How to choose a cat bed your cat will actually use

By the MCC team · 6 min read · Reviewed for accuracy

Every cat owner has done it: bought a perfectly nice bed, set it down with high hopes, and watched the cat sleep in the cardboard box it came in. Here’s how to pick a bed that actually earns its spot.

1. Match the bed to how your cat sleeps

Watch your cat for a day. Cats that curl into tight balls or seek out enclosed spaces want a cave or covered bed — the enclosure satisfies a hardwired instinct to hide. Cats that sprawl out in the open prefer a flat lounger or bolster bed. Buying against your cat’s natural style is the number-one reason beds get ignored.

2. Get the size right (most people size up too much)

Cats like to feel snug, not lost. A bed that’s slightly larger than your curled-up cat is ideal — cavernous beds feel exposed. As a rule: most cats up to 12 lb fit a standard size; big breeds like Maine Coons and Ragdolls should size up.

3. Prioritize washability

A bed your cat loves is a bed that gets dirty. A removable, machine-washable cushion isn’t a luxury — it’s the difference between a bed that lasts a year and one you toss in a month.

4. Place it where your cat already feels safe

The best bed in the wrong spot still loses to the windowsill. Put it somewhere warm, slightly elevated, and near where your cat already likes to be. Then give it a week — cats are suspicious of new things, and adoption often takes a few days.

5. Quality you can feel

Look for a structured shape that holds up (no collapsing domes), a non-slip base, and pet-safe materials. Certifications like OEKO-TEX are a good sign the textiles are non-toxic.

Our picks

If your cat’s a burrower, the Cloud Nine Cat Cave is our most-loved enclosed bed. For sun-seekers, the Sunbeam Window Lounger is an open, sprawl-friendly favorite. Browse everything in Beds & Caves — all shipped from the U.S. in 2–5 days and backed by our cat-approved guarantee.

Questions about sizing? Reach our team — a real cat person will help you pick.