Cat Beds: Introduce Your Cat to Her New Favourite Sleeping Spot

Cats are interesting creatures with unique personalities. As Terry Pratchett once said “In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this”, your cat is probably the boss in the house. Most cat parents would agree that cats are not just pets – they are also a part of the family. Being the cutest little snuggle pouches, they deserve attention and special care to be happy and healthy.

Another famous fact about the ‘queen of the house’ is that she can sleep for 18 hours a day. On the sofa, next to the TV, into an empty box or inside your pillowcase – cats can sleep everywhere. So, instead of letting her occupy your favourite accent chair, why not get a special bed for her?

Benefits of Cat Beds

Besides being a cosy little space that your cat can call her own, a cat bed also comes with a range of health benefits. The right cat bed can provide the proper weight distribution and support for your cat, boosting her comfort. Furthermore, it can provide optimal temperature control for all seasons, as well as assist with potential skin problems. Short hair breeds may rub their elbows if they sleep in tight areas, which can lead to sores. Nice and comfortable cat cube beds can help relieve such stress and provide your little ball of fur with all the space she needs.

Lastly, a specially designed bed for cats can help control arthritis. This condition is very common in older cats, and according to research, about 90% of cats over the age of 12 have arthritis. The way cat beds work to prevent this condition is by providing bone support to relieve pressure on achy joints.

How Do I Choose a Cat Bed?

When choosing the right bed for your fluffy best friend, you need to make sure it’s comfortable and practical. One of the most popular choices among cat owners is the kitty cube bed. These beds can serve as both as a covered hideaway, and when folded down, they transform to an open style bed. These models are the perfect replacement for all those empty boxes that your cat adores. They encourage “hide and seek” games and when transformed in an open style bed, they are the perfect spot for your cat to stretch in.

Some models come with a fun pom-pom accessory. Pom-poms are cats’ favourite toys, and having one attached to the bed can make it more attractive to her. Cat cube beds come in different designs, from simple one-coloured to attractive mice and cats patters to make it even more stylish and cat-appropriate. Cat cubes have a soft and fluffy lining to keep your cat warm and cozy all the time. This bed is easy to move and you can even take it with you when travelling.

Window cat beds are another popular bed choice. They are attached to your windows with suction cups, enabling your kitty to fall asleep while watching the world. These mattresses are perfect for cats that love looking at birds or the traffic on your street. However, once placed, this bed is static, and you can’t move it to different places.

Heated beds are good choices for older cats or cats with short or no hair. A bed that can be plugged in is ideal for cats that have arthritis. Have in mind that if your cat chews on wires and cords, a heated bed might not be the best idea.

Make the Bed Appealing

If you are a proud owner of a picky feline, you might need to put some effort to lure her into her new sleeping place. The pom-pom toy on the cube cat bed may be attractive enough for her, but if she gets bored quickly, you can leave her favourite treat to entice her to come back later. Many cats are comforted by their scent and the scent of their owners. You can leave an old T-shirt that you have worn in her new bed to make sleeping there more appealing.

Location Matters

You probably know your cat very well – how to stoke her, what she likes to eat and where she likes to sleep. Most cats like to sleep in warm, sunny spots so it might be a good idea to place the bed in an area of your home that gets a lot of sun during the day. Also, the higher the spot, the better the nap, so you can try tops of cabinets, bookshelf or windowsill. Quiet, low-traffic areas might allow your cat to better enjoy her purry nap.

How to Clean It

You can wash your cat bed as often as you like, but usually, weekly cleaning is not required. Cats like familiar smelling things, so it’s most likely that she will enjoy being in it more if she can smell her scent. You can simply use a lint roller or vacuum to remove excess fur. Washing the bed once a month or so should be enough.

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