Struggling to get your cat to use that expensive bed? You're not alone. Most cat owners face this issue. Let me share what really makes a cat bed irresistible to feline friends.
Cats do use cat beds when the bed meets their specific needs for security, warmth, and comfort. The key is choosing a bed that mimics their natural sleeping preferences - elevated, enclosed, and made with materials that retain their scent.
You bought that plush, expensive cat bed, only to find your cat sleeping in the cardboard box it came in. I've been there too. Through years of designing pet products, I've learned that cats have very particular preferences when it comes to sleeping spots. It's not just about softness - it's about creating the right combination of security, temperature regulation1, and comfort. Let's explore what makes the ideal cat bed.
What Kind of Cat Bed Do Cats Like the Most?
Frustrated by your cat ignoring their bed? The truth is, most commercial cat beds don't meet feline needs. I'll reveal what features cats truly prefer.
Cats prefer beds that are elevated, slightly enclosed, and made with warm, soft materials that retain their scent. Donut-shaped beds with raised edges and cave-style beds with roof covers are consistently the most popular with felines.
When we first started designing cat beds at Petallio, we made all the typical mistakes - focusing too much on human aesthetics rather than cat psychology. After studying hundreds of cats, we found some clear preferences:
| Bed Type | Features | Why Cats Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Donut Beds | Circular with raised edges | Provides head support and a sense of security |
| Cave Beds | Enclosed with roof or hood | Mimics natural hiding spots, retains warmth |
| Heated Beds | Self-warming or electric | Appeals to cats' love of warmth (body temp is 102°F) |
| Elevated Beds | Raised off the ground | Allows cats to survey their territory safely |
The ideal bed combines several of these features. Our bestseller, the Marley's Cat Tree, includes multiple elevated platforms with both open and enclosed sleeping options. We learned that cats like variety - sometimes they want to be hidden, other times they want to observe. Having options in one product solves this.
What Type of Mattress is Best for Cats to Sleep On?
Worried about your cat's joint health? The right mattress can make all the difference, especially for older cats. Here's what truly supports feline bodies.
The best mattresses for cats are memory foam2 or orthopedic foam3 with a medium firmness. These materials distribute weight evenly, support joints, and retain warmth while being easy for cats to knead and shape to their comfort.
Most people don't realize that cats need different mattress support than humans. A cat's spine is more flexible and their weight distribution is completely different. Through our testing with veterinary experts, we found:
- Memory foam - Ideal for senior cats as it relieves pressure points
- Orthopedic foam - Great support for all life stages
- Self-warming materials - Reflects body heat back to the cat
- Removable covers - Essential for cleaning and scent retention
We learned this the hard way. One of our early prototypes used standard polyfill - soft to humans but offering no real support. Our feline testers would use it once, then abandon it. Now we use a proprietary blend of memory foam2 and orthopedic foam3 with just the right amount of give - firm enough to support, soft enough to shape to their bodies.
What Makes a Cat Bed Actually Appealing to Cats?
Shocked that your cat prefers your laundry to their bed? It's not about the bed's looks - it's about invisible factors you might be missing.
Cats are drawn to beds that hold their scent, are in quiet but strategic locations, and provide the right temperature regulation1. The most attractive beds combine these elements with textures cats love to knead and materials that don't retain odors.
Here's what most cat bed manufacturers get wrong - they focus only on physical comfort, ignoring the psychological factors. Through our research, we've identified the hierarchy of what makes a cat actually use a bed:
- Scent marking - Beds must allow cats to transfer their scent
- Location - Placement in quiet but elevated areas
- Texture - Materials cats enjoy kneading (fleece, sherpa)
- Temperature - Warm in winter, cool in summer
- Cleanliness - Easy to wash without losing scent completely
That's why we developed our "Scent Lock" technology - special fabric blends that retain just enough of the cat's scent to make the bed feel like theirs, while still being washable. It took 23 iterations to get this balance right!
What is the Best Bed for an Older Cat?
Watching your senior cat struggle to get comfortable? Their needs change with age, and so should their bed. Here's how to support aging joints.
The best bed for older cats features orthopedic memory foam2 with a low entry point, warm materials, and easy accessibility. Look for beds with side bolsters for head support and non-slip bottoms4 to prevent sliding when getting in/out.
As cats age, their mobility decreases and arthritis becomes common. Our senior cat bed designs focus on:
- Accessibility - No high walls to climb over
- Support - Memory foam at least 2 inches thick
- Warmth - Self-heating layers or microwavable inserts
- Security - Raised edges on one side only
- Stability - Non-slip bottom material
We worked with feline physical therapists to create our Ortho-Snooze bed5. It has a unique "step-in" design that allows arthritic cats to enter easily, with graduated support - firmer at the edges for stability, softer in the center for comfort. The response from senior cats (and their owners) has been incredibly rewarding.
Conclusion
Cats do use beds - when the beds meet their instinctive needs. The perfect cat bed combines security, comfort, warmth and scent marking6 in designs that respect feline psychology and physical requirements.
Learn about the significance of temperature regulation in cat beds for your pet's comfort. ↩
Discover the advantages of memory foam for senior cats and how it supports their joint health. ↩
Understand the benefits of orthopedic foam for cats of all ages and how it aids in comfort. ↩
Discover why non-slip bottoms are crucial for the safety and stability of your cat's bed. ↩
Discover the unique design of the Ortho-Snooze bed and how it supports aging cats. ↩
Explore the importance of scent marking in cat behavior and how it influences their bed preferences. ↩