8 best cat beds for 2023, approved by vets

Cats are notorious for sleeping in strange places. If it’s time to invest in a new bed for your cat, look no further than these perfect cat beds! The betterpet team tested these out in-house to see which cat beds are the best and which ones should stay on the shelf. We looked at comfort, price, durability, and the cutest cat beds around.

Keep reading to find the perfect cat bed for you and your pet!

#1 Best overall: Best Pet Soft Pet Tent

#2 Best window view: EZ Mount Townhouse

#3 Best for plushy comfort: Modern Soft Plus Round Pet Bed

#4 Best for small spaces: Tempcore Cat Bed

#5 Best enclosed cat bed: Durkha Cave Bed

#6 Best stylish cat bed: Frisco Modern Tunnel Cat Bed

#7 Best on a budget: Sleep Zone Cushion Pet Bed

#8 Best cardboard cat bed: MSBC 2 in 1 Cat Cardboard Lounge Bed

Cat beds we didn’t love

While we try to select cat beds that will be a hit, there’s always one or two that don’t quite measure up. Here are two popular cat beds we tried out but didn’t love. We believe that you should be informed as you shop for your kitty in 2023, so here are the beds that we recommend you reconsider.

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Mat

Taylor, one of our betterpet writers, tested out this mat. While she did like that it was smaller and could easily be tucked away, she didn’t recommend this cat bed. From Taylor:

“This product is not worth the cost and may be more trouble than it’s worth. Cats will chew on the plug, and it’s made of a plush-like material that attracts hair. It does not heat up at all, and so it does not work as advertised.”

VIPACE Cat Hammock

We tested out this wall-mounted cat hammock and it just didn’t live up to expectations. While the bed portion is removable and very soft, the wood didn’t have any type of finish on it whatsoever, providing no protection against stains or scratches. The wood was also  incredibly soft and easily dented and damaged in our attempts to install the hammock.

Additionally, the package didn’t come with the necessary hardware for putting it up, so this cat bed fell apart with the first jump. Nothing on it was standard either, so improvising was mostly out of the question. Overall not recommended.

How to pick the right cat beds

Cats are known for being finicky. We often think that there is no rhyme or reason to why a cat will like one thing over another but, just like us, cats have preferences. Understanding cat body language can help you decipher what they like and make informed decisions!

👉 Cats have powerful noses, so if your cat is mean-mugging their new bed, swap it out for one made of natural materials.

Here are our tips to keep in mind when shopping for a cat bed:

Your cat’s comfort

To begin with, you’ll want to know how your cat sleeps. Like their people, not all cats sleep in the same position. While cats might get comfortable in any position anywhere, they do tend to have their preferences, so observe your cat to learn about their favorite position and place.

You’ll want to select a bed that fits their size and isn’t too big, or too small. For cats that like to curl up, beds with a thick side wall can provide the comfort that they like, while mat-like beds might be a great choice for those that like to spread out.

Additionally, consider your pet’s needs. For cats dealing with joint issues, consider one with a smaller lip and an orthopedic mattress rather than an elevated cat bed.

Cleaning and longevity

Unless your cat bed isn’t designed to last (like the cardboard lounger we tested), it’s important to consider how washable and durable it is. Look at past reviews from shoppers, or explore the best list to see how our tested items held up, and choose one that meets your expectations.

👉 Pet beds with removable covers are a great way to ensure that moisture from washing doesn’t get trapped in the padding of your pet’s favorite lounge spot.

Why trust betterpet?

The writers, editors, and staff of betterpet are pet parents, and we know the value of accurate, trustworthy information. We tested these cat beds in-house, so you can trust that when we say these are the best cat beds out there, it’s true.

How we test our cat beds

Regardless of who does the testing or what kind of pet they have, the same standards apply. Here are the four points we test our cat beds against:

• Features. We look at the features of each cat bed, like if it’s durable or easily attracts hair. Our testers evaluate how well the cat bed performed with those features in mind.
• Durability. For cat beds, we also pay attention to how durable each bed is. After all, you don’t purchase a cat bed with the expectation that you’ll have to replace it quickly! We want to be able to tell you how durable a cat bed is so you can make an informed decision when buying the best cat bed out there.
• Cleanliness. Our testers also considered how easy it was to clean each cat bed. Is it a simple matter of taking off a cover or using a hand-vac, or will cleaning the bed mean you’ll have to take it apart completely?
• Comfort. Our testers also looked at how comfortable the cat bed was for both pets and their people. We considered the design of the beds and how it fits in with home décor, like the stylish elevated cat bed.

Frequently asked questions

Do cats prefer open or covered beds?

While this depends entirely on the cat, many cats prefer enclosed beds. For cats that have an anxious disposition or are new to the home, having a place to hide and feel safe is important. Consider cave beds, or even leaving a carrier open and accessible for cats.

Do cats prefer soft or hard beds?

Typically cats prefer softer surfaces, but this doesn’t mean cats won’t happily snooze on hardwood or tile floors. Ultimately, it depends on your cat’s preferences and needs at the time.

Where should you put a cat bed?

Placing a cat bed in a sunny location is always a good way to make it more appealing to your cat. You can also use catnip to entice cats, or put an enclosure over the bed to create a safe, dark place for cats to nap. Ultimately, though, cats may or may not choose to use the cat bed you get them.

Should I invest in a cat bed?

Having at least one cat bed is a great idea. Cats will sleep anywhere and everywhere, but cat beds are a great way to encourage them to sleep in a designated area. Although not a guarantee, it can help dissuade them from sleeping on countertops, pillows, etc.