichment
• Bed is pretty well-sized, even for larger cats
• Heavy and solid

What We Didn’t Like

• Some assembly required
• Sisal has a faint chemical smell
• Not a cheap option

#5 Best Heated Bed: K&H Thermo Kitty Cat Bed

Available in two different sizes, this circular cat bed features an integrated heating pad that warms the surface of the bed 10 to 15 degrees above the ambient temperature in the room. This puts the bed roughly in the same temperature range as your cat’s body temperature.

The Thermo Kitty Bed is perfect for colder climates or for winter use, though there’s nothing to stop your cat from using it all year round. It features a thick orthopedic foam base to make it extra comfy and provide additional support for seniors or cats with joint issues. Plus, the removable cover is machine washable—just hang it up to dry.

Regarding potential downsides for this cat bed, the raised edges may be a little high for cats with mobility issues. Additionally, because it is a heated bed, you may be limited in terms of location because it needs to be close enough to an outlet that you can plug it in.

What We Liked

• Orthopedic foam base for comfort
• Raised edges and round shape perfect for cuddling
• Integrated heater keeps the bed warm
• Available in two different sizes

What We Didn’t Like

• Raised edges may be an issue for some cats
• Must be placed within 5 feet of an electrical outlet

#6 Best Calming Bed: Armarkat Cave Shape Covered Bed

While this bed isn’t marketed as a calming bed per se, we think it makes a nice choice for nervous cats. Generally speaking, calming beds have cozy features like plush filling, rounded designs, bolsters, and soft exteriors. Anxious cats, in particular, will appreciate a hooded or covered bed to escape the bustle of household life.

This bed features an oblong shape with one open and one enclosed end, and it’s lined with a plush pillow covered in luxe velvet fabric. It has a waterproof, anti-skid base which adds to its durability. The Armarkat is stuffed with 100% polyfill to make it extra comfy, and it’s machine washable for easy cleaning.

This cat cave bed only comes in one size, but it’s large enough to fit most cats comfortably. You can choose from three colors, all priced under $40.

What We Liked

• Enclosed design provides security
• Ultra-soft materials with plenty of padding
• Anti-skid, waterproof base

What We Didn’t Like

• Only available in one size

#7 Best for Large Cats: Armarkat Round or Oval Shape Pet Bed

If you’re trying to find a bed that can accommodate your bigger cat, this second model from Armarkat could be the perfect pick. This bed is 22” long and 19” wide, so it should fit your sprawling Maine Coon with no problem.

This bed features a thickly padded base with raised bolsters and is circular or oval. This cat bed is made with faux suede and luxe velvet materials with a waterproof and skid-free base.

As a bonus, this cat bed is machine washable. You can simply remove the cushion and place the bed and the cushion directly into the washing machine for quick and easy cleaning.

What We Liked

• Great for large cats (or two small-medium cats who like to share)
• Thickly padded base with cushioned bolsters
• Available in round or oval shape
• Completely machine washable for easy cleaning

What We Didn’t Like

• Machine washing may alter the shape
• Removing accumulated pet hair can be difficult

#8 Best for Kittens: Best Friends by Sheri Original Calming Donut Cuddler

Kittens newly weaned from their mother may appreciate the coziness of this Calming Donut Cuddler. The circular design, faux shag fur, and plush filling simulate the feeling of snuggling up to a mother cat and littermates. If you have a cat who likes to nest and burrow, this bed is hard to beat.

The interior is filled with high-density poly-fil for a super fluffy sleep surface. Plus, the small size is entirely machine-washable and dryer-safe (larger sizes have a removable and washable cover).

What We Liked

• Raised sides offer security
• Long shag fur is soft and warm
• Nylon bottom is water- and dirt-resistant
• Available in many colors

What We Didn’t Like

• Might be too plush for cats who need more support
• Takes up a lot of floor space

#9 Best Sleeping Bag: Pet Magasin Self-Warming Cat Cave

Some cats simply love to snuggle, and this cave-style cat bed from Pet Magasin is an excellent option for such a cat. Constructed with a microfiber outer shell and a soft faux-fur interior, this cat bed has just enough padding to keep your cat comfortable. Plus, the hooded design traps their body heat to create a self-warming effect.

If your cat prefers an open-style cat bed, you can simply roll down the sides of the cave to create a cozy cup-like cuddler. The bed can also be used as a pod or laid out flat to use as a self-warming pad. When it gets dirty, throw the entire thing in the washing machine on the gentle cycle with cold water, then hang to dry.

