Best Cat Beds for Indoor Cats

Updated October 23, 2026

We reviewed cat beds across design, washability, and size. The picks cover the four main styles cats choose -- enclosed cave beds, donut cuddler beds, flat self-warming pads, and heated electric beds -- so you can match the format to how your cat actually sleeps.

Style is the most important decision in this category. Cats that prefer covered, dark sleeping spots tend to use enclosed cave-style beds consistently. Cats that like to curl up or burrow tend to favor deep donut designs with raised bolsters. Cats that prefer to stretch out and lie flat use mat-style beds rather than bowled or enclosed designs. Buying the wrong style is the most common reason a cat ignores a bed entirely, regardless of quality. If you already know which style your cat gravitates toward, start there.

Washability matters for long-term use. Most cats shed, and a bed that cannot be machine washed becomes difficult to maintain. Look for removable and washable covers rather than beds that can only be surface-cleaned, and for non-slip bottoms that keep a bed in place on hard floors.

Heated options are worth considering for senior cats, cats recovering from illness, or households in colder climates. Thermostatically controlled heated beds warm only when a cat is in them, making them energy-efficient and safe for unsupervised use. Self-warming pads work without any electricity by reflecting the cat's own body heat back through the material -- a simpler option that works well year-round.