Cats sleep wherever — and whenever — they want, but the best cat beds offer more than just a cozy place to nap. A bed all their own can become a space that holds your cat's scent, giving them a sense of comfort and security. Just keep in mind: There's no guarantee your cat will use the bed you choose.
To increase your chances of success, I spoke with veterinarians and a certified cat behavior and retention specialist to gather insights into what makes a great cat bed. As a cat product tester, cat mom, and former cat foster parent, I've spent years assessing pet products for comfort, durability, and practicality. I also teamed up with seven Business Insider cat parents and their felines. Together, we tested 19 cat beds, narrowing our selection to just the best seven. Our top pick for the best overall cat bed is The Original Calming Donut Dog Bed from Best Friends by Sheri, a plush, nest-like bed that comes in several sizes. With its soft shag faux fur and deep, cushiony sleeping area, it provides an ideal space for kneading, curling up, and, most of all, feeling secure.
Our top picks for the best cat beds
Best overall: Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Dog Bed - See at Chewy
Best heated: Knead Therapeutic Bed - See at Knead
Best cave: The Cat Ball - See at Amazon
Best window perch: Amosijoy Cushion Pad Bed Cat Window Perch - See at Amazon
Best with tunnel: Kitty City Cat Tunnel Bed - See at Chewy
Best for large cats: Bedsure Pet Corduroy Fleece Pet Couch - See at Chewy
Best for cats and dogs: Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Flannel Dog Sofa - See at Chewy
Best overall
This donut-style bed combines a shag cover and plush polyester filling to create an irresistibly soft, cushioned retreat for cats.
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The top pick for the best cat beds was loved by our felines and is the most budget-friendly option among our favorites. "Our cat, Papaya, is absolutely, positively, madly in love with this bed," says Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews executive editor. Papaya isn't alone in her admiration of The Original Calming Donut Dog Bed. My two cats kept coming back to it, too. With its deep shag fur and plush yet supportive center, it's perfect for cozy nesting, which can bring a feeling of security, and is ideal for kneading, an up-and-down motion cats make with their paws when they feel safe and content.
Technically a dog bed, it comes in six sizes spanning extra-small to extra-large for pets big and small. "Papaya's a big cat, and she fits perfectly in the small size," Kaplan says. When the bed needed a refresh, she tossed the whole thing in the wash, and it came out looking like new. While you can't remove the cover from the size extra-small and small beds, they still have zipper openings so you can adjust or remove filling to get the ideal loft for your pet.
Cat beds play a significant role in reducing stress and anxiety in cats, says Dr. Maggie Placer, a veterinarian and veterinary sciences program manager at EveryCat Health Foundation. You can help reinforce these positive feelings by offering gentle pets or treats when your cat is lounging in their bed. For Kaplan and Papaya, this came naturally. "Papaya curls up in this bed for hours a day, napping and snuggling and demanding belly scratches when I come to visit her," she says.
Best heated
The Knead is an ultra-modern orthopedic cat bed designed to ergonomically cradle cats to reduce joint pain and strain.
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When I saw the $169 (sale) price tag on this heated orthopedic cat bed, I had to ask my experts if it was really worth the cost. "Orthopedic beds, especially heated ones, are a smart investment," says Dr. Jamie Tomlin, lead veterinarian and partner at CityVet Windhaven Clinic. Even if your cat isn't showing signs of arthritis, Placer says around 90% of senior cats have joint pain.
Some cat beds have high sides that can be tough for arthritic cats to climb in and out of, but not this one. The Knead Cat Bed offers a better way to rest, with 4-inch thick contoured memory foam for ergonomic neck and joint support, plus gentle heat to promote circulation and soothe aching muscles. My cats couldn't get enough of this bed. When one wasn't curled up on it, the other was. And while you might assume it was heat drawing them in, my cat, Lyra, claimed the bed before it was even plugged in — a testament to its cozy shape and soft, wool-like cover.
When plugged in and turned on, the brand says the bed warms to up to 104 degrees F. I measured the surface temperature on top of the cover to be a few degrees cooler. It has three timer options: continuous and four or eight-hour auto shut-off. It can also warm to 113 degrees F for 30 minutes, but check with your vet before using the higher heat. I found the four-hour timer perfect for my cats' naps. If you'd rather leave it on all day, the bed meets US and Canadian low-voltage safety standards. The cover is machine washable and the waterproof foam wipes clean.
Joint pain isn't required for cats to love a heated bed. If your cat simply enjoys warm naps, the Frisco Self-Warming Bolster Bed is a great inexpensive option. Rather than electricity, it uses your cat's body heat to create warmth. It's ultra-soft, and though small and lightly cushioned, my 11-pound cats love curling up in it.
