Cat Beds That Cats Actually Use
Finding the best cat beds that your furbaby will actually use can feel impossible — trust me, I’ve bought plenty that turned into expensive home decor. When I adopted my cat Louis, I bought an adorable pink and white chenille plush pet bed thinking he would love it. He had no interest. However, after years of trial and error, I’ve discovered the cat beds that cats actually use. Here are the cat approved favorites that make cat mom life comfier and cozier!

My Top 3 Best Cat Beds (Tried & Tested)
- Best Heated Cat Bed: K&H Thermo-Kitty Cuddle Up (pictured above)
- Best Plush Cat Bed: Frisco Plush Orthopedic Front Bolster Bed
- Best Elevated Option: Frisco Faux Fur Cat Sling
Table of Contents:
Shop the Best Pet Beds for Cats
The First Cat Bed My Cats Actually Used

After the original pink bed, I didn’t buy Louis any pet beds for a while. He didn’t need one, anyway; he always slept on my bed and the couch.
However, a couple years ago, a friend of mine sent me a heated bed for Louis. The heated bed was a game changer, and Louis took to it pretty quickly. It remains one of the favorite hang outs in our home, and I even got a second one because the original one was so popular.
It might seem a little odd that a Florida cat would want a heated bed. In reality, cats just love to be cozy, and the heated bed offers a gentle warmth that they just adore. Pair it with one of my handmade Critter Crafting Cat Mats and some catnip toys and they’re set for life.
The Best Cat Beds My Cats Actually Use
The Heated Pet Bed Variety: K&H Thermo-Kitty Cuddle Up
The K&H Thermo-Kitty Cuddle Up is the absolute winner in my house as far as cat beds that cats actually use. Like I mentioned above, we have three. The two smaller ones stay in our bedroom, while the large is in my office.


This heated pet bed is just warm enough without being too hot. Though they are even more popular in my house in the winter, my cats love them even in the Florida summers! The covers are removable and machine washable, and the beds are long lasting. Our oldest is probably seven years old now!
See why the K&H is the best heated cat bed I’ve found here!
Best Cat Bed for Seniors: Frisco Orthopedic Front Bolster Bed
After trying multiple cat beds over the years, I’ve found that memory foam-style beds are a hit with all three of my cats. Whether they’re bolstered edges or raised like a bowl, the edges give them that cozy, secure feeling cats love.
Memory foam beds aren’t just comfortable — they can be especially soothing for senior cats or cats with joint pain and arthritis, since the orthopedic foam supports achy joints. The machine-washable, removable cover makes cleanup easy, which is half the battle with any cat bed. It comes in a few sizes to suit your pets, whether you have kittens, adult cats, or both, and is a fair price.
Emory is especially fond of bolster beds — she loves to curl up against the raised sides. This Frisco bed (an updated style of one we have which is no longer available) is my top pick for a classic, no-frills cat bed that actually gets used.
Shop this bed: Chewy | Amazon (similar style)
Best Elevated Cat Bed: Frisco Faux Fur Cat Sling
If you want to give your cat the ultimate cozy experience for watching cat TV, this faux fur cat sling is a great option. It has a hammock-style bed that my cats absolutely love, along with great scratchers on the side. It’s especially fun if you spray it with catnip spray!


We have a few of these around the house and they’re always popular. My cats gravitate toward this bed when they want maximum comfort but also to keep an eye on things. There’s something about the hammock design that makes cats feel secure while still having a view of their kingdom.
Pro tip: If you have multiple cats, consider getting two — they may fight over this one!
Shop this bed: Chewy | Amazon (similar style)
Accentuate Any of The Best Cat Beds with a Critter Crafting Cat Mat!
If you pick up any of these great options, might I recommend a lovely Critter Crafting Cat Mat to add extra comfort?
Perfect for any living room, bedroom, cat tree, pet carrier, Critter Crafting’s Crochet Cat Mats are high quality pieces that will add a pop of both color and comfort to any home. Ideal for lounging at home or to add comfort for travel, Cat Mats are made with kittens, cats, and small dogs in mind.
Pair any of these beds and Cat Mats with enrichment toys to create the ultimate cat hangout spot!




Explore all of my available Critter Crafting Cat Mats and pet blankets here!
Cat Bed FAQ
- What kind of bed do cats like?
Most cats like a bed that makes them feel secure — one with raised or bolstered edges to curl against, or an elevated hammock style that lets them keep watch over the room. In my house, the biggest hits have been a heated bed, a memory foam bolster bed, and a faux fur sling. - Do cats like memory foam beds?
Yes — memory foam and orthopedic-style beds are a hit with all three of my cats. The supportive foam is comfortable for everyday napping and can be soothing for senior cats or cats with joint pain. - What is the best cat bed for kittens?
Kittens do best in a smaller, enclosed bed with raised sides — they like to burrow and feel secure. The Frisco orthopedic bolster comes in sizes small enough for kittens, and the bolstered edges give them something to curl against. A machine-washable cover is a lifesaver at the kitten stage, too. - How do I choose a cat bed my cat will actually use?
Start with how your cat already sleeps. If they curl into tight balls, go for a bolster or donut style. If they like to perch and watch the room, try an elevated sling. If they seek out warm spots, a heated bed is worth every penny. And buy one with a machine-washable cover — it just makes life easier. - What size cat bed should I get?
Match the bed to your cat’s size and sleeping style. Smaller bolster beds suit kittens and cats who curl up, while larger beds give big cats or bonded pairs room to stretch or share. Many of my picks come in more than one size.
Explore Top Cat Supplies: Shop Your Feline Friend’s Wishlist!
*This post was originally published in 2019. It was most recently updated on July 22, 2026.
It looks like the best thing to do is collect a variety of cat beds so you can meet their changing needs. After all, they do sleep 18+ hours a day!
Your fur babies are precious! I have two cats myself and I will definitely be purchasing the heated cat bed for them. I didn’t even know that this exists for cats. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! They’re sweet kitties. And yay!! I am sure your cats will love them!! I have one of my three napping in one of them right now haha so cozy!! Kind of wish they had a human sized option haha