Best Cat Beds 2026: Top 5 Cozy Picks Tested by Real Cats

Our Top Pick: Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed

After 30 days of testing 10 cat beds with 8 cats, the Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed won the popularity contest. Six of our eight test cats chose it as their primary sleeping spot within the first week, gravitating to its ultra-soft faux fur and nest-like design.

How We Tested

We placed each bed in a consistent location and monitored voluntary use over multiple days. “Cat preference” — the amount of time each cat chose to sleep in a given bed — was our primary metric, because no amount of human opinion matters if the cat won’t use it.

We also evaluated practical factors: how well each bed survived machine washing (shrinkage, shape retention, durability), how it held up to scratching and kneading, and whether the materials triggered any allergic reactions in our sensitive test cats.

Sleeping Styles Matter

Before choosing a cat bed, observe how your cat sleeps:

Curlers — Cats who sleep in a tight ball love donut and bolster beds with raised edges. The Best Friends by Sheri is ideal for curlers.

Sprawlers — Cats who stretch out flat need open, flat beds or large mats. The PetFusion Lounge accommodates sprawling while doubling as a scratcher.

Burrowers — Cats who tunnel under blankets thrive in cave-style beds. The Meowfia Cat Cave is designed for these privacy-loving felines.

Perchers — Cats who sleep on high surfaces may prefer a window perch or cat tree platform over a floor-level bed.

Detailed Reviews

Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut — Best Overall

The moment we placed this bed down, three of our test cats investigated within minutes. The ultra-soft faux shag fur mimics the feeling of nestling against a mother cat’s belly — which explains why anxious cats are particularly drawn to it.

The raised rim serves a practical purpose beyond aesthetics: it provides head and neck support and creates a sense of enclosure that triggers the calming “nest” response in cats. The anti-slip bottom dot pattern keeps the bed stationary on hardwood and tile floors.

Machine washability is a major plus. After three wash cycles, the bed maintained its shape and softness, though we recommend air-drying to preserve the faux fur texture.

Meowfia Premium Cat Cave — Most Unique

This handcrafted merino wool cave is as much a piece of home decor as it is a cat bed. The thick felted wool naturally regulates temperature, keeping cats cool in summer and warm in winter — a feature synthetic materials can’t match.

Our burrower cats were immediately drawn to the cave opening, and two of them claimed it as their exclusive sleeping spot by day three. The cave design satisfies the natural denning instinct that many domestic cats retain.

The trade-off is maintenance: spot-clean only, no machine washing. For a $50+ cat bed, this is a significant consideration. However, merino wool is naturally odor-resistant and antimicrobial, so it stays fresh longer than synthetic alternatives.

K&H Thermo-Kitty — Best for Seniors

For senior cats dealing with arthritis, stiff joints, or poor circulation, the gentle warmth of the K&H Thermo-Kitty is transformative. Our 14-year-old test cat, who had largely given up on bed sleeping, returned to regular napping within days of getting the heated bed.

The dual-thermostat system is the key safety feature: it maintains the bed surface at your cat’s body temperature (about 102°F/39°C) and includes a backup thermostat that prevents overheating even if the primary fails. Energy usage is minimal — about 4 watts, comparable to a nightlight.

Amazon Basics Cat Bed House — Budget Pick

At under $20, the Amazon Basics bed house is the entry-level option for cat owners who want to test whether their cat prefers enclosed sleeping without a big investment. The removable cushion is machine washable, and the compact size fits in a corner or closet nook.

It won’t win any durability awards, and the padding is thin enough that heavier cats may feel the floor beneath. But for the price, it’s a perfectly functional enclosed bed that our test cats happily used.

PetFusion Ultimate Scratcher Lounge — Best Dual-Purpose

The genius of the PetFusion is that it serves two of your cat’s strongest needs — scratching and sleeping — in one product. The corrugated cardboard provides satisfying scratching texture, while the curved shape creates a natural cradle for napping.

The reversible design means you flip it over when one side is worn, doubling the effective lifespan. The included organic catnip pouch helps attract cats who might be hesitant at first.

The Bottom Line

For most cats, the Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut offers the most universally appealing design at a reasonable price. Senior cats or those in cold climates should consider the K&H Thermo-Kitty for therapeutic warmth. And if you’re on a tight budget, the Amazon Basics Cat Bed House proves you don’t need to spend a lot to give your cat a cozy spot.