Best cave
Calling at kitties who like to burrow: This well-designed cat cave has two openings for prime stalking, pouncing, and never being caught off guard.
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Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc., says cats who enjoy hiding in boxes or curling up under furniture may be happier with a cave-style bed over an open one. However, she adds that cave beds aren't for every cat. Some may feel anxious or stressed if there's only one way in and one way out. That's one reason why I love The Cat Ball. With two openings, it provides a hidden retreat while still offering a clear line of sight and an additional escape route from any unwelcome visitors.
I also consider The Cat Ball one of the best cat beds because, well, my cats love it. They took turns diving into it at full speed, rolling around inside, using it as a hideout to swat at toys from inside their cozy cover, and taking long naps. All that play and napping led to cat hair sticking to The Cat Ball, so I was glad the cotton fabric was machine washable. Since high heat can shrink cotton, I tumbled it dry, though it took two cycles and some air-drying afterward.
If you're looking for a classic wool cat cave, those made by Meowfia and Karma Cat are great choices. They're both made of durable wool that pops right back into form. The Meowfia cave comes in two sizes that have slightly lower entrances than Karama Cat caves. I've had Karma Cat caves for years, while Insider Reviews editor Lily Alig tested the large Meowfia. My caves have doubled as play gyms for foster kittens, and both of our cats have lounged inside, spilled out the front, and napped on top.
Best window perch
Part cozy bed, part lookout spot, this perch is ideal for small spaces and cats who enjoy sun-soaked naps with a front-row seat to the outdoors.
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Cats are both predators and prey who love high vantage points from which they can survey their surroundings, so providing them with a window perch makes sense. I recommend the Amosijoy Bed Window Perch because it's a sturdy yet plush bed that gives cats a secure spot to lounge, nap, and watch the world go by. When it's not in use, you can fold the metal frame flat against the window.
You can attach this perch to any window that's at least 23.3 inches wide using the included suction cups — no permanent installation is required. The suction cups provide a firm grip that doesn't give when my cats jump on it. In fact, the perch is designed to hold up to 40 pounds, so even large breeds needing extra support can rest comfortably.
The temperatures have been chilly while testing this perch, so my cats have enjoyed curling up in the cozy bolstered fleece bed. Once the weather warms up, I'll flip the cushion to the breathable mesh side for a cooler snooze. The bolster lacks some support, though. The front bolster edge tends to fold over, and the bed tilts slightly forward. However, neither issue affected its sturdiness or discouraged my cats from jumping on and lounging on it. I mounted the perch on my large dining room window, overlooking my backyard chickens outside and dining table inside, so there's always something for my cats to watch.
Best with tunnel
Our cats loved racing through this tunnel and refueling with a catnap in the plush center bed.
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Like cat caves, tunnels give cats a covered space to hide out and stalk their prey. Unlike caves, tunnels also offer a path for zooming through and playing. My pick from Kitty City has a plush cushioned bed in the center for a cozy lounging spot between play sessions. Before I even zipped the bed to the tunnel, my cat, Lyra, had already claimed the cushy sherpa bed as that night's sleeping spot.
You can set up the Kitty City Cat Tunnel Bed however you and your cat prefer. My cats love it when the two tunnel halves are zipped together into a full circle. They zoom around it like a little racetrack. You can also zip the tunnel into an "S" shape with two open ends or leave the halves unzipped for two separate semi-circles.
The tunnel has a slight crinkle, but not enough to startle timid cats. "Crinkle materials are appealing because the rustling noise is reminiscent of prey running through grass or brush, which triggers the cat's prey drive and hunting instincts," Geller says. Each tunnel half includes a door with a dangling toy.
While the tunnel itself is spot-clean only, the bed is machine washable. When I wiped off a mixture of wet cat food and crushed dry food, the tunnel fabric remained smooth and came out clean without discoloration. The tunnel comes in four colors, including red and blue plaid, which I chose because I plan to zip it around my Christmas tree to see how well it works for cat-proofing.
Best for large cats
This cat sofa offers plenty of space for big kitties to sprawl, plus a non-skid bottom to keep it from sliding during big stretches and enthusiastic kneading.
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If you have an extra-large cat, they need extra-large gear — sturdy cat trees, large litter boxes, and a cat bed that they can sprawl out on. The medium-sized Bedsure Pet Couch has an impressive 30 inches of sleeping space. It's even roomy enough for two. My cats weren't interested in sharing, but Will Fischer, Insider Reviews senior content strategist, says his oversized duo (19.5-inch long Binu and 17.5-inch long Bomi) had no trouble fitting at once. Sometimes they lounge together and sometimes separately in the bed.
