If you’ve ever watched your cat ignore a brand-new bed in favour of a cardboard box, you’re not alone. But while cats are famous for sleeping anywhere, that doesn’t mean they don’t need their own dedicated bed. In fact, a good cat bed offers comfort, consistency, and health benefits that even the coziest box can’t provide.
In this guide, we’ll explore whether cats really need beds, the science behind feline sleep behaviour, and how a great bed can improve their wellbeing.
Why Cats Sleep So Much
Cats sleep between 12 to 16 hours a day — sometimes up to 20 for kittens or seniors. They’re hardwired to rest, conserve energy, and stay alert in short bursts. Because they sleep so often, the quality of their sleeping environment makes a real difference.
Without a dedicated bed, cats tend to sleep wherever they can — couches, laundry piles, sunny patches of floor — but that doesn't mean those spots are good for their body, hygiene, or mental wellbeing.
The Benefits of a Dedicated Cat Bed
1. Comfort & Joint Support
A well-made cat bed supports your pet’s joints and muscles, especially important for older cats or breeds prone to arthritis. Memory foam or cushioned beds provide better alignment and can help reduce stiffness.
2. Security & Stress Reduction
Cats love routine and safe spaces. Having their own bed gives them a predictable spot to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, or tired.
3. Warmth
Beds with soft, insulating materials like bouclé or fleece help retain body heat. This is especially important for kittens, older cats, or hairless breeds who lose heat quickly.
4. Cleanliness & Hygiene
A designated bed helps limit the spread of fur, dander, and dirt throughout your home. It also gives you control over washing and maintaining their main sleep spot.
Should All Cats Have a Bed?
Yes — though they may still nap in other places, giving them a dedicated bed gives your cat:
- A place that smells like them, reducing anxiety
- A cleaner, safer alternative to random surfaces
- Posture and temperature support, especially for older pets
Even outdoor or semi-outdoor cats benefit from a bed placed in a warm, protected space.
What Kind of Bed Is Best?
This depends on your cat’s personality and needs. Here are a few examples:
- Burrowers prefer enclosed or igloo-style beds
- Sprawlers love open, flat beds with room to stretch
- Senior cats benefit from orthopedic or memory foam beds
✅ Our Bouclé Cat Bed is a versatile option made with soft boucle fabric, a cushioned base, and raised sides — perfect for curling up or stretching out.
Not sure what suits your cat? Read: How to Choose the Best Cat Bed for Your Cat's Personality
Do Cats Actually Use Their Beds?
Cats will use their beds if they feel:
- Safe and undisturbed
- Comfortable with the material
- Warm and supported
To increase use:
- Place the bed in a favourite napping spot (e.g. near a window or radiator)
- Add familiar smells like a worn T-shirt or their favourite blanket
- Reward your cat when they use it
With the right set-up, even the fussiest cats grow to love their beds.
Final Thoughts
While cats might seem indifferent to where they sleep, the benefits of a dedicated bed are undeniable. From physical support to emotional comfort, a quality bed helps your feline thrive — and gives them a safe, cosy space to truly call their own.
✅ Explore the Bouclé Cat Bed — thoughtfully designed for NZ cats who deserve the best.