Cats and small dogs sleep for a large part of the day, so a bed they actually like is worth choosing carefully. The best starting point is to watch how your pet already sleeps.
1. Match the bed to the sleeping style
- Curlers sleep in a tight ball. Round beds with raised sides suit them, such as the Donut Cat Bed, Teddy Round Dog Bed or the Frog Plush Pet Bed.
- Hiders like to tuck themselves away under blankets or in boxes. A covered bed gives them a private spot, for example the Enclosed Cat House Bed or the half-covered version of the Frog Plush Pet Bed.
- Leaners rest their head on a cushion or armrest. Sofa-style beds with a backrest suit them, like the Cat Sofa Bed or Plush Cat Couch Bed.
- Watchers want to see what is going on. A window hammock such as the Window Suction Cat Hammock gives cats a view. Check that the window surface is smooth and clean so the suction cups hold well.
2. Get the size right
Measure your pet while it is lying curled up, from nose to the base of the tail, and add a few centimetres. Check the inside measurements on the product page, not just the outside. Too big is usually fine for dogs, but many cats prefer a snug bed that feels secure.
3. Think about where it will go
Put the bed somewhere quiet but not cut off from the family, away from strong drafts and direct air-conditioning. Many cats like a raised spot, and older pets appreciate a bed that is easy to step into.
4. Plan for washing
Look for a removable cushion or a cover you can wash, and check the care instructions. A soft blanket on top, such as the Long Plush Pet Blanket, is easy to wash more often than the bed itself.
5. Help your pet try it
New beds can smell unfamiliar. Put an old blanket or a piece of your clothing inside, place the bed where your pet already naps, and add a treat or toy. Give it a few days before deciding your pet does not like it.
See every option in our Beds & Home collection.