Choosing a cat bed sounds simple, until your cat ignores the lovely new one and settles into a cardboard box instead. The truth is, there’s no single bed every cat will love. The best cat bed for indoor cats is the one that suits your cat’s favourite way to rest, feels safe and comfortable, and fits easily into your home.
We’ve compared the most common styles below, including the Armarkat Cat Bed C90CTL Tube Shape, to help you find a good match for your four-legged family member.
Quick comparison: which cat bed suits your cat?
| Cat bed type | Best suited to | Main advantage | What to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat mat or cushion | Cats who stretch out | Open, simple and easy to place | Offers less privacy and support around the body |
| Donut or bolster bed | Cats who curl up | Raised edges create a cosy resting spot | May not suit cats who like to spread out |
| Enclosed or tube bed | Cats who hide or seek quiet | A covered space can feel sheltered | Check the entrance and inner space are a comfortable fit |
| Raised bed or platform | Cats who enjoy a view | Offers a spot above the floor | Make sure it’s stable and easy for your cat to reach |
| Flexible cave bed | Cats whose preferences change | Can offer more than one resting shape | Check the size, care instructions and how easy it is to reshape |
These are useful starting points, not hard rules. Some cats will happily nap in several styles; others have one favourite spot and stick with it.
Start with how your cat already sleeps
Before you buy, take a few days to notice where your cat chooses to rest. Do they curl into a ball on the sofa, stretch across a sunny patch, or disappear beneath a chair? Their current habits can tell you more than a product label.
- Curled up in a compact space: Try a bolster, cave or enclosed bed.
- Stretched out at full length: A flat cushion or mat may give them more room.
- Tucked away under furniture: Consider a covered bed with a sheltered feel.
- Perched on a chair or windowsill: A safe, stable raised bed could be worth exploring.
Cats need comfortable places to sleep and rest, as well as opportunities to hide. The Scottish Government’s cat welfare guidance recommends dry, comfortable, draught-free resting areas, and says households with more than one cat should provide enough separate places for each to rest.
Compare the main cat bed styles
Flat mats and cushions
A flat bed gives cats plenty of room to stretch, turn and change position. It can be a practical choice for a cat who prefers open spaces or finds it easier to step onto a low surface. Mats are also simple to place on a favourite chair or in a quiet corner.
The trade-off is that a flat bed offers less of a tucked-in feeling. If your cat seeks shelter under blankets or furniture, an open cushion may not feel private enough.
Donut and bolster beds
These beds have raised sides around a central resting area. Cats who like to curl up may enjoy having an edge to lean against, while the open top keeps the bed easy to get into.
Check the usable sleeping space, especially if your cat is larger or likes to stretch. It’s also sensible to look at the care details: a removable, washable cover can make regular cleaning easier.
Enclosed and tube-shaped beds
An enclosed cat bed offers a more sheltered spot for cats who like to retreat somewhere quiet. The covered shape can suit a cat who curls up inside a den-like space, but it won’t be for every feline. Some cats prefer to keep an eye on the room or want more space to stretch.
Pay attention to the entrance and overall dimensions. Your cat should be able to get in and out without struggling, and should have enough room to settle comfortably. In a home with several cats, think about whether the bed’s entrance could be blocked by another pet.
Raised beds and platforms
Some cats enjoy resting above floor level, where they can watch what’s happening around them. A platform or raised bed can make use of a safe shelf, cat tree or other sturdy surface.
Stability matters. Place a bed where it won’t wobble or be knocked, and make sure your cat can reach it safely. A high-sided or high-up option may be less suitable for a kitten, an older cat or one with limited mobility.
Flexible cave beds
Some beds can be arranged in more than one shape, offering a sheltered hideaway or a flatter place to rest. For example, the GOOPAWS 4-in-1 Self Warming Burrow Cat Bed is listed as usable as a burrow, mat, cup or pod. Its product details give dimensions of 22 × 14 × 10 inches and say it can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water.
A flexible bed may be handy if you’re still learning what your cat likes. Just check the care instructions and set it up in a stable, comfortable position.
Recommended option: Armarkat Cat Bed C90CTL Tube Shape
For a cat who enjoys curling up in a sheltered spot, the Armarkat Cat Bed C90CTL Tube Shape is a compact, covered option. The product listing describes a cornflower-blue, velvet-covered hideaway with a removable, washable lounge mat. It gives the overall dimensions as 20 × 14 × 11 inches, with a 2-inch-thick pad.
That combination makes it a good style to consider if your cat likes a snug space but you want the inner mat to be removable for cleaning. Its enclosed shape won’t suit every cat, though: a feline who prefers to sleep stretched out or keep a clear view may be happier with an open bed.
Before choosing, compare the listed measurements with your cat’s usual resting position. If you’re unsure whether a tube bed is right for them, watch where they sleep or try offering a cardboard box with a familiar blanket first.
What to check before you buy
A soft-looking bed is only a good choice if it works for your cat and your household. Keep these checks in mind:
- Size: Make sure your cat has space to settle naturally. Consider their stretched-out length as well as how they curl up.
- Access: Look for an entrance and height your cat can manage comfortably.
- Cleaning: Check whether the cover or inner mat can be removed, and follow the care instructions.
- Stability: The bed should sit securely where you place it, without slipping or tipping.
- Location: Choose a quiet, dry, draught-free spot. Some cats enjoy a warm resting place, while others may prefer somewhere cooler.
- Choice: If you have more than one cat, offer separate resting places so each can relax undisturbed.
The Cats Protection guide to choosing a cat bed also suggests trying a familiar blanket or toy if your cat is wary of a new bed. A new smell or unfamiliar texture can be enough to make a cat hesitate.
How to help your cat settle into a new bed
Put the bed somewhere your cat already likes to rest, rather than choosing a spot simply because it looks good in the room. Add a blanket they already use, then let your cat investigate in their own time. There’s no need to lift them into it or coax them to stay.
If the bed goes unused, try moving it to a different quiet spot or revisit the style. Your cat may prefer an open cushion to an enclosed den, or simply have another favourite place. That’s useful information, not a failure.
There’s no universal winner in the cat bed comparison. Start with your cat’s habits, choose a design that’s comfortable and easy to maintain, and give them a calm place to rest. You can browse our cat products or take a closer look at the Armarkat C90CTL Tube Shape if an enclosed bed seems like a good fit.