Cat beds
A bed is not just somewhere for a cat to sleep – it's their safe retreat, territory and source of psychological wellbeing. Cats spend up to 16–18 hours a day sleeping and resting, and the quality of their resting place directly affects their health, mood and behaviour. A cat with its own safe space is less stressed, less territorially aggressive and generally more settled.
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The key to success is understanding how a cat chooses a resting spot. Cats instinctively seek out places that meet three basic criteria: warmth, safety and a good vantage point. That's why they prefer elevated spots, snug hideaways and places near a heat source. A bed placed on the floor in the middle of a room will likely be ignored – but one on a higher shelf, next to a radiator, or in a quiet corner will be welcomed with open paws.
Main types of cat beds and accessories:
- Open beds and mattresses – the classic option, suitable for cats that like to sleep stretched out with a clear view of their surroundings. They're easy to wash and come in various sizes and materials. Ideal for cats that don't struggle with stress and feel safe in the home.
- Covered beds and igloos – enclosed beds that give a cat a sense of shelter and safety. They're ideal for shyer, more anxious or newly arrived cats that need a private place to hide away. A covered bed significantly reduces stress in difficult situations – such as visitors, thunderstorms or fireworks.
- Radiator and window beds – these make the most of cats' natural tendency to seek out warmth and elevated spots. A radiator bed is especially popular in the winter months, while a window bed lets a cat watch what's going on outside – natural mental stimulation for cats living in a flat.
- Heated pads – electric or self-warming pads are ideal for older cats with sore joints, cats recovering from illness or surgery, or kittens. Warmth eases muscle tension, relieves joint pain and supports recovery. Self-warming versions reflect a cat's own body heat, so no power supply is needed.
- Blankets and mats – a versatile accessory that gives a cat a cosy, familiar-smelling spot to rest anywhere in the home. Fleece blankets are popular for their softness and warmth retention. Washing blankets regularly is important for hygiene and to prevent parasites.
The number of beds in the home also matters. The basic rule is: in a household with multiple cats, there should be at least as many beds as there are cats, plus one extra. A lack of resting spots is one of the most common sources of tension and conflict between cats living together.
If a cat refuses a new bed, it can help to rub the cat's own scent onto it – wipe the bed with a cloth that you've first rubbed over the cat's cheeks. The cat will then "mark" the bed as part of its territory and accept it far more readily. The same trick works with placing a favourite blanket or toy in the new bed.
Practical tips for choosing and positioning a bed:
- Position the bed away from busy walkways – a cat needs to feel confident that nothing will startle or disturb it while resting. Noisy or busy spots put cats off using a bed.
- In a multi-cat household, place beds at different heights – more dominant cats tend to claim higher spots, while more submissive cats prefer lower levels. Respecting this hierarchy reduces tension between cats.
- Wash beds regularly at 60°C – this removes mites, bacteria and any parasites. Always wash a new bed before its first use.
- Never cover heated electric pads with blankets or beds that aren't designed for that purpose – there's a risk of overheating and burning the cat.
- If a cat ignores its bed and prefers sleeping on the sofa or your bed, try placing the bed directly on these surfaces – the cat will gradually get used to having its own spot there and move onto it.
A well-chosen and well-positioned bed is one of the simplest ways to give a cat a sense of safety, warmth and comfort – every day, with no extra effort.
Product sorting
List of products
A luxury plush bed with a high rim and a removable cushion. Colour brown.
A checked fleece blanket from Nobby, made from soft fleece. Colour grey.
The soft Nobby EMMI fleece blanket protects your furniture from pet hair or serves as a portable spot for your dog to settle. Size 100 x 150 cm. Grey.
A luxurious plush bed with a high rim and a removable cushion. Colour brown.
A checked fleece blanket by Nobby, made from soft fleece. Colour grey.
A bed with a removable cover made from robust fabric, with a linen look, suitable for small dogs and cats.
The blue Nobby Calbu cave bed with a removable cushion. Suitable for small dogs and cats.
A blanket made from an extra-soft, cosy material (teddy fleece). Dark grey colour.
An oval bed for cats and small dogs with a reversible cushion. Lying area 30x30cm.
A designer cat resting spot. Size 62.5 x 62.5 x 62.5 cm. Green.
A designer cat perch. Size 62.5 x 62.5 x 62.5 cm. Colour: olive.
