Today’s cat beds come in a wide variety of designs, including plush donut beds, orthopedic cushions, window perches, and cozy cave-style hideouts. Each style is made to support different sleeping positions, age groups, and personality types. Some cats love to curl up tightly, while others prefer to stretch out fully — and there’s a perfect bed for every kind of sleeper.
Material also matters. Soft faux fur provides warmth and comfort, memory foam supports joints for older cats, and breathable fabrics help keep your cat cool during warmer seasons. Many modern cat beds are also designed to be washable and durable, making life easier for pet parents while keeping the sleeping area clean and fresh.
Choosing the right cat bed is not just about matching your home décor — it’s about understanding your cat’s habits, preferences, and health needs. When your cat has a bed they truly love, you’ll notice better sleep, reduced stress, and a happier, more relaxed companion. After all, a well-rested cat is a happy cat.
Top Picks
You can choose from these 8
This plush bed was an instant hit with a 5-year-old Ragdoll cat, who immediately started making biscuits the moment it was set up. The Funny Fuzzy Trendy Striped Faux Lambswool Cat Couch Bed is a roomy, sofa-style bed featuring soft, padded cushions and flexible armrests and backrest that make it feel extra cozy.
We tried the medium size—the smallest of the four available—and found that it still has a pretty generous footprint. It’s big enough for two cats to lounge comfortably, yet it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to move around. The beige color blends nicely with the cat’s fur, and despite frequent use, cat hair didn’t cling too much. Plus, the cover is removable and machine washable, making cleanup a breeze.
Over the testing period, the bed kept its shape and held up well, even with lots of enthusiastic kneading. The only downside? It’s pricier than some other options on our list, unless you catch it on sale.
Every cat owner knows the struggle: you buy a cute bed, but your cat prefers the cardboard box it came in. Luckily, Wirecutter tested over 60 cat beds and narrowed it down to a few standouts that cats actually love.
If your kitty loves to knead and curl, the 4Claws Furry Pet Bed/Mat is a dream. Its soft plush top is perfect for paw massages, and it folds into a cozy bed while staying durable and washable.
For cats who spend time in carriers or crates, the MidWest QuietTime Deluxe Ombré Swirl is a thick, supportive mat. With its soft tufted polyester and 2½-inch polyfiber fill, your cat will enjoy maximum comfort wherever they snooze.
And for those furry friends who crave extra warmth, especially seniors, the K&H Thermo-Kitty Heated Mat provides soothing heat up to 102°F. Its removable heating pad is safe and easy to clean, making it ideal for cold spots or chilly floors.
No matter your cat’s preference—kneading, curling, or basking in warmth—these beds combine comfort, durability, and ease of cleaning. Because a happy cat makes a happy home.
Best Cave: The Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Bed Cave brings a minimalist Icelandic aesthetic to any room. Made from 100% merino wool, it’s thermoregulating—keeping cats warm or cool as needed—and has antimicrobial properties. Our tester noted that their cat took a few days to warm up, but gradually accepted it when placed at the end of the bed.
No setup is required, though it can take some time for the bed to reach its full shape and may need occasional adjustments. That said, it’s very well-made and built to last.
The tester also appreciated how easily the bed blends with home décor; it could easily pass as a stylish felt sculpture or oversized throw pillow. It comes in two sizes: medium, best for cats up to 12 pounds, and large, for cats up to 20 pounds.
Best Heated Bed: The K&H Thermo Kitty Deluxe Heated Cat Bed was an instant hit with our tester’s cat, who loves cozy naps. Setup is simple, though the bed must be plugged in for the heating feature to work. Heat is activated when a cat jumps in, and a built-in thermostat keeps the temperature comfortable—warm, but not too hot. Our tester noted that it warms up within minutes.
The bed also comes with an optional hood, giving cats a little hideaway for extra comfort. The main downsides are that it takes up a fair amount of floor space relative to where your cat actually lies, and it’s only available in animal-print designs.
