Buying Guide
Consider your cat's sleeping style: curlers love donut/bolster beds, hiders prefer caves and igloos, stretchers want flat mats or hammocks. Heated beds are brilliant for older cats or cold homes. Window perches satisfy bird-watchers. Always check the bed is machine washable, has a non-slip base, and is the right size — cats like to feel snug, so don't go too big.
Cat bed sizes — how to measure before you buy
Measure your cat curled up (nose to tail base) and add roughly 10cm. Most adult cats are comfortable in a 50–55cm donut bed; a 40cm bed suits kittens and petite cats only. Cats like to feel the sides of a bed against them, so a bed that is too large often gets ignored in favour of a cardboard box.
Best cat beds for big cats and large breeds
Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Norwegian Forest cats and chunkier moggies need 65cm or larger. Look for a deep bolster that supports the head, a reinforced base that will not sag under 6–9kg, and a removable washable cover. Large donut beds and extra-large cat trees with wide platforms are the two options that consistently work for big cats — small caves rarely do.
Covered and enclosed beds — for cats who like to hide
Enclosed caves, igloos and hooded beds suit nervous cats, rescue cats and any cat who sleeps under the bed or behind the sofa. Wool caves breathe better than polyester domes, which can get warm in summer. Choose one with a soft but self-supporting shell so it does not collapse when your cat leans on it, and check the opening is wide enough for an easy exit.
Cooling beds for summer and heated beds for winter
Self-cooling gel mats and breathable rattan or mesh beds help long-haired and elderly cats in hot weather; no power needed, and they can go on a windowsill or tiled floor. In winter, self-heating beds use a reflective layer to bounce body heat back, while mains heated pads (typically 4 watts, thermostatically controlled) only warm to body temperature and are the kinder option for arthritic and senior cats.
Cheap cat beds that still last
Under £20 you can get a good plush donut bed — the things to check are a non-slip base, a cover you can machine wash at 30°C, and stitching around the rim rather than glue. Skip beds with detachable decorations, and avoid very thin foam pads, which flatten within weeks. Buying one washable bed plus a spare blanket usually beats replacing a cheap bed every few months.
Where to put the bed (this matters more than the bed)
Cats choose height, warmth and a view of the room. Put the bed somewhere your cat already naps — near a radiator, on a windowsill, or in a quiet corner with its back to a wall. If you have a cat flap fitted, avoid placing the bed in the draught line of the flap; a spot a couple of metres away keeps your cat warm while still letting them watch the door.