What kind of bed do cats like best?

It depends on the cat. Curl-sleepers love bolstered donut beds with high sides, burrowers prefer covered caves, and heat-seekers or seniors do well with warm or heated beds. Watch how your cat sleeps and match the style.

Why won't my cat use its new bed?

Usually it is the location, not the bed. Move it to where your cat already naps, add a familiar blanket or catnip, and give it a few days. Cats often warm up to a new bed once it smells and feels right.

The Best Cat Beds for Comfort and Better Sleep (2026)

4 min readReviewed by Dr. Jane Mitchell, DVM

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Cats sleep most of the day, so a good bed matters. Here is how to match the style to your cat and our favorite picks.

What to look for

Match the bed to how your cat likes to sleep. Cats that curl tightly and feel safest with raised edges love bolstered donut beds, while cats that burrow prefer covered caves. Choose a size that lets your cat stretch out but is still snug enough to feel secure. A removable, machine-washable cover is essential, since cat beds collect hair and dander fast. Non-slip bases keep the bed from sliding on hardwood, and warm, plush fabrics appeal to heat-seeking cats.

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Top picks

The [Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed](/products/best-friends-by-sheri-calming-donut-bed) has high, fluffy walls that curl-sleepers sink into for a secure, cocooned feel. For burrowers who like to hide, the [Bedsure Cat Cave Bed](/products/bedsure-cat-cave-bed) offers an enclosed hideaway that traps warmth. Cats that seek out heat, or seniors with stiff joints, benefit from a [Heated Cat Bed](/products/heated-cat-bed) with gentle, safe warmth. If you just want a simple, washable everyday option, a plain [Cat Bed](/products/cat-bed) covers the basics without fuss.

How to choose for your home

Place beds where your cat already naps, near a sunny window or a quiet corner, since a bed in the wrong spot goes ignored. Older cats and those with arthritis do best with supportive, low-entry beds they do not have to climb into. In cold homes, heated or cave-style beds hold warmth better. Multi-cat households should offer several beds in different spots so cats are not forced to share, which many cats dislike and will avoid.

Getting your cat to use it tips

Set the new bed in a favorite sleeping spot and add a familiar-smelling blanket or a bit of catnip to make it inviting. Never force your cat in; let curiosity do the work over a few days. If your cat ignores it, try a different location before giving up, as placement is usually the issue, not the bed. Wash the cover regularly but keep some of your cat's scent by not washing every accessory at once, so the bed still smells like home.

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Frequently asked

What kind of bed do cats like best?: It depends on the cat. Curl-sleepers love bolstered donut beds with high sides, burrowers prefer covered caves, and heat-seekers or seniors do well with warm or heated beds. Watch how your cat sleeps and match the style.
Why won't my cat use its new bed?: Usually it is the location, not the bed. Move it to where your cat already naps, add a familiar blanket or catnip, and give it a few days. Cats often warm up to a new bed once it smells and feels right.