If you own a cat, you know that felines like sleeping a lot. Research by Sleep Advisor says that cats sleep between 13 and 16 hours every single day. This means that your cat sleeps twice as much as you do. This helps them avoid boredom when they’re alone.
Every cat deserves a pleasant and comfortable sleeping area. Finding the right cat bed for your cat is essential but can also be difficult to do. There’s just so much to consider when you’re looking for the right bed.
But then, as a cat owner, you need to make this decision at some point. You want what’s best for your little fur baby, right?
Well you’re in luck because we’ve put this guide together to help you find a perfect cat bed.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
- Material Durability and Washability
You need to carefully check the material used to make your cat’s new bed. Natural materials such as cotton and wool are the best for cat beds. Note that some fabrics are susceptible to mold and odor buildup. This can aggravate allergies and cause other unhealthy conditions to your cat.
The ideal material for your cat’s bed should be easy to maintain. Check whether it is hand and machine washable to be sure you can always provide your cat with a clean bed. Machine washable beds such as a marshmallow cat bed help you avoid spending a disproportionate time cleaning.
Some fabrics weaken after being washed a few times. Others cannot withstand cat scratches as some cats tend to scratch things. You need to choose strong materials that won’t wear out quickly. This will save you a lot of money from spending on replacing cat beds often.
- Look for Comfort
If you ever ask yourself, why does my cat sleep on my bed? Then comfort could be the answer. If you’re not providing your cat with a good sleeping space, they most likely end up on your bed. But then, you can purchase a comfortable cat bed and effortlessly keep your cat out and away from your bed.
As mentioned earlier, you need to look for a cat bed made from natural materials. It needs to be soft and, if need be, fluffy, for your cat to enjoy sleeping on it. It also needs to be warm during the cold season, and that’s one reason why you should consider buying a heated cat bed for your cat.
Cats have different comfort needs, and that makes it vital to understand yours first. The good news is that there are also lots of choices of cat beds available. For instance, this website features different beds, such as calming beds that help reduce anxiety, making a massive difference in cats.
- Pick the Right Size and Type
Picking a sizable bed may seem obvious, but it is worth mentioning. The cat bed shouldn’t be too small such that it limits movement. It also shouldn’t be too big to the point of being less cozy and too cold during the night. An appropriate bed size gives your cat enough space to enjoy its sleep.
You don’t walk into a store to guess the size of bed you want. The best thing to do is measure your cat so you can be sure and accurate. Measure from the tail to the nose to get the length right. This will help you pick a bed that’s large enough for your cat.
Besides, there are different types of beds that you can consider. You could be asking why does my cat hide under the bed? Well, cats enjoy sleeping in safe spaces. A hooded or cat bed cave comes in handy for a cat that likes hiding when sleeping. On the other hand, confident and relaxed cats like beds with views.
- Consider Heated Beds
Cats, like human beings, are warm-blooded creatures. This means they need to sleep in warm places as well. If you live in an area where winters get too uncomfortable, think about providing your cat with a heated bed. This will help to keep them comfortable during their long snuggle hours.
A heated bed is particularly a necessity for senior cat owners. These cats develop underlying health issues such as stiff joints. Cats with thin or no fur at all also get affected if the weather is too cold. The good news is that many beds in the market today feature heating systems that cats find beneficial in cold weather.
Besides, as a cat owner, it is easy to make a heated DIY cat bed. You place a heating pad beneath your cat’s bed, and it will provide the required heat. You can also add a blanket on top to help retain the heat for long enough.
- Placement Matters
Cats love to have places that they can call their own. As a cat owner, you need to provide your cat with such a space to ensure that it feels homely and comfortable. The spot where you place a bed is where your cat will consider home for the rest of its life, so you need to choose it wisely.
The location will determine the type and style of bed that you will choose. If you live in a studio apartment and need to save space, a hammock bed will be a perfect pick. Many other alternatives can be excellent for large homes, such as tree-like cat bed designs.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the things to look for when choosing a cat bed. The best thing is that the choices you have are seemingly unlimited. Your imagination is the limit when you are choosing a cat bed. Take time to research and remember to consider your cat’s sleeping habits and personal preferences.
Purchasing a good cat bed will make a world of difference for your cat. Your cat will sleep soundly and enjoy better overall health in the end. It also helps you avoid the sickening experiences of cats sleeping on your newly washed stack of clothes. Thus, choosing a good cat bed helps you and your cat equally.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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