Rest is an essential part of a cat’s life. In fact, a cat sleeps between 14 and 16 hours a day, so if you want to take good care of your feline friend, it is essential to make her bed as comfortable and homey as possible. Cat beds come in all different sizes, colours, shapes, and materials. Your kitty won’t really care about the colour, so go ahead and choose the one that best suits your taste and décor. But if the bed is too small for her or if she finds it not comfortable enough, your cat probably won’t sleep much on it. What follows are the factors that you should consider in order to find a bed that your cat will really love resting on.
Style
Felines prefer to doze off in secluded spots, rather than in large open spaces, which is something you should keep in mind when shopping for cat beds. Hooded beds provide extra cover which helps felines feel more at ease. Anxious pets usually avoid bolster beds and flat mats and instead opt for some other covered sleeping spot. Log style or covered podcat beds are often the best choices for a newly adopted cat. Elder or less mobile cats will benefit from beds with a small lip that makes easier getting into and out of.
Size
Make sure your cat can stretch out comfortably on it but don’t get a bed that is too big. Felines feel more secure and comfortable in smaller places. It is a good idea to measure your cat from her head to the base of her tale and add a few centimeters.
Material
When looking through the wide range of cat beds, look for natural fabrics for the lining and stuffing. In addition to providing extra comfort for your kitty, natural fabrics also help with some allergies. You can choose from cotton, feathers, wool, and kapok. Synthetic fibres are also a good hypoallergenic option.
Easy to Wash
Look for a cat bed that is machine-washable. This will make it easier to keep your cat’s sleeping area clean and free from fleas and allergens. Beds with zippable covers and removable inserts are ideal to put straight into the washing machine. Getting a spare cover is a good idea so that when the other one is in the washing machine, your kitty can still go to bed and sleep.
Setting Your Kitty Into the New Bed
Cats need a clean, private and quiet place to sleep and rest. It should be cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you have a multi-level home, consider having a bed for your cat on all levels. Try placing the bed in different areas of your home so that you find out where your cat likes sleeping the best. Or, follow her lead by placing a bed in a location she has already chosen as her favourite spot.
