Finding the perfect cat bed

Finding the perfect cat bed…a dream come true for your precious feline.

If you can't find your cat, it might be time to get her a cat bed. Chances are she's sleeping somewhere cozy and perhaps not where you want her. If you would rather your kitty didn't nap on your bathrobe or the guest bed, you may want to get her an extra appealing cat bed of her own.

There are a variety of cat beds to choose from and you can definitely find one to suit your cat best. They range from mini-furniture to suit your décor to simple pads to lay on your cats preferred napping places. Here are some tips to help you find the best bed for your kitty.

Cat Bed Features to Consider

Materials/Fabric

Comfort

Placement (floor, desk, bed, window bed, etc)

Style/Design

Size

Wash-ability

Dry-ability

Ability to remove or replace cover

Durability guarantee

The most important feature to consider in choosing a cat bed is what your cat will consider comfortable.

Cats like to be warm in the winter and to keep cool in the summer. The cozy-factor of a cat bed is critical.

A cup style cat bed is often the perfect fit for a curled up kitty and can help her retain body heat. With an especially cold house, you might even consider a heated cat bed.

If you need something cooler consider a simple pad cat bed, which may be nothing more than soft fabric or stuffed for a plusher feel.

Whichever style you choose it needs to become your cat's favorite or she won't use it.

The best way to convince your feline friend to nap in her new cat bed however, may not be what style you choose, but where you put it.

A quiet place without too much traffic, but in view of the household activities is the best place. If you choose a cat bed that is easily moved, you can adjust the bed's placement depending on the temperature or the time of day.

Some cat beds can even be set up as a window perch, so in between napping your kitty can have a view of what's going on outside.

Desirable Cat Bed Features

Easy to clean

Comfortable

Attractive/Fashionable

Variety of Sizes

Durable

Safe

Water resistant

Replacement parts

Guarantee

Conserves your cats' body heat

Your cat loves it

The most desirable cat bed will be washable, or at least have a washable cover. Most cat beds will collect cat fur, which is great for cleaning up after a shedding kitty, but only if you can toss it in the washer. It should be durable enough to last for years and numerous washes.

The best cat bed will also dry quickly to discourage mold and fungus. Cat beds that have covers sold separately are also a great idea so that you can rotate the covers when washing.

An attractive cat bed is also a must if your cat is going to nap in the midst of things. Make sure that the cat bed doesn't just look great, but also appeals to your cat's sensibilities as well.

Cat Bed Features to Avoid

Watch for hanging fabric and strings which your cat could ingest. Your cat may choke or become ill with an intestinal blockage.

Also avoid cat beds that are hard to keep clean and can house fleas if your cat should become infested.

Make sure that the bed you choose also has color safe fabric that will not bleed if it gets wet or is washed.


The Ideal Choice of a Cat Bed

The ideal cat bed will be attractive to both you and your feline friend, a fashionable addition to your home and the purrfect place for a little cat nap.

To learn more about any of the above beds just click on the pictures.



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Cat Care Essentials

Care for your kitty with these essential tips

by The Humane Society of the United States

Your cat might act independent, but he still counts on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter, veterinary care, a clean litter box, love, and more. Take care of these essentials, and you’ll develop a rewarding relationship with your feline companion.

1. Keep your cat safe by keeping him indoors, safely confined to your property or walked on a harness and leash.

Doing so is best for you, your cat, and your community. Provide your cat with safety and security. Always use a cat carrier when transporting your pet. Protect him by making certain that all windows are securely screened. Keep the washer and dryer are kept closed and check inside before each use. (Some cats like to climb in these appliances if they’re left open.) Get into the habit of ensuring that drawers, closets, and cupboards are uninhabited before you close them – a kitty may be lurking inside.

2. Outfit your cat with a breakaway collar and visible ID that includes your name, address, and telephone number.

No matter how careful you are, there's always a chance he may slip out the door. Your cat is more likely to get home safely if he has ID. Also, be a good citizen by complying with any local cat licensing laws.

3. Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups and vaccinations.

If you don’t have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter, rescue group, or a pet-owning friend for a referral. Medical care is as essential for your cat as it is for you. If you already have dogs or cats at home, make sure they are up-to-date on their shots and in good general health before you introduce your new cat.

4. Spay or neuter your cat.

This will keep him healthier and help decrease the number of cats put down every year because of cat overpopulation.

5. Feed your cat a nutritionally balanced diet and provide fresh water 24/7.

Educate yourself on your cat’s nutritional needs, or ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.

6. Keep the litter box clean.

Cats are naturally fastidious, and most will instinctively use a litter box; you just have to show yours where it is; Don’t place your cat in the box and make little scratching motions with his front paws. This will likely upset your cat and may make him leary of the box. Scoop the box at least once daily and periodically wash it with dish liquid and hot water. Because cats also value privacy, place the litter box in a convenient but quiet spot.

7. You may need to experiment with litter to find one your cat likes.

Offer him several types and when he makes his choice, don’t run out of it. Cats are creatures of habit and if you suddenly switch to another litter or don’t keep the box clean, he may not use it.

8. Groom your cat often.

All cats, whether long- or short-haired, should be brushed regularly to keep their coats and skin healthy, prevent matting, and reduce shedding and hairballs. They also need to have their claws clipped to keep them from growing into their paw. Grooming is a good opportunity to discover any lumps, fleas, injuries, etc. and bond with your kitty.

9. Make time to play and provide entertainment.

Cats often entertain themselves, but regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical and mental stimulation he needs and strengthen the bond you share.

Give him toys and scratching posts to distract him from your household goods. Cats love to play and will appreciate simple and inexpensive toys. Ping-Pong balls and opened paper bags (remove the handles) can provide hours of fun.

A comfortable perch by a window can become your cat’s very own entertainment and relaxation center. Rotate toys to maintain your cat’s interest in them.

You might want to invest in a kitty condo or cat tree—a structure typically covered in carpet or sisal (a rough material cats love to scratch) where your cat can climb, stretch and hide out to his heart’s content, and watch the world go by. But the best two things you can provide your cat with are love and playtime.

10. Provide your cat with some basic training to help him get along in your home.

It’s true that cats usually have their own ideas about how to do things. Even so, most cats can be taught not to scratch the couch, eating plants, or jump up on the kitchen counter. With repeated, gentle and consistent training, your cat will learn the house rules. Don’t yell or hit him.

Use a squirt gun, whistle, or other noisemaking device to startle (not scare) your cat if you catch him doing something you don’t like. Remember to provide a suitable alternative to meet his needs, for example a scratching post, cat grass, and a kitty condo.

A final note

Be loyal to and patient with your cat. Make sure your expectations of your companion are reasonable, and remember that most problems have a solution. If you’re struggling with your pet's behavior, learn how to solve problems with humane and effective techniques. Check out our cat behavior tips for detailed instructions.

by The Humane Society of the United States

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