The 12 Best Cat Beds of 2024, Tested by Real Cats

Chances are your furry friend  has an affinity for naps — especially if they’re a cat (hence the expression “cat nap”). 

Cat beds are popular because while your lap or a sun-soaked area on the floor works, it’s not the most convenient nap spot, and it doesn’t really give cats a space that’s just for them, especially in a multi-pet household. In fact, you may find that your cat ends up liking their new bed more than the spot next to you on the bed (as many come with toy attachments for added play).

The Best Right Now

Want to get straight to the point? Our (and our cats’) favorite cat bed is Nisrada’s 27-in Round Pet Bed. It’s washable, comes in 23 colors, and costs around $30.

The best cat beds prioritize comfort and support with plush fabrics, offering special features for cats who may need extra joint support, so our team and their lucky little roommates tested dozens of cat beds to find the ones that do just that.

But first, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a cat bed.

People / Shannon Stough

What to Know About Cat Beds

Size Makes a Difference

Veterinarian Dr. Nicole Savageau says to prioritize finding a cat bed that will accommodate your cat’s size and sleeping habits. If you have a smaller or younger cat, you will likely be okay with a bed that is smaller and thinner. However, a larger or older cat might need more support. In that case, choose an option that is more cushioned and will offer more support — like a couch. 

Couches might look more cute than other options with your decor, but they also serve a functional purpose, veterinarian Dr. Marlena Lopez, BSc DVM tells PEOPLE. “Cats are drawn to raised edges and bolsters because it provides them a place to rest their heads.”

Dr. Savageau adds that, “Certain designs can benefit senior cats or those with joint issues, improving overall comfort and health.” If you have many pets, you’ll also obviously want a larger option.

There Are Multiple Styles

When Dr. Savageau says to think about “style,” that’s in reference to your cat’s sleeping habits. For example, if your cat likes to sunbathe, choose an open, uncovered option that can be moved around easily, so you can take it wherever the sun moves in your home. However, for cats who like to hide and nap under your bed, Dr. Savageau says that a cave, tent, tunnel, or covered option will suit them well by providing them a sense of security.

“As solitary animals, cats tend to live alone and don’t have anyone else to serve as a lookout,” says Dr. Lopez. “So, small enclosed spaces that they can hide in make them feel safe and secure.” Enclosed spaces provide a sense of protection for some cats, reducing stress and offering a safe zone from where your cat can observe without being seen.   

Prioritize Plush and Cozy Fabrics

Dr. Lopez says to prioritize beds with plush and soft fabrics to promote relaxation and better sleep. Dr. Savageau agrees, saying that soft fabrics are more cozy. Some even have memory foam or orthopedic features that can benefit senior cats who need added joint support to alleviate pressure points. “Removable, machine-washable covers are a plus,” says Dr. Lopez. “They help keep the beed clean and odor-free.”

Price Range

While you can spend anywhere from $11 to $300 on cat beds — depending on the style, shape, and size — most fall in the $30 to $40 range.

People / Elise Wang

PHOTO: Amazon

Even without an instruction manual or directions, we found this bed quite easy to use, especially since there is no assembly required. Plus, the cat bed has some traction on the bottom, so it didn’t slide around when our tester’s cats were making donuts on it.

Our tester liked that their cats could gently rest their chins on the plush perimeter and tuck their paws and tails into the bottom edges, giving them a feeling of unmatched coziness and safety. The cat bed provided a level of comfort, safety, and malleable support that a sofa and chairs simply can’t. While cat hair didn’t necessarily pile up on the bed, with two cats sharing it, we felt it could easily be hand- or machine-washed without showing too much wear. Though we tested the 27-inch version, the bed is available in nine sizes for different pet types and sizes, unlike our pick for the best large cat bed which is more limited]. 

Though durable, it did shed just a tiny bit. It also didn’t come with washing directions but, we were able to easily find that information online. At just around $30, it’s a great value for the price.

