Cat Bed Features

Comfort is a key factor to consider when purchasing a cat bed and bedding. Your cat will like a soft material that makes the bed cosy. Many cat beds are made from a fleece material, and this material needs to be strong enough to cope with cat claws scratching it. Ideally the material must be water resistant and a colour safe fabric. The bedding stuffing is usually made from foam or cedar, although body moulding technology can also be used. A simple pillow shaped design of cat bed can help the cat to stay cool in warm weather, whilst a snug or heated bed is best for cold winter weather.

The size and shape of a cat bed is very important. There should be some room around your cat when she's lying down. The sides of the bed need to be low enough for your cat to be able to climb in and out of the bed easily. Cat beds are available in a variety of designs, colours and patterns and you should be able to find one that suits your cat and also looks good in your house. An enclosed style of cat bed will help to provide a place of safety and security; however a more open design of bed may provide your cat with a more interesting view. Cats can appreciate a bed that is placed on a window cill as they will have a good view in between cat naps.

The practical features to look for in a cat bed are durability and ease of cleaning. Cats are naturally clean animals and may stop sleeping in their bed if it is not kept clean. It is therefore essential that the bed and bedding are easy to wash. Many types of bedding have a removable cover to make the cleaning process easier. Regular washing will prevent fleas, whilst a fast drying time is necessary to prevent the growth of mould. All of this cleaning will mean extra wear on the material and it is therefore important that the bed is a decent quality, long lasting type.

A major benefit of cat beds and bedding is that they will see it as their own private place. If you find that your cat is always sleeping in a place that you would prefer it not to be, place the cat bed there for a few nights. The cat will get used to sleeping in the bed and will carry on doing so if you move the bed into a new position.

Types of Cat Bed and Bedding

There is a huge variety of cat beds available on the market. Cat baskets are a traditional style of bed, and can be used with a cushion or bedding to add extra comfort. Baskets are available in wicker, which is a natural material that is sturdy and looks attractive in the house. Wicker beds are available as a two tier design. Plastic beds are the other rigid bed alternative, and are tough and long lasting. Plastic beds are also very easy to clean.

Soft cat beds are made to keep your cat comfortable and cosy. One style of soft cat bed is the donut shaped bed, which is round and cushioned. Luxury soft cat beds are made with thermal fleece or faux fur bedding. Bean bag style cat beds allow the cat to sink into a comfortable position and can usually be wiped clean.

Bedding for cats includes padded blankets which give extra warmth and comfort.  Fabric cushions can be used alone or added to a basket to provide a soft base. Similarly the cat pillow can be used alone or as part of a basket bed. Cat mats are soft mats that can be placed anywhere in the house.

Some cat beds offer cats a sense of seclusion and a private place to retreat to. These beds include cat caves, cat igloos and hooded cat beds. This style of bed helps to keep out drafts and ensure that your cat stays warm.

Specialist designs of cat bed include the sofa loafer, which is designed to protect your furniture from cat hairs. The sofa loafer is made with a fleece lining on top of a rubber backing. Vetbeds are made from a tough latex backing with a thick sheepskin fleece imitation top. The advantage of using a vetbed is that it is hypo allergenic, stays dry on the surface and is machine washable. Other specialist beds are designed to keep your cat warm. Cat radiator beds have a rigid frame that hooks onto the top of a radiator. The frame is covered with a soft material for comfortable sleeping. These beds are very popular with cats as it enables them to sleep in the warmest place in the house. Another warm bed is the microwave heated cat bed. The microwave bed has a buckwheat filling that can be safely heated in the microwave.

With such a vast range of bedding available for your cat, you should have no problem finding the perfect bed for your cat to nap on, no matter how fussy she is!