Ah, the cat bed. Some may wonder why in the world they would spend money on a fluffy bed for their feline when the cat seems to be happy with that week-old packing box, a too-small sofa arms, or your damn pillow over all else. At The Post we like to spoil our kitties so we went ahead and put this theory to the test, providing our cats with a multitude of beds to try out and see which ones stick, if any. As it turns out, cat beds can totally be worth the investment and the space they take up when it comes to keeping rogue hairs off your other surfaces and your cat happy.

But, where to start the hunt for the right one? Obviously, right here. Yes, there are thousands on the market in all different styles, sizes, shapes, and materials — but you don’t need to worry about that. We went ahead and tested a multitude of cat beds with our cats, in our full-sized homes and our tiny city apartments, with our spritely kittens and our old, fat, grumpy guys (miss you, Louie…be home soon).

We also spoke with the experts at Chewy as well as Dr. Anna Kaufman of Bond Vet in New York City to get their takes on the best cat bed materials, styles, and amounts to have. Check out our FAQ section below for more on their expertise on kitty-cat comfort.

When it comes to testing cat beds, it’s 50% about how your cat reacts to them and 50% about how they suit your space and lifestyle. We tested a multitude of cat beds according to the following criteria:

Each cat bed was tested for at least a month, except for those totally rejected by our felines (in which case you won’t be seeing those on our list).

The Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler is designed to offer comfort and support for anxious pets. Its round shape and high walls provide a sense of security, while the soft, shag fur mimics a mother’s fur coat, promoting restful sleep. The bed is also machine washable, making it easy to keep clean.

My cat absolutely loves this bed! He curls up in it every night and seems much more relaxed and happy. The shag fur is incredibly soft, and she looks so cozy and content. It’s also easy to clean, which is a huge plus for me. I’ve noticed he sleeps more soundly and doesn’t get up as frequently during the night.

The Frisco Self-Warming Bolster Kitten Bed is an affordable yet high-quality option for your cat’s comfort. It features a self-warming material that reflects your cat’s body heat, ensuring they stay cozy without the need for electricity. The bed’s soft, plush interior is perfect for kittens to snuggle into.

This bed is perfect for my friend’s kitten. It’s warm and soft, and she loves snuggling in it. The self-warming feature is great because it keeps her warm without needing any cords or plugs. It’s also very durable and easy to clean. I’m really happy with the quality considering the low price.

The Meowfia Premium Felt Cat Cave Bed offers a cozy and eco-friendly option made from 100% Merino wool. It provides a warm, enclosed space for cats to hide and sleep, promoting a sense of security. The natural materials are durable and easy to maintain.

My cat loves hiding in this cave bed. It’s well-made and keeps her warm and comfortable. The wool is very soft, and the bed maintains its shape well. She seems to feel very secure inside, and it has become her favorite spot in the house. Plus, it looks great and blends in with our decor.

The Coziwow Indoor Hammock offers a comfortable and elevated resting spot for cats who love to watch the world outside. It attaches securely to windows, providing a sturdy and cozy perch with a soft cushion. The perch supports a substantial amount of weight, making it suitable for larger cats as well.

My cat spends hours on this window perch. It’s easy to install and very sturdy. The cushion is soft and comfortable, and the perch provides a great view for her to watch birds and squirrels. He’s up there all day, and it’s become his favorite spot. I highly recommend it for any cat that loves to look outside.

The Frisco Modern Elevated Tunnel Cat Bed combines a fun play tunnel with a comfortable sleeping area. Its elevated design and soft materials make it a versatile bed for cats who enjoy playing and resting in enclosed spaces. The modern design fits well with any home decor.

My cat loves this tunnel bed! She plays in it all day and then curls up for a nap. The elevated design makes it unique, and she seems to enjoy the different levels. It’s also very stylish and fits perfectly with my home decor. It’s her new favorite spot to play and sleep.

The Frisco Long Faux Fur Donut Cat & Dog Bed offers ample space and plush comfort for larger cats. Its donut shape and faux fur material provide a cozy and supportive sleeping environment. The bed’s large size accommodates even the biggest cats comfortably.

This bed is perfect for my big cat. He has plenty of space to stretch out, and the faux fur is so soft. It’s very plush and cozy, and he loves curling up in it. It’s also easy to clean, which is great. I’m very happy with this bed, and so is my cat!

The Casper The Dog Bed is a luxurious and durable bed designed with memory foam to provide ultimate comfort and support. Its design mimics the Casper mattress, ensuring a high-quality sleeping experience for your cat. The removable cover makes it easy to clean and maintain.

I splurged on this bed, and it was worth it. My cat loves it, and it looks great in my living room. The memory foam provides excellent support, and the bed is large enough for her to stretch out comfortably. It’s a bit pricey, but the quality and durability make it a great investment.

According to Dr. Kaufman, “Elevated beds or beds that have little hiding spots are great for cats because they give them privacy and an area of the house that is their own.”

“The number of cat beds you should have in your home can depend on a few factors,” Dr. Kaufman said, “such as the number of cats you have, their preferences, and the layout of your living space.”

“Quiet corners or secluded spots; cats often prefer to have a cozy, quiet place where they can retreat and feel safe,” said Dr. Kaufman.

Dr. Kaufman recommended that “placing beds in an area where a cat can observe from a safe distance is often the trick!”

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