Size: 27 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Colors: 23 | Shape: Circle | Machine-Washable: Yes

PHOTO: Amazon

Star Qualities

• Gentle fabrics that stood up well to kneading paws

• Heats up quickly

• Waterproof coating protects against dirt, spills, and accidents

At $11, this no-frills cat bed had one of the softest fabrics we tested and even has the ability to heat up for added comfort. Our tester especially liked that fur didn’t gather, despite the extremely plush fabric: “It really doesn’t seem to collect cat hair too much, and is compact, so I think it’d be relatively easy to clean.”

The interior has a waterproof coating, which some pricier options, like this luxe pick from Pottery Barn, lack. It’s budget friendly and ideal for those who are dealing with the potty-training stage and need an easy-to-clean option. The self-heating function works quickly and effectively.

Though this bed is thinner and quite portable, it may not offer the level of support that others do. That said, it’s an incredible value for the price with heating and waterproof benefits. “I honestly don’t think I would change anything about it,” our tester said.

Size: 30 x 20 inches  | Weight: 0.49 pounds | Colors: 1 | Shape: Rectangle | Machine-Washable: Yes

• People / Ally Hirschlag

• People / Ally Hirschlag

PHOTO: FuzzyFunny

Our tester’s cat, Cashew, loved  this bed and immediately started making biscuits on it after assembly. Similar to the Pottery Barn pick (further down on our list), it’s a cute couch style with a  faux lambswool material. Pro Tip: If you have a cat who enjoys stretching out, get a large size or something bigger. The arms of the couch provided some extra support for the larger-than-average cat we tested this with. 

Though sans instructions, the bed is simple to assemble, and the price isn’t a dealbreaker considering how quickly the cat took to the bed and how easy it was to clean and move around.

Size: 25.6 x 15.8 inches |  Weight: Not provided | Colors: 5 | Shape: Couch | Machine-Washable: Yes

PHOTO: Amazon

Star Qualities

• Took less than five minutes to assemble

• Fun for two or more cats to play with each other in

• Offers hiding place for cats

This tunnel bed offers easy assembly (took less than five minutes) and a plethora of fun for your  pets. It has one of the largest capacities on this list but is still lightweight enough to move around your home. Our tester’s two loved playing with each other within the tunnel.

It’s ideal for multi-pet households because of its size and space for hiding The cats enjoyed hunting for treats our tester placed in the tunnel, which provided ample room for naps when they weren’t playing.

While it didn’t have the thickest padding for support, the large tunnel still seemed comfortable enough for cats to curl into — though larger or older cats may require more support. Given its capacity and shape, it’s a good bed and play structure for multi-cat households. 

Size: 39 x 39 inches  | Weight: 3 pounds | Colors: 4 | Shape: Circle | Machine-Washable: No

• People / Megan Pearlman

• People / Megan Pearlman

PHOTO: Lesure Pet

Star Qualities

• Cats took an immediate liking to this

• Play features like a puff ball 

• Hybrid of play structure and bed

This cube bed took just a couple of minutes to set up: Simply build the interior structure with the provided poles, then slide the trendy sherpa lining over. Our tester’s three cats took to it immediately, playing with the little puff ball at the doorway. There’s a soft  pillow inside, as well as a spacious top for naps. Our tester liked that it has multiple areas to give cats their own space. 

The top dipped a little after a 12-pound cat consistently  slept on it for a few weeks.. That said, it’s one of the least expensive options on our list with the dual benefit of playful design features.

Size: 16 x 16 inches | Weight: Not provided | Colors: 5 | Shape: Cube | Machine-Washable: No

PHOTO: Chewy

Some cat caves get a bad reputation for taking up too much room, but this one has a slim design that can be pressed down into a portable bowl shape during hotter months.  It may take them some time to get used to this cave, but once our tester’s cat began using it, they couldn’t stop.

In addition to the stylish look, the 100-percent merino wool fabric provides a warm feel.Our cat scratched at this bed vigorously, and it showed no signs of wear. Our lab tester had one cat, but one of our editors has two senior cats who both love this bed so much she bought two.