While the versatility of this cat bed makes it worth the $30 price tag, it may not be the best choice for very large cats. Some reviewers also report that the stitching on the seams tends to come apart with frequent use of the bed.

What We Liked

• Faux-fur lining creates a self-warming effect
• Ideal for cats who like to burrow
• Comforting for cats who get cold easily, including hairless cats, kittens, and seniors
• Versatile: can be used in four different ways
• Machine-washable on the cold, gentle cycle

What We Didn’t Like

• Stitching at the seams comes loose
• Not appropriate for very big cats

#10 Best Window Perch: K&H EZ Mount Kitty Sill

Though some cats love to curl up in a nest-style bed, others prefer to be off the ground. For cats who like to lounge on high, especially those who like to look out the window, this EZ Mount Kitty Sill from K&H Pet Products is a great option. It features a sturdy design and is priced under $40.

This window-mounted cat bed features a steel frame sturdy enough to hold up to 100 pounds. It attaches to the window using a set of four suction cups, and the surface is covered in a soft faux fleece material that will keep your feline friend warm and comfy. There is a specific set of instructions to mount the bed properly, but it only takes a few minutes.

What We Liked

• Sturdy steel frame holds up to 100 pounds
• Great for cats who like to look out the window
• Surface covered in soft faux fleece material

What We Didn’t Like

• Cats may not show interest in it on their own
• Takes a little while to set up

#11 Best for Travel: FurHaven ThermaNAP Self-Warming Bed

For traveling purposes, you need a bed that’s streamlined and portable. This mat-style bed from FurHaven can fit in most carriers (or bend to accommodate different spaces). The quilted faux fur surface is soft to the touch, and it covers both sides, so you can flip it over if one side gets dirty. If you’re the type to go adventuring with your cat, the ThermaNAP is convenient to bring along to picnics and outdoor activities.

Another nice feature is the bed’s self-warming core. It contains a layer of mylar and insulating polyester fiber, which reflect your cat’s body heat to keep them toasty and comfy.

Traveling aside, this mat would make a fine choice for less mobile cats who need a low-profile bed. The small size is 22” X 17,” and the brand notes it’s suitable for pets up to 20 pounds.

What We Liked

• Portable and lightweight
• Self-warming materials
• Machine-washable (hang to dry)
• Several colors available

What We Didn’t Like

• Interior layer makes a crinkly sound
• Some cats won’t like the flat, open design

#12 Best Budget: K&H Self-Warming Pad

If you’re looking for a cat bed to keep your kitty warm but you’re not prepared to spend $50, this self-warming pad is an excellent option. Not only is it affordably priced under $15, but it comes in two colors to match your home décor. It also functions as a carrier liner.

This self-warming pad is covered in a soft microfleece material, making it a cozy spot for your cat to curl up in. It’s also made with self-warming materials that reflect your cat’s body heat to keep them warm. You can place it anywhere because it doesn’t require electricity like the previous K&H model.

Though this self-warming pad is great for lining a carrier or general use, some customers found it too small, and others didn’t think the warming feature worked well.

What We Liked

• Made with microfleece and self-warming material
• Affordably priced under $15
• Reversible and available in several colors

What We Didn’t Like

• Some users found it too small
• No removable cover

#13 Best Multi-Functional Bed: MidWest Curious Cat Cube

If you have a cat who likes to change up their sleeping quarters, this unique MidWest Cube could be a game-changer. The upper bed is made with a faux sheepskin liner and raised bolsters to give your cat added comfort and support. Plush fabric lines the interior hideaway, and the whole thing folds flat for storage.

This Cube is also great for multi-cat households. The spacious interior measures 15.5 inches wide by 16.5 inches tall, and the top of the cube is padded to provide additional sleeping space.

With its square shape, this cat house works well in a corner but can be placed elsewhere if you prefer. It’s a great option for older cats who don’t like to climb, but it still provides high walls for cats who do.

In addition to providing your cat with a comfortable place to sleep, this cube also offers several hide-and-seek cutouts and hanging toys to provide exercise and entertainment.

What We Liked

• Versatile design
• Available in four different colors/patterns
• Spacious interior with cushioned top

What We Didn’t Like

• Cat could get stuck in hide-and-seek holes
• Included hanging toys could be more durable

Frequently Asked Questions