Shaped like a miniature couch, this bed has plush armrests and a cushioned back. One of Fischer's cats enjoyed propping a foot over the back for a good stretch. Mine preferred curling up on it or leaning against the bed while lounging on the cool floor. Thanks to its marginal weight of 6 pounds and a non-skid bottom, the bed doesn't slide even when cats position themselves against it.
The cat sofa comes in seven colors, and I chose cream specifically to see how much dirt and cat hair would stand out. Even after a winter of use in front of the fireplace by my short-haired gray cat and long-haired tuxedo, it still looks almost as good as new. If the bed collects fur, a quick pass with a lint roller or vacuum does the trick. You can also toss the removable cover into the wash, though it's a slight pain getting the cover off and on.
Best for cats and dogs
The Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Flannel Dog Sofa is the best of both worlds for dog and cat parents — tough enough for dogs yet cozy enough for cats, and roomy enough for both to share.
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Cats knead their beds and sometimes drool in their sleep while dogs may circle and dig. The best bed for sharing needs to handle it all. The Bedsure Pet Orthopedic Flannel Dog Sofa strikes a balance between cat-approved comfort and dog-friendly durability, offering 4 inches of egg-crate foam for joint support, a waterproof liner, a machine-washable cover, and a sturdy bolster that can support both pets.
This bed didn't just impress our tester for this guide, but it also earned a top spot in our guide to the best dog beds. It held up to our durability tests and even our kneading and fur retention assessments, though we recommend handwashing the liner as its zipper failed for some of our dog bed testers.
Steven Cohen, Insider Reviews senior editor, says his cat, Willow, gave it the ultimate seal of approval by ditching her favorite spot on his sofa for this bed. His medium-sized lab mix, Kenobi, was just as fond of it, too. "The bed was large enough for both of them, and they often slept nestled up together," Cohen says of the 42-inch long bed he tested.
While this bed's size and features make it a good fit for multi-pet households, our experts recommend giving your cat resources all their own, too, like one of the best cat trees.
What to look for in a cat bed
Cats snooze for 12 to 18 hours a day, and Placer says you can think of their bed as a cozy recharging station. Here's what my experts recommend looking for in the best cat beds to help your feline friend relax and recharge.
Comfort and support: It can be surprising to us humans what cats find comfortable. Paying attention to their favorite spots and behaviors can help you choose the best cat bed for them. If your cat loves to knead, go for a plush, padded bed, Geller says. Bolstered or high plush sides can help cats nestle in while older, arthritic, or overweight cats may prefer a low-sided or flat bed that's easier to get in and out of. "For arthritis, specifically, I recommend choosing a bed that is designed for orthopedic needs," Tomlin says.
Comfort isn't just about fluffiness, though, as your cat needs to feel safe and secure in their bed, too. A covered or cave-style bed might be best for cats who love to hide under furniture or in boxes. Cats who like a clear view may prefer an open bed, and felines who are always reaching new heights may like a perch bed attached to a window.
Materials: A majority of cat beds are made with synthetic fibers like polyester, which is fine for many cats, especially when the bed is durably constructed. Beds that don't readily shed, stand up to kneading, and hold up in the wash last longer and reduce the risk of loose fibers being ingested. That said, if your cat has sensitive skin or allergies, Placer says it may be worth exploring beds made with natural materials like cotton, wool, or latex.
Features: One way cat beds provide comfort is by holding onto your cat's scent, so you don't need to wash the bed unless it's visibly dirty or soiled. A removable cover makes it much easier to clean up hairballs and other accidents when they happen while durable fabrics let you remove fur with a lint roller without damaging the bed. For senior cats with incontinence issues, Placer recommends looking for a bed that is waterproof.
Beyond being cozy, Tomlin and Placer say heated beds can help alleviate pain associated with arthritis by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. The ideal surface temperature should be between 90 and 98 degrees F, which is close to your cat's natural body temperature. If the bed has a setting for a higher temperature, like the Knead cat bed, check with your veterinarian before using it. Self-heating beds are the safest option because there are no cords to get tangled in or chew. Beds that plug into outlets are also safe when used as directed and tested to meet electrical safety standards. "Other safety features to consider include a low-voltage heating element, thermostat, and an automatic shutoff," says Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian and veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance.
Size: The best cat bed dimensions depend more on your cat's sleeping style than their actual size, Geller says. Many cats prefer a bed that they fit snugly into without a lot of room to spare. "Being in a confined space makes cats feel safe and secure," she says. "They find comfort in the gentle pressure from the sides of the bed." Smaller beds also retain more body heat. But if your cat is the type to sprawl out, limbs extended and spilling over the edges, a larger bed might be the way to go, she says.