Editors Say

“I can almost guarantee that if I walk upstairs during the day, they are both going to be snoozing in their caves. In fact, my Manx spent so long in her bed one day that I had to tap her shoulder to make sure she was okay. (She was!”—Kayla Kitts, PEOPLE shopping editor

Size: 19 x 12 inches |  Weight: 2 pounds | Colors: 4 | Shape: Cave | Machine-Washable: No

• People / Frances Crouter

• People / Frances Crouter

“Cat beds can be worth the investment for several reasons. Providing a designated sleeping area for your cat helps promote better sleep. A comfortable bed can also provide relief for cats with joint pain or arthritis, improving their overall quality of life while offering a sense of security and ownership when they need privacy or relaxation.”—Dr. Marlena Lopez, BSc DVM

PHOTO: Amazon

Star Qualities

• Spacious enough for two cats to sleep together

• Cordless, clean design that worked better than wired options

Per our tester, this   cordless window perch works better and looks more stylish than wired window perches they’ve tried with their three cats. The large size was big enough for two cats to cuddle up on together, and the bed didn’t move at all with their weight on it. 

It’s a great alternative to larger beds or those with legs, if you’re low on ground space. You could easily get one of these perches for several  windows in your home, if you have multiple pets or one who likes to move around.

The plush cover was tight and took a long time to get on the frame, and it didn’t stay put after it finally got attached. That deterred us from wanting to wash the cover, because it took a “Herculean effort” to put back on. However, the pros far outweigh the cons for the reasonable price.

Size: 23.3 x 11.2 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Colors: 4 | Shape: Oval | Machine-Washable: Yes

PHOTO: Chewy

Star Qualities

• No assembly required

• Standard size is large enough for two cats to sleep in at the same time

• Extremely plush, furry interior

Red Flags

• Tends to slip and slide on the ground

• High-pile interior tends to collect dirt and fur

• Washing doesn’t seem to do much to clean this

This sleeping bag-esque bed has a little “blanket” covering the top of it so you can tuck your pets in for bedtime. The corduroy exterior comes in neutral colors, and the inside is made with a highly-cushioned faux fur. 

This low-frills option came fully assembled, and its thick cushioning and covering make it a good option for colder environments (or for those who like to hike up the air conditioning). It’s also good for pets who may have anxiety, and who like to hide underneath something.

The water- and dirt-resistant nylon bottom won’t pick up grime, but it slides easily.  The high-pile faux fur tends to trap dirt, fur, and treats that washing this didn’t seem to fix, so it’s a better fit for cats who don’t shed too much.

Size: 24 x 7 inches |  Weight: 2.4 pounds | Colors: 4 | Shape: Circle | Machine-Washable: Yes

PHOTO: Amazon

Star Qualities

• Affordable for the quality and size

• Safe place for cats who like to hide

• Comfortably fits two cats

Looking for Pinterest-inspired decor? This bed has a trendy corduroy exterior, similar to the Best Friends one we tried (though there is some assembly required). Our tester’s cats both comfortably slept in this tent together, and still do, long after our testing period has finished. The tent sagged some when our tester moved it around, requiring a bit of re-fluffing. It also toppled over during the cats’ playtime — a sure sign of enjoyment.

Size: 19 x 19 inches  | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Colors: 6 | Shape: Tent | Machine-Washable: Yes

PHOTO: Amazon

Star Qualities

• Comes in two easy-to-assemble pieces

• Textured felt hides excess fur

• Works for both naps and play

Ideal for  large cats or multi-pet households, this tunneled bed provides ample space for naps, play, and more. The rough, felt texture is great for pets who like to scratch.  The texture fabric did collect a bit of fur, but it wasn’t too noticeable. Additionally, this cat bed comes in nine colors with a range of pastel and more bold, bright shades. ] Its large size supported our tester’s cat, but the top proved a little flimsy for the large cat to sit on.

Size: 11 x 24 inches |  Weight: 2.3 pounds | Color Options: 9 | Shape: Circle | Machine-Washable: No

PHOTO: Amazon

Your cat will lounge in luxury across this lightweight rug-meets-cat-bed. Fortified with a warming function, the bed  warms up your pet with technology that reflects body heat — no wires or electricity needed. This would be a great asset to those with indoor/outdoor cats who live in cold climates, so your cat has a cozy place to rest. 

It easily washes with a zip-off cover, and the low-pile material doesn’t collect much fur or dirt. It’s also budget-friendly and rather portable:  It can be moved around easily to different parts of your home. Our tester felt it was a bit thin, so it might not be supportive enough for larger or older cats who prefer extra cushioning.

