Cat Beds: What to look for

After the perfect sleeping spot for your cat? Here are some things to bear in mind before you buy…

When it comes to cat beds, personal preference generally rules the roost. Some cat owners don’t bother with formal beds for their pets, preferring to cuddle up with them at night. That’s fine if it works for you, but if you’re thinking about buying a cat and, much as you’re going to love it, would prefer to distance yourself from it at night, a cat-specific bed is the way to go.

There are a plethora of cat beds available, both in pet shops and online. The size and look of the bed will ultimately depend upon how much space – and money – you have, and how much space your cat requires. The ideal bed should be cosy and snug, without being too cosy and snug. As a general rule, your cat should be able to turn around in its bed.
Encourage your cat to start using its bed as a kitten, enticing it in there with a handful of treats. Place the bed in a high-visibility area (the corner of the lounge or dining room, for example), so your cat quickly becomes comfortable knowing that its family is still around. A bed placed under a window is ideal.

Types of bed

The right bed for your cat is important, given the amount of time they spend sleeping each day. Cat beds come in a variety of different materials. The wicker basket is perhaps the most traditional, but also the least likely to stand the test of time. Wicker baskets make tempting chewing devices for cats and are also difficult to clean.

Plastic baskets make a viable alternative to wicker. They may not look as nice, but they are durable and maintenance-friendly, and, when lined with blankets or a pillow, are extremely comfortable.

Doughnut beds are ready-made, pre-stuffed beds manufactured from soft material and with raised sides. Check that the material is washable before purchasing as they can look pretty grotty pretty quickly!

Alternatively, you may find that your cat prefers the security of an enclosed bed. It may look more like a tent, but it’s undeniable comfortable!

Image by: oshawa