Price: Our top picks for the best cat beds range from $15 (our best overall recommendation) to over $200 (our heated bed pick). Most cost between $30 and $60. We found that bigger price tags often mean additional features and higher-quality materials, like cotton, heating elements, or orthopedic foam. "If your cat is a senior and/or has known joint issues, the investment in a heated orthopedic bed is generally worth it," Cahn says.
How we tested the best cat beds
As a cat mom to two nap-loving felines, a foster mom to over 50 cats and kittens, and a professional cat product tester, I know just how picky cats can be about where they sleep. To find the best cat beds, I took notes on how my cats responded to them, how well the beds held up to typical use, and how easy they were to clean. I also recruited seven Insider Reviews editors and reporters and their cats to weigh in on different beds. Here's the testing methodology we followed.
Materials and durability: We evaluated each bed's construction, resilience to kneading, and condition after washing. Upon unboxing, we checked for defects and ensured the quality matched our expectations. To mimic a cat's kneading, we lightly dragged a fork across the fabric and pressed into the bed, taking note of any fraying or lumping. We also washed each bed according to its instructions, looking for any signs of shrinkage, shedding, pilling, discoloration, or other changes in the fabric or filling.
Comfort and support: We took a hands-on approach to finding the best cat beds with an ideal balance of comfort and support, meaning they were plush enough for kneading yet firm enough that a cat doesn't sink into their bed. If a bed had a heating component, I used an infrared thermometer to measure its surface temperature. A bed was rewarded a top score if it maintained a surface temperature of around 90 to 98 degrees F, which closely matches a cat's body temperature without posing the risk of overheating. For perches and elevated beds, we evaluated their ability to support a cat's weight, ensuring they cradled the cat without excessive sagging and remained stable when a cat jumped on or off. No freestanding elevated beds tested passed our criteria for sturdiness.
Ease of cleaning: After use by our cats, we noted how much fur accumulated on each bed and whether it could be easily removed with a lint roller without damaging the fabric. Then, we washed all beds according to the manufacturer's instructions, giving the highest scores to those that were easy to disassemble, clean, dry, and reassemble. For spot-clean-only products, like tunnels, I smeared a mix of wet and dry cat food on the fabric, let it dry overnight, and then wiped it clean to test stain removal.
Ease of assembly: While most of these cat beds didn't require assembly, we rated perches and elevated beds based on how clear the instructions were, whether extra tools were needed, and whether they could be assembled in 15 minutes or less.
Cat bed FAQs
What kind of bed do cats like best?
"Look through your cat's eyes when purchasing a bed for them," Placer says. The best way to figure out which bed your cat might use is by observing their sleeping habits and behaviors. Geller says cats who like to stretch out may prefer a larger bed or even a rectangular one. Those who curl up tightly usually go for round beds not much larger than themselves. Some cats like to hide to feel secure, making a covered or cave-style bed a better option. Since a cat's mood can change depending on the time of day, the season, or even what's going on in your home, having more than one type of bed is a good idea. For senior cats, our experts agree that a bed with good support, ideally orthopedic, is the best cat bed for them.
What materials do cats like best to sleep on?
Cats like sleeping on a lot of different materials, and unexpected ones at that — a cool tile floor, your keyboard, or (a favorite of my cats) a pile of clean laundry. So, while it's tough for our experts to say exactly what material your cat prefers, they have some recommendations for the healthiest options. "Organic cotton, wool, and latex are great choices for cats with allergies, like asthmatic cats or those with sensitive skin," Placer says. "These materials may also help to regulate the cat's body temperature."
Do cats prefer open or covered beds?
It depends on your cat's personality and the dynamics of your household, Placer says. Some cats enjoy the privacy of a covered bed, and playful ones may use it as a hiding spot for stalking and pouncing. However, in multi-pet households — or for anxious cats — a covered bed might feel confining if they can't see what's around them. An open bed allows them to keep watch. Geller says if your cat often burrows under furniture or blankets, they'll likely appreciate a covered bed.
What is the best place for a cat to sleep at night?
The best place for your cat to sleep is anywhere that's safe and comfortable for them. If you'd like your cat to sleep in their designated bed at night, Placer recommends putting it where they tend to hang out and away from potential stressors, like other pets or children. She also recommends creating positive associations by offering a treat whenever your cat chooses to settle in their bed. Geller says additional tricks to encourage use include sprinkling catnip inside, adding a few treats, or using a pheromone spray. "My cats will always choose to nap on a piece of clothing I leave on the floor," she says. So, she often places a worn clothing item in any new cat bed to make it more enticing.
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