Almost every cat owner has bought a bed only to watch their cat sleep in the box it came in. That usually is not fussiness. Cats choose sleeping spots for good reasons: warmth, a sense of safety and a good view of what is going on. Pick a bed that offers what your cat is looking for and put it in the right place, and you are far more likely to win them over.
What cats look for in a sleeping spot
- Warmth: cats seek out warm places such as sunny windowsills, radiators and laps.
- Security: a spot where their back is covered and nothing can approach unseen.
- Something to push against: many cats like to curl up against a raised edge.
- A view: some cats prefer to be up high or near a window where they can watch.
Different bed styles meet these needs in different ways.
Cave beds
A cave bed is round with a deep rim or a hood that wraps around the cat. It suits cats who curl up tightly, nervous or shy cats, and cats who love to burrow under blankets. The deep sides hold body heat, which makes them cosy in colder months.
Our Round Plush Pet Bed is a deep-pile cave-style bed with a raised rim, available in sizes from 40cm to 110cm across.
Basket beds
A basket bed has a soft cushioned base with raised walls on every side, but an open top. It gives cats something to lean against while letting them keep an eye on the room, which suits confident cats and those who like to stretch out as well as curl up.
The Plush Basket Bed has deep plush walls, a machine-washable cover and five sizes from S (45 x 30cm) to XXL (80 x 60cm).
Tents and pet houses
A tent or house is fully enclosed with a doorway, so your cat has a private den. These are a great choice for cats who hide when visitors arrive, homes with young children or other pets, and cats who like to watch from cover.
The Four Seasons Pet Tent has breathable mesh for warmer weather and an enclosed frame for cooler nights. It comes in two sizes (36 x 36 x 28cm and 42 x 42 x 36cm) and folds flat for storage or travel.
Quick comparison
| Bed type | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Cave | Curlers, shy cats, burrowers | Very warm; the deep rim doubles as a headrest |
| Basket | Confident cats, cats who switch between curling and stretching | Open top, so easy to get in and out |
| Tent or house | Hiders, busy homes, cats who like a den | Most privacy; check the doorway size for larger cats |
Choosing the right size
Most adult cats sleep curled up, so a round bed of around 40 to 50cm across suits the majority. For large breeds, or cats who like to sprawl, go up a size. For tents, make sure your cat can stand, turn around and lie down inside comfortably. If you are between sizes and your cat loves to curl into a tight ball, the smaller size often feels more secure.
Where to put a cat bed
- Somewhere quiet, away from busy doorways and loud appliances.
- Away from the litter tray and food bowls. Cats prefer to keep these areas separate.
- Somewhere warm, such as near a sunny window, but not pressed against a heater.
- Near their favourite spot. If your cat always sleeps on the sofa or a chair, put the new bed close by.
Getting your cat to use a new bed
- Put a blanket or piece of clothing that smells of you or your cat inside the bed.
- Place a few treats or a sprinkle of catnip in the bed.
- Be patient. Many cats ignore a new bed for a few days and then adopt it.
- In multi-cat homes, offer at least one bed per cat so nobody has to compete.
Keeping beds clean
Wash or vacuum cat beds regularly to remove loose hair. Beds with removable or machine-washable covers make this much easier. For loose fur on sofas and blankets between washes, a self-cleaning pet hair remover roller helps.
Browse the full range in our cat beds and caves collection. Every order ships free within the UK, with 30-day returns.