Best With Cover: This hooded cat bed offers a cozy, supportive spot for cats while catering to their natural burrowing instincts. It features tall, thick padded sides, an ultra-soft lining, and a built-in half-cover that acts like a loose blanket for extra warmth and security. Keep in mind, the bed has a fairly large footprint—roughly the size of a small ottoman—so it’s best suited for spaces that can accommodate it.
Our tester noted that the cushioning is “substantial,” and the large, soft bolsters surrounding the central pad make it perfect for curling up. Both cats in the home took to it immediately, and there’s enough room for them to share comfortably. The downside is that there’s no removable cover: cleaning requires tossing the entire bed into the washing machine and dryer, which may not appeal to everyone.
Best Perch: The AMOSIJOY Cordless Cat Window Perch takes a fresh approach to window lounging. Instead of the usual tension-wire design, it uses four large, strong suction cups to hold the perch securely in place.
Setup is simple, taking about five minutes, though our tester found fitting the removable cover onto the frame a little tricky at first. The cover itself is fluffy and padded, with a thick cushioned rim and a breathable mesh bottom that balances sink-and-support. It zips off for easy washing, and hair and debris can be quickly removed with a sticky roller between cleanings.
Our tester, with three cats, found that the large size comfortably accommodated even her two biggest cats at the same time—a feat they hadn’t achieved with their previous wire-based perches. The perch also scored points for looking stylish, being durable, and offering great overall value. The ability to fold it up when not in use (so blinds can still close) is a major bonus.
If you have a dog who likes to chew, but you still want to enjoy the freedom of a retractable leash, the TUG 360 Tangle-Free Retractable Leash has considered your needs. The TUG 360 itself is not chew-proof but arrives with a special, removable extension made of a thicker material that can be added to the dog's end of the leash. This extension is more durable than the tape of the leash if your dog decides to lunge for a mid-walk snack. Other merits of the TUG 360 are its tangle-free construction. It was designed with a special retraction opening that prevents the flat nylon tape from twisting and getting tangled on itself.
As noted before, the leash's actual nylon tape is not chew-proof and stood up poorly during our durability test. It also has no additional features, causing it to rank lower than other leashes. Finally, the TUG 360 felt bulky compared to others of similar size and length. If you're seeking a nice-looking retractable leash, don't mind a little bulk, and want the added security of the chewing attachment, we definitely recommend this leash.
When choosing a cat bed, it’s important to consider practical factors alongside comfort. Think about your cat’s age, size, and activity level—older cats may benefit from orthopedic cushions, while energetic kittens might enjoy a bed with built-in tunnels or playful features. Durability is another key factor, especially if your cat likes to knead, scratch, or climb. Materials should be safe, non-toxic, and easy to clean, as hygiene is essential to your cat’s health and your own peace of mind. A well-chosen bed can encourage better sleep, reduce stress, and even help manage natural behaviors like hiding or scratching in ways that keep your home safer and more harmonious.
Beyond functionality, cat beds have evolved to complement your living space, blending style and utility. Many modern designs are sleek, minimalistic, or even luxurious, ensuring your home stays visually appealing while providing a comfortable spot for your furry companion. In addition, a thoughtfully selected cat bed strengthens the bond between you and your pet. It signals to your cat that they have a dedicated, safe space that belongs to them, which can enhance their sense of trust, calmness, and overall happiness.
Investing in a high-quality cat bed isn’t just about pampering your pet—it’s about improving their quality of life. From naps to playtime to quiet moments of solitude, a bed can become the centerpiece of your cat’s daily routine, offering comfort, security, and joy. Ultimately, it’s a simple way to show love, care, and attention to a companion who gives so much affection in return. A well-chosen cat bed can truly transform your cat’s environment, creating a space where they can rest, play, and thrive, and giving you the satisfaction of knowing your furry friend is happy, healthy, and at home.