How to Choose a Pet Bed: A Simple Guide for Dogs and Cats

Knowing how to choose a pet bed comes down to three things: your pet’s size, how they like to sleep, and what the bed is made of. Get those right and your dog or cat will actually use the bed instead of ignoring it for the sofa. Here is a simple, step-by-step way to choose.

How to Choose a Pet Bed: Start With Your Pet’s Sleep Style

Watch your pet for a few days. Most pets fall into a few sleeping styles, and the best bed matches the habit:

• Curlers curl into a ball and like to feel enclosed. Round beds, nests, and beds with raised edges suit them.
• Stretchers sleep fully extended or on their side. They need a flat, roomy mat or a larger rectangular bed.
• Perchers, including many cats, like to sleep up high where they can watch the room. An elevated bed is a good fit.
• Burrowers push under blankets and covers. Soft, deep fabrics work well for them.

Step 1: Measure Your Pet

Measure your pet from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while they lie in their usual sleeping position, then add a few inches so there is room to move. For beds with raised sides, check the inner sleeping area, not just the outer size. If your pet is still growing, size for the adult.

The dimensions and weight limit on the product page matter more than a label like “small” or “large.” For example, our Fluffy Cat Bed is 24 inches across and listed for pets up to 25 lbs.

Step 2: Pick the Right Type of Bed

Round plush beds

A soft, round bed gives curlers the enclosed feeling they look for. An anti-slip base helps the bed stay put on hardwood or tile.

Elevated and woven beds

Cats in particular often prefer a raised spot. A woven bed like our Woven Cat Bed with cushion is hand-woven from banana leaf, so it looks like a decor piece in a living room while still giving your cat a cozy perch.

Cooling pads

For warm weather, or for pets that run hot, a cooling mat such as our Pet Cooling Pad can add comfort. It is an extra, not a replacement for shade, fresh water, and a cool room.

Supportive beds for older or large pets

Older pets and large dogs often do better with thicker, more supportive bedding. If your pet is stiff or has trouble getting up, ask your veterinarian what kind of bed is right.

Step 3: Check Materials and Washing

• Look for removable covers or beds you can machine wash, and check the care label before you buy.
• Tight weaves hold up better to claws than loose, looped fabrics.
• Plush faux fur is cozy but traps hair, so plan to vacuum or wash it regularly.
• An anti-slip base keeps the bed from sliding when your pet climbs in.

Step 4: Think About Chewing and Safety

If your pet chews bedding, avoid beds with loose stuffing, zippers, or buttons, and supervise them with any new bed. Stop using a bed that is torn or damaged. If your pet swallows stuffing or fabric, contact your veterinarian.

Step 5: Choose the Right Spot

Place the bed in a quiet corner that is still part of the family space. Keep it away from drafts and direct heat vents. Many cats love a spot near a sunny window, and many dogs like to sleep within sight of their people.

Quick Checklist Before You Buy

1. Does it match how my pet sleeps (curl, stretch, perch, burrow)?
2. Did I measure my pet and check the dimensions and weight limit?
3. Can I wash it, or at least the cover?
4. Is it safe for my pet’s chewing habits?
5. Will it stay in place on my floor?

Where to Start

Browse our Beds & Furniture collection for round, woven, and cooling options. For more general advice, the American Kennel Club has a helpful guide on choosing the right pet bed. Questions about a size or product? Contact us and we will help. Shipping is free across the US on orders over $60.