Give Your Cat Cozy Sleeping Spaces

Giving your cat a cozy place to sleep is an important part of being a cat owner. Buy your cat a bed that is the right size and can be laundered in a washing machine, and place it in a cat-friendly spot in your home. You can also create vertical sleeping spaces for your cat, like a cozy window perch or simple cat shelf.

Steps

Buying a Cozy Cat Bed

  1. Measure your cat. Use a tape measure to measure your cat from the base of its tail to the top of its head. Use this measurement to choose the proper size cat bed. Most cat beds will list measurements on the product label or website. To give your cat extra room, you can add a few inches to the measurement.[1]
  2. Make sure the bed is machine-washable. It is important that you launder your cat’s bed. This will help remove hair and germs from the bed. Pick a cat bed with a removable cover that can be laundered in a washing machine.[1]
  3. Opt for a bed made of natural materials. Choose a cat bed that is made of natural fabric, like wool or cotton. When possible, opt for a cat bed that is stuffed with natural filler, like feathers. Choosing natural materials can provide comfort and even help control certain allergies.[1]
  4. Try a cup-style bed. If your cat loves to curl up, a cup-style bed might be a good choice. The high sides of the bed help provide a secure space for your cat to curl up. A cup-style bed may also help your cat preserve their body heat.[2]
  5. Consider a cave-type bed. If you have a cat that loves relaxing in dark places, try getting them a cave-style bed. This type of bed provides a den-like structure for your cat to sleep in, and is perfect for cats that love spending time in sheltered areas.[1]
  6. Create a bed with everyday items. Your cat doesn't need to be limited to a traditional cat bed. Try piling soft blankets in a corner. You can also create a cozy space by placing your cat's favorite pillow or blanket on a chair, couch, or bed.

Choosing a Location for Your Cat to Sleep

  1. Choose a location where your cat loves to sleep. It’s important that your cat is relaxed and content in the space where it sleeps. Think about where your cat spends the most time snoozing or lounging. For example, if your cat loves napping in the window sill, consider a window perch.[1]
  2. Create a sunny sleeping spot. Try placing your cat’s bed in a sunny location. Cats like to be warm, so a room with lots of natural light can help them maintain body heat while snoozing. For example, try putting a cozy cat bed near a window or other source of natural light.
  3. Try a quiet spot. Cats need to have safe, quiet spaces where they can retreat from household mayhem. Consider locating your cat’s sleeping space in a room that is not frequented as often by family members, such as a guest bedroom or den.

Creating Vertical Sleeping Spaces

  1. Go for a cat tree with a sleeping space. Cats love to sleep on perches, and a cat tree is a great way to create a vertical sleeping space for your cat. Choose a cat tree that has a built-in perch or bed. This will give your cat a cozy, elevated place to sleep.[3]
  2. Try a cat shelf. You can create a cozy sleeping space by hanging a cat shelf on your wall. Place bedding on the shelf to make the space extra comfortable. You can also place multiple shelves at different heights to give your cat additional options.[4]
  3. Create a window perch for your cat. If you cat loves sleeping in the sun, a window perch is a great way to give them a comfortable sleeping space. You can hang a sturdy shelf under your windowsill or purchase a fancier window perch to install.[5]
  4. Make sure the space can support your cat’s weight. If you decide to create a cozy vertical sleeping space for your cat, make sure it can support your cat’s weight. Consult the product’s packaging to determine how much weight the shelf, tree, or perch can support.[4]

Sources and Citations