Cats can sleep just about anywhere — whether it’s between your couch cushions, on top of your dresser, or snug under the covers of your bed. You might not think it’s worth buying a bed for your feline friend, but giving them a cozy space of their own can be helpful to them (and you).
The average cat sleeps from 12 to 18 hours a day, but older cats with arthritis tend to sleep up to 20 hours a day. Also, cats enjoy switching resting spots, so consider adding a supportive cat bed to your home. After all, furniture is made for human comfort; since most cats over 12 develop arthritis, a specially designed orthopedic bed for their needs is essential.
In this article, we’ll be sharing the features to look for in a good cat bed and why it’s worth having one (or several) in your home.
Why Does My Cat Need a Bed?
While you might not mind your cat napping on your bed or sofa, there are several benefits to bringing home a bed they can call their own:
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Comfort: An ergonomic cat bed with memory foam delivers proper support and relief for your feline, promoting deeper sleep. A design that’s suited to a cat’s unique physiology will allow them to maintain a natural resting position, while the slow-moving foam material will alleviate pressure buildup in their joints.
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Security: Providing a bed for your cat ensures they’ll always have a safe place to retreat to or observe from, even amid changes in your home, such as a renovation or a new family member.
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Warmth: Cats with arthritis benefit from a cat bed with a built-in heat source to decrease stiffness and increase mobility. In addition to being soothing for their joints, cats naturally crave warmth — their average body temperature is between 101°F and 102.5°F (38.3°C and 39.2°C).
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Hygiene: A dedicated cat bed will reduce the amount of hair and dander on your bed and furniture. Choosing a cat bed with a removable cover that you can wash will make it easy to keep clean. (Remember: cats like cleanliness.)
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Sleep Quality: Cats with arthritis have trouble sleeping comfortably, and sharing a bed with your cat can potentially disrupt your sleep, too — especially if they fidget or are prone to zoomies. Giving your cat their own bed can help both of you sleep better at night.
How Big Should a Cat Bed Be?
A cat bed should be roughly five inches longer than your cat. To determine this length, measure from the tip of your cat’s nose to the base of their tail. If the bed’s too small, your cat won’t be able to move around or change positions; if it’s too big, your cat may feel unsafe. If your cat likes to sprawl, consider going for a slightly larger bed.
Also consider the size of the area where you plan to put the cat bed. Ideally, you’ll want a design that fits within your space (spatially and aesthetically) and is easy for your cat to get to.
What Features Does a Good Cat Bed Have?
Every cat has their preferences, but generally speaking, these are the top five qualities of a good cat bed:
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Orthopedic Design
Seek a bed with memory foam and an ergonomic design that contours to your cat's
body, as this will provide proper support and joint relief. This is useful for cats at any age, but it’ll especially benefit cats that are in or approaching seniorhood, when signs of feline arthritis typically start to appear.
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Built-In Heat
Cats crave warmth because it helps relieve stress and soothe their aches. Instead of
simply adding a heating pad designed for humans on top of a standard cat bed, a
bed with an integrated heating element that maintains a cat-safe temperature
and has a chew-resistant cord will be a safer, more welcoming option.
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Open Design
While cats like to huddle in boxes, an open bed will allow them to assess
their surroundings more easily. If you must have an enclosed cat bed, make sure there’s an accessible opening through which they can walk and see. In any case, a cat bed with a low entry point will be best, especially if your cat has trouble getting around.
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Round Shape
A circular bed will make it easier for your cat to curl up for comfort as a round shape follows the natural curves of their body. Complementing that with an ergonomic design will add support and joint relief.
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Removable, Washable Cover
Cats are fastidious creatures that take a lot of pride in their tidiness. A cat bed with a
removable cover that you can pop in the wash will be easy to keep clean — and it will keep your cat happy.
Final Thoughts on Finding a Good Cat Bed
Choosing the right bed for your cat will do more than give them another spot to snooze — it’ll serve as a safe, cozy space where they can fully relax. An orthopedic cat bed with an ergonomic memory foam core, a built-in heater, and a removable, machine-washable cover will ensure your feline is supported and comfortable, especially as they age.
You don’t have to totally give up snuggling with your kitty, but one of the best ways to show them your love is by giving them a comfy bed they can call their own.
The Knead Therapeutic Heated Cat Bed Delivers the Purr-fect Balance of Support and Comfort
Named Best Cat Bed 2024 by Pet Business And Best Heated Cat Bed by Business Insider
Knead is the first orthopedic bed for senior cats with arthritis, but even younger cats and kittens can benefit from its innovative design. It features an ergonomic memory foam core, a low-voltage heating element that delivers instant warmth at a cat-safe temperature of 104°F (40°C), and heat-activated herbal pads to promote calmness and reduce inflammation.
With an open, circular design that measures 20” across and a low profile for easy access, the Knead Therapeutic Heated Cat Bed will fit any space. What’s more, it comes with a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning.
Give your cat the gift of comfort and safety — bring home the Knead Therapeutic Heated Cat Bed today.
