FAQ: Beds & Bedding for cats

A self-warming bed has a reflective layer that bounces the cat's body heat back, so it needs no electricity. It suits cats that love warmth and is a safe alternative to an electric bed.

It is a bed or pad with a heating element that keeps a steady, low temperature. It can help older, hairless or cold-prone cats, but it must be designed for pets and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

A cooling mat can help a cat on hot days, but many cats find a cool spot themselves, such as on tiles. If you use a gel mat, make sure the cat does not puncture it or swallow the contents.

A cat sofa is a bed shaped like a small couch with a back and armrests the cat can lean on. It is often more decorative, but appeals to cats that like to lie stretched out with their head on an edge.

An orthopaedic bed uses a thicker foam or memory-foam mattress that spreads weight evenly and reduces pressure on joints. It is especially suited to older cats and cats with joint problems.

For many cats a soft blanket in a favourite spot, such as on the sofa or windowsill, is perfectly fine. A blanket is easy to wash and move, but it does not enclose the cat, so cold-prone or shy cats do better with a bed with sides.

Cardboard houses are light, inexpensive and often loved by cats because they resemble a box, and sometimes they can be scratched too. They cannot be washed and wear out faster, so they need replacing once wet or torn.

A woven basket with a soft cushion is sturdy, breathes well and appeals to many cats. Check for sharp protruding ends the cat could chew or scratch, and choose a cushion with a washable cover.

A wall bed lets a cat rest up high without taking floor space and often becomes a favourite lookout. It must be firmly fixed to the wall and reachable by steps or other shelves.

For many cats a cat tree lounger or house is the main sleeping spot, being up high and next to a scratcher. Still, older cats or cats that like sleeping near people should also have a bed lower down.

The bed should let the cat lie comfortably curled up and stretch out a little. An oversized bed does not envelop the cat and stays cooler, so many cats prefer a snug bed over the biggest one.

Measure the cat while it sleeps curled up or stretched out, from nose to the base of the tail, and add a little extra room. If your cat likes to stretch out, choose a bed based on its stretched-out length.

A large cat needs a roomy, sturdy bed with a thick enough base that does not compress to the floor. Caves and houses need a wide opening, and hammocks and window loungers must be rated for the extra weight.

It can: in a large bed the cat does not feel sides around it, so it feels less secure and stays warm less easily. If the cat lies only in one corner or avoids the bed, try a smaller bed with higher sides.

The opening should let the cat slip in easily without brushing its back, but not be so large that the inside loses its warmth and cosiness. In a soft cave the opening must not collapse so the cat never feels trapped.

Many cats like sides they can rest their head or back against and tuck behind. For older cats and those with mobility issues, at least one side should be low so it is easy to step in.

Common materials are plush, faux fur, cotton, felt and durable upholstery fabrics. Soft, warm fabrics appeal to most cats, while smooth, dense ones are easier to clean and collect less hair.

Many cats like faux fur for its warmth and softness, especially in the cold season. It collects hair and dust, so it needs more frequent cleaning, and in summer it can be too warm for some cats.

Cotton breathes, washes easily and builds up less static, so it works year-round, especially in warm weather. It is less warm than plush, so a cold-prone cat can be given an extra blanket in winter.

Yes: thin filling compresses quickly and the cat ends up lying almost on the floor. Thicker foam or dense fibre filling keeps its shape longer, and fibre filling should be fluffed after washing so it does not clump.