FAQ: Beds & Bedding for cats

A hammock hung under a chair seat or table creates a cosy, enclosed spot without taking extra space. It must be firmly attached so the cat is not hurt when the chair is moved.

A raised bed with taut fabric lifts the cat off cold floors and draughts, and in summer air circulates underneath. It suits cats that like to lie stretched out, but the step-up must be low for older cats.

A bed with a canopy or partly covered top gives a cat a sense of security while still letting it see around. It suits cats that want cosiness but find a fully enclosed cave too confining.

A free-standing hammock on a metal or wooden frame needs no radiator and can stand anywhere, such as by a window. The frame must be stable and not sway when the cat jumps in.

A kitten needs a bigger bed when it can no longer curl up comfortably or its paws and head constantly hang over the edge. Most cats reach adult size within their first year, while large breeds keep growing longer.

So-called calming beds are soft, round and high-sided for the cat to burrow into, and some cats find this reassuring. They are not a treatment, so if your cat is constantly anxious, talk to a vet.

Prepare a quiet room in advance with an enclosed bed or cave where the cat can hide, and close the windows and curtains. Do not pull the cat out of its hiding place, and if the fear is severe, talk to a vet.

You can choose felt caves in neutral colours, woven baskets, wooden houses or beds that look like furniture. Shape, softness and location matter more to the cat, so pick the look only among beds that suit its habits.

Wash and dry the bed thoroughly before putting it away, and store it somewhere dry and ventilated, such as in a cotton bag. In a damp place or airtight plastic the bed can go mouldy and pick up a bad smell.

Yes, if the cat has a favourite bed, much of its shed hair stays there rather than on the sofa or bed. A bed with a removable cover is easy to clean, and regular brushing reduces hair even further.

Yes, a cat often rests elsewhere during the day and sometimes wants to be alone. Its own bed or a few blankets in different rooms give it choice and a place to retreat when the bed is taken or it wants quiet.

Cats often take their prey or favourite items to a safe place, so toys in the bed are natural behaviour. It is safe as long as the toys have no small parts, but they should be taken out and cleaned now and then.

Cats like routine, so a favourite bed is best not moved without reason. It can be moved seasonally, for example closer to warmth in winter, but do it gradually and keep the familiar blanket.

It depends on the frame's strength and fixing method, so always check the manufacturer's maximum load. For large, heavy cats choose sturdy metal frames and make sure the hammock sits firmly on the radiator.

A low hammock usually suits and pleases a kitten, but a window or radiator hammock mounted high may be too hard for a small kitten to reach. While the kitten is learning to jump, choose lower spots.

Many cats find an enclosed plush cave too hot in summer and choose more open, cooler spots. A cotton or felt cave breathes more, and in hot weather the cave can be swapped for an open bed.

The cave may be too small, have too narrow an opening, be unstable or smell unfamiliar. Some cats dislike enclosed spaces, so an open bed with sides suits them better, and the cave entrance can be folded back to make it more open.

Offer an appealing alternative — a warm bed with your scent next to your bed or in another room — and reward the cat when it lies there. Be consistent, as a cat quickly learns that the bed is sometimes allowed.

Cats seek high spots, so offer a high bed, shelf or cat tree nearby with a view of the kitchen. Keep the table and counters clear of food and comfortable surfaces, and praise the cat when it chooses its own spot.

Steam cleaning can refresh the fabric and reduce odours if the manufacturer allows it, but foam and some synthetic fabrics can deform from the heat. Dry the bed thoroughly afterwards so no moisture remains.