If you've ever slept on a bad mattress, you know how grumpy it can make you the next day. The same must be true for your pet cat (although, they're always a bit grumpy) - a bad bed will not only make them moody but can even hurt them. Cats also spend a lot of the day sleeping, so it's a good idea to ensure that they're as comfortable as possible.
There are plenty of fantastic cat beds to suit a whole range of budgets and styles - you can even get a heated cat bed now - and finding the perfect one can seem daunting. However, we've chosen our top picks to ensure your cat is sleeping in the lap of luxury and you're buying a quality item.
After all that top quality sleeping, your cat will have plenty of energy, so it may be an idea to buy some cool tech gifts for them or an awesome cat subscription box.
What cat bed is best?
There are hundreds of cat beds out there, so it can be hard to figure out which one is really best for your kitty. Let's break it down to make it easy.
Donut bed: Usually made with super soft fabric, these donut cat beds ooze comfort and are perfect for any anxious kitty looking for a cosy bed with a bit of extra security. Literally shaped like a donut, your cat can cuddle up in the middle of them.
Cat beds that also look like furniture: Sometimes you want a cat bed that suits the interior of your house and now, luckily, you can get lots of different cat beds that look exactly like human furniture. Whether you want a bed, sofa or chair, you can find furniture-looking cat beds everywhere
Cat caves: Covered around and over the top of the bed, cat caves are perfect for those pets who want to escape and get some privacy. Often having a hole for entry and sometimes with also an exit hole, your cat can move in and out of their cave as they wish
Cat houses: If you want to go all out, buy a cat house so that your pet knows exactly where their space is. Usually, including lots of accessories like scratching posts, stairs and caves, these are a little more expensive
Perches with beds: You can attach some cat beds to radiators or windows and these perches are perfect for any observing kitty. If your cat likes to watch the birds outside or look out the window, these could be a great choice for you
So , with this in mind, what really is the best cat bed?
Best cat beds 2021
Best cat bed for anxious cats
Donut beds are great for an anxious cat because they create a sense of comfort and security. This fluffy option is available in two sizes - medium or large - and a variety of colours and is sure to help a new cat less anxious during the difficult first few nights. It also looks ridiculously comfy.
Best radiator cat bed
For a cat bed that'll keep them warm, opt for a radiator mounted bed - especially in the winter months. With a thick fleece material, this example will be an extra comfy place for them to lay, too. Available in a variety of colours, this will quickly become their favourite place to relax.
Best sustainable cat bed
A wooden cat bed, this bamboo radiator bed will keep your cat warm and make your home look stylish. The soft eco fibre bed on the inside is sure to have your cat sound asleep in no time whilst an integrated scratching post will give them something to do and protect your furniture.
Best cat bed cave
A cool cat cave, this multi-use product is the perfect place for your cat to sleep in and play in. Turn it into a cup, cave, pod or simply lay it flat like a normal bed. It'll also make your cat look like a burrito which is an obvious bonus.
Best novelty cat bed
An adorable novelty cat bed, your cat is sure to love this pineapple-shaped bed. The bright colours and quality fleeced material make it a great cat bed whilst the pineapple shape will mean you can pretend they're Spongebob Squarepants.
Best premium cat bed
Ideal for small spaces, this cat house is a den that takes up next to no space. Designed to fit an IKEA KALLAX bookcase, this cat house can also be placed on the floor. Made of high-quality felt, there's no chance it'll rip either. Just be warned that the integrated cushion is a little thin so so extra padding may make it more comfortable.
Best self-heating cat bed
www.monsterpetsupplies.co.uk
A nice simple cat bed, this self-heating pad is the perfect choice for a simple cat bed. A non-slip base means it's suitable for hard floors, whilst the soft fleece material will be welcomed by your pawed friend. It can also be used to make other areas more comfortable, like pet carriers.
Best stylish cat bed
Made for only the most regal of cats, this SONGWAY cat throne doubles up as a cosy area for your cat to sleep as well as a scratching board. It will fit well in any modern home and includes catnip so your cat will be getting a huge treat.
Best cat house with bed
www.viking-direct.co.uk
What better for your cat than to have space they can go and relax? This cat house has a second floor and ladder for your kitty to play around with. All you need to do is add a few pillows to the house and second floor to make a perfect large bed for cats.
Best cat bed and sofa to suit your interior
Want a cat bed that matches the rest of your house? Grey is so in fashion right now, and now you can get a cat bed that fits perfectly with your interior. With a silver fabric and hardwood support, this mini-sofa is high quality and comfortable for a perfect snooze.
Best cat bed for a spoiled cat
If you're looking for a bed that's irresistibly cute and screams 'my cat is spoiled', then look no further at this cat princess bed. Pink not your style? It's also available in silver and blue. Adorable.
What size cat bed should I get?
This really depends on how many cats you have and what size they are. You should at least invest in one bed per cat. Cats love to have lots of room for themselves so the bigger the better and your cat can decide where they want to cosy up to.
You should really aim for a bed that is the size of the length of your cat, so they can really stretch out and get as much room as possible. Consider how much room you have in your house and where this bed will fit the best, with heat and privacy in mind.
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Ryan Gilmore is a contributor to What's The Best. He also writes for CAR and Parkers.
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