Size: 24” x 18”  Weight: .68 pounds Color Options: 3 Shape: Rectangle Machine-Washable: Yes

PHOTO: Pottery Barn

Star Qualities

• Has option to remove sides and just use flat bad

• Easy to move around despite being more hefty than most cat beds

• Highly supportive and chic design

After spending lots of time and money creating your dream home, you want every detail to have the same level of aesthetic. For those of you who want everything in your home to be Insta-ready, this Pottery Barn pick is worth the price tag. 

Made to look like a couch (with removable arms should you prefer a rug design), this bed has a  trendy sherpa fabric that blends into most design schemes. Despite that plush white fabric, it stayed clean-looking throughout our test (with some light vacuuming since it’s not machine washable). We should also note that it’s somewhat heavy, but not enough to overlook as a durable, sturdy bed option. 

Size: 29 x 19.5 inches | Weight: Not provided | Colors: 1 | Shape: Couch | Machine-Washable: No

Other Cat Beds We Tried

• Vetreska Watermelon Rattan Pet  Bed: We loved that this bed came fully assembled: a lightweight yet sturdy construction. It could even be used as a scratching post but also had a supportive and plush pillow. That said, it didn’t work for larger cats, so you’re mostly paying for a design over functionality. 
• MidWest Homes for Pets Cinnamon 22-Inch Pet Bed: This bed’s small, plush design makes it easy to move around and  fold for travel. We like the vibrant color as well but found that it was quite thin and small, lacking in support and only big enough to hold one small cat. It also trapped a lot of fur and had to be cleaned thoroughly every two days.
• Mewoo  Fun Pet Couch Bed: This stylish couch’s size was big enough to hold our tester’s three cats. Alas, assembly wasn’t intuitive and didn’t come with clear instructions. The cushions are plush, but they appear more full in online pictures than they really do in reality.

People / Molly Blanco

Behind the Scenes 

We researched the most popular cat beds and selected 16 to be tested. Our testers observed and documented their cats’ experience with each bed, from unboxing and assembly to how their cats interacted and played with each bed. We scored the beds in the following categories:

• Ease of use: We paid attention to the assembly involved in each cat bed, if there was any. We then noticed how easy or lightweight it was to move around.
• Comfort: We evaluated the cat’s initial interaction with the bed and if they took an immediate liking to it, or if they needed time to warm up to it. We noted any supportive or self-heating features it might offer.
• Size: With each cat bed, we considered if it was big enough for one cat to stretch across it comfortably. People with several cats noted if they were all easily able to fit on it, too. 
• Durability: We tested the feel and quality of the fabric, noting if it had a hard frame and structure or a more plush and flexible one. We also noted if the bed shook or moved when cats interacted with it, and if there were signs of wear and tear on the bed after the testing period. 
• Ease of cleaning: We tested the various cat bed styles to see how easily each would wash, and how much cat hair accumulated on each throughout the testing period. Any accumulation of cat hair that disrupted the overall aesthetic of the bed was noted, and then we asked each tester to see how easy it was to clean, either by hand washing, spot cleaning, or throwing it in the laundry machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are Cat Beds Really Worth It?

  Dr. Lopez and Dr. Savageau both say that cat beds are worth the spend for several reasons. “They provide a dedicated, comfortable space that promotes relaxation and reduces stress,” says Dr. Savageau. Dr. Lopez adds that they also offer a sense of security and ownership. “They give cats a safe space to retreat to when they need privacy or relaxation. We like sleeping in beds because of the good quality sleep they provide, so why not provide your beloved feline companions the same luxury?” she asks.

Why Trust PEOPLE? 

Neha Tandon is a freelance writer for PEOPLE and a lifelong animal lover. She has made a living out of testing products, and has been giving product recommendations for over seven years in a variety of magazines, including Glamour, Forbes, Brides, and more. For this article, she combed through the vigorous testing insights collected by the PEOPLE team and spoke with two veterinarians to determine the best cat beds of 2024.

What Is PEOPLE Tested? 

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

Originally Appeared Here