It’s not a secret that cats like to sleep. As a matter of fact, the average feline spends 15 hours a day sleeping, with some snoozing for up to 20 hours! This means providing a cozy place for your kitty to sleep is a must.

Why You Should Get Your Furry Pal a Bed

Does my cat really need a bed? That is a common question among cat owners. While many cat owners choose to sleep with their felines on their beds, this is not recommended. That is because there are some potential risks to falling asleep with your felines such as exposure to bacteria and parasites. Your cat can also prevent you from having a restful sleep, especially if it’s playful.

Some cats also like to cosy up to babies and infants, but experts say this isn’t safe because there’s a risk a cat could unintentionally suffocate a small child by sleeping on their face or chest. Also, if the cat gets startled or frightened, it can scratch, bite, or trample the child while trying to run or jump away.

I also want to mention that even the cleanest of cats will get litter debris from their litter box on their paws – there is just no way to avoid it. This means that your cat will be tracking that into the bedroom with you along with traces of fecal matter. If your pet spends time outdoors, they’re also tracking in all the gunk from outside, too.

As you can see, there are many reasons for you to get your cat its own bed. Considering the fact that your cat will spend a lot of time on its bed, it’s essential that it’s as comfortable and homey as possible. Here are some of the things you’ll want to consider when shopping for cat beds.

So, What Type of Bed Do Cats Prefer?

As soon as you start your cat bed search, you’ll find out that there is a vast range of cat beds to choose from. To pick a bed your feline will love, take a good look at the places it likes to sleep. If your cat curls into a ball to sleep, it may prefer a round cat bed, especially one with stiff sides, so that it can wriggle and snuggle against. But if your feline likes to sprawl out at night, it may enjoy a mat rather than a bed as it will provide him plenty of room to stretch out. Cats that like to sleep in hidden places, like in the laundry basket, for example, are after privacy. The best cat beds for this personality are those that simulate a cave.

Pick the Purrfect Size

No matter the style of cat bed you choose, be sure it’s large enough to accommodate your feline. You might love the neat and tidy look of a little cat bed, but your cat may find it too cramped. Depending on your cat’s sleeping preferences, its bed should either be small enough for it to comfortably curl up and feel secure or larger enough for it to stretch out.

If your cat sleeps all stretch out, look for a bed that’s as long as its body, about 45 to 50 centimetres. If it prefers to curl up, a round bolster or cave bed that’s at least 38 centimetres in diameter is a good option. But large enclosed beds can also be a good option as they offer the security your cat may prefer with the ability to stretch out when needed. Of course, if your cat is a large breed, a bigger bed is always better.

Look for a Kitty-Friendly Fabric

Cats are creatures that are particularly susceptible to allergies, the reason why you need to pick a bed material that doesn’t have the effect of aggravating them. Your best bet is to go for natural fabrics, such as wool or cotton. Due to the comfortable, breathable and moisture resistant abilities of these materials, they are less likely to cause your cat discomfort. Their abilities mean odours and mould are less likely to build up over time.

In addition to that, you’ll also want to make sure the bed doesn’t come apart easily. Cats may also end up chewing or swallowing loose pieces of fabric attached to the bed, which could result in serious problems. If the bed you choose comes with loose pieces, make sure they aren’t attached when your cat sleep in the bed for the first time. You will not only potentially be saving your cat, but will also avoid a lot of hassle in the long run.

Make Sure It’s Easy to Wash

To ensure your cat can snooze in a clean environment, check the cat bed’s label to find out if it’s machine washable. This will also save you a lot of time and hassle. For whatever reason, you might be tempted to choose something more eye-catching. Chances are that you’ll regret your decision as soon as you find yourself spending a huge amount of time on maintaining it.

When it comes to how often your cat bed should be washed, it shouldn’t be very often. Unless it becomes soiled, weekly cleaning is not necessary or even recommended. Felines like familiar-smelling things and they will be more attracted to a bed once their scent is on it. Instead of washing, you can use a lint roller or vacuum to remove excess fur. Washing your cat’s bed every month or so is more than enough.