When it comes to sleeping, cats are pros. With cats snoozing an average of 16 hours a day (and some as many as 20), these feline friends deserve to be a little finicky when it comes to the cat beds that play such a large role in their life.
With a wide variety of shapes and sizes of beds on the market, step one means taking your own cat’s sleeping style into consideration. “Does he tend to be a nester that likes to curl up and find a secluded spot? If so, your cat probably would prefer a bed which provides more structure and security,” explains Brian Badaracco, Director of Pet Bedding Petmate.
“For nesters, a bed with high side walls and closed top will be inviting – it will provide the peace of mind and quiet he prefers. If your cat seeks secluded places to rest, choose bedding options that provide security and enhance those feelings. If on the other hand your cat likes to stretch and sprawl out near you when it is nap time, you need to find a more open bed option.”
Determining your cat’s sleep style is just the first step; you’ll still find a wide variety of bed types in all shapes and sizes. Some, like the Sleepypod®, can double as a carrier (making it that much easier to load up for a trip to the vet). Some beds address specific health conditions of your cat while others are aimed at specific location use.
According to Mary James, co-founder of SurfPet, a company that sells a variety of indoor and outdoor cat products, “There are so many types of cat beds, including hooded beds, heated beds, window sill beds and orthopedic beds. And if yours is an outdoor cat, there are several very nice enclosed beds on the market that are designed for outdoor use.”
While some cat beds have fluffy covers, many are slipcovered in easy to clean fabric. Up Country, a Rhode Island company known for its stylish beds, features removable covers for easy cleaning. Spokesperson Donna Bodell notes, “We choose smoother fabrics, so claws will not catch on the texture. We don’t want kitties mistaking the bed for a scratching pad!”
Choosing a bed that’s good for your cat can also mean selecting one that’s good for the environment. “Cat lovers can certainly play their part in protecting the planet through their selection of pet bedding; recycled materials for fabric or filler is the most obvious and impactful way of doing so,” says Will Chen, founder of P.L.A.Y., whose pet beds are stuffed with trademarked fiberfill made from certified-safe recycled plastic bottles. Chen also reminds cat lovers that they can take recycling a step further by donating old pet beds to shelters and other animal rescue groups.
Taking time to identify your pet’s needs and researching the many cat beds on the market means sweet dreams for both you and your cat.
