Buying a cat bed is sometimes a challenge for pet owners. They often like to curl up, which can make it difficult to gauge the size that will work best. There’s also the material to consider. Cats like different textures because they navigate their world by touch through their paws and whiskers. They want things that feel comfortable to them.
There are other things to consider too, especially if your pet has health issues, such as arthritis. You have to think about the pressure points and how the bed will distribute your cat’s weight. That can make the difference between a product that your kitty will use versus one that will gather dust. There’s also the question of durability. Cats often knead on objects — or you! This is instinctive behavior. Unfortunately, it can also take a toll on everything that they use, whether it’s their bed or their toys.
Our product roundup includes a selection of the available beds for large cats. We discuss the pros and cons of each one in our detailed reviews.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Frisco Orthopedic Cat Bed
Easy access
washable cover
Soft interior
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Best Value
FurHaven Orthopedic Cat Bed
Affordable
Durable
Removable cover
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Premium Choice
FurHaven Comfy Couch Cat Bed
Excellent support
Removable cover
Well-made
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Brindle Waterproof Cat Bed
Waterproof
3-year warranty
memory foam
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Snoozer Pet Products Cat Bed
Clever design
1-year warranty
Machine-washable
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The 10 Best Cat Beds for Large Cats
On the downside, it only comes in one color. However, at least it’s a neutral hue that will fit in with most décors. Unfortunately, the bottom isn’t non-skid, something to keep in mind when deciding on where to put it. The interior is Sherpa, which adds to its warmth and comfort. The only problem is that it sheds with fur that sticks to everything. The design makes it an excellent choice for older pets, though.
The Frisco Orthopedic Cat Bed is a plush sleeping spot for your pet that is sure to be comfortable and warm. It has three types of foam: polyfil, memory foam, and orthopedic foam. The bolster bed has a small opening for easy access. Overall, it’s a well-constructed soft bed. The cover and inner liner are removable and machine-washable on the delicate cycle.
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Pros
Comfortable padding
Easy access
Machine-washable cover
Soft interior lining
Cons
Only one color choice
No non-slip bottom
The bed comes in three neutral colors. The top is faux fur, which makes it quite soft. However, it is not chew- or claw-resistant, even though the material appears durable, even for kneaders. Of course, the price is right for this quality product, which makes an excellent value combined with its washability. You’re sure to get your money’s worth out of this product.
Comfortable padding
Easy access
Machine-washable cover
Soft interior lining
- Comfortable padding
- Easy access
- Machine-washable cover
- Soft interior lining
Only one color choice
No non-slip bottom
- Only one color choice
- No non-slip bottom
Pros
Removable cover
Affordably priced
Comfortable, multi-layer design
Durable
Cons
No sides
Not claw-resistant
The product is well-made, although it is not chew- or claw-resistant. It comes in three patterns and five sizes. We like the fact that the bed has recycled materials in the bolsters, making it an eco-friendly choice. However, it is pricey, which isn’t unexpected, given the materials. It looks so comfortable that we almost feel like curling up with our cat on it too!
Removable cover
Affordably priced
Comfortable, multi-layer design
Durable
- Removable cover
- Affordably priced
- Comfortable, multi-layer design
- Durable
No sides
Not claw-resistant
- No sides
- Not claw-resistant
Pros
Recycled materials
Excellent support
Well-made
Removable cover
Cons
Pricey
Not claw-resistant
The bed comes in three sizes and three color choices. The removable cover is machine-washable and dryer-safe. Overall, it is soft and comfortable. It has a non-skid bottom too. The manufacturer goes the extra mile and supports its local humane society with product donations, which speaks volumes about its social responsibility.
Recycled materials
Excellent support
Well-made
Removable cover
- Recycled materials
- Excellent support
- Well-made
- Removable cover
Pricey
Not claw-resistant
- Pricey
- Not claw-resistant
Pros
Waterproof
3-year warranty
Non-skid bottom
A thick memory foam layer
Cons
No sides
The bed comes in three sizes and nine colors. Both the cover and the liner are removable and machine-washable. The interior is Sherpa, which can pill sometimes after washing. The cover is suede, giving it welcome durability. The filling is polyfil. While the manufacturer bills it as a bed for both dogs and cats, we think that felines will appreciate it more than the pups.
Waterproof
3-year warranty
Non-skid bottom
A thick memory foam layer
- Waterproof
- 3-year warranty
- Non-skid bottom
- A thick memory foam layer
No sides
- No sides
Pros
Clever design
Machine-washable
1-year warranty
Comfortable interior
Cons
Pricey
- Petmate Aspen Cat Bed Check Latest PriceThe Petmate Aspen Cat Bed is unique with its mylar layer that reflects heat, making it one of the coziest ones that we’ve seen. The bolsters are thick and plush, which adds considerably to the warmth factor. It’s lightweight with a non-skin bottom.
The bed comes in three designs and five sizes. Unfortunately, it only comes in one color, which may not work with all décors. It is machine-washable, which is a must-have feature in any pet bed. You will have to fluff it afterward, but that certainly isn’t a deal-breaker. It is also affordably priced.
Clever design
Machine-washable
1-year warranty
Comfortable interior
- Clever design
- Machine-washable
- 1-year warranty
- Comfortable interior
Pricey
- Pricey
Pros
Value-priced
Thick bolsters for added warmth
Durable construction
Non-skid bottom
Cons
Only one color choice
- Love’s Cabin Round Cat Bed Check Latest PriceThe Love’s Cabin Round Cat Bed is the quintessential product with its donut shape and thick bolsters. It has a pile interior and suede exterior that holds its shape well and offers excellent support. The quilted bottom gives it a plush feel that we’re sure any cat will love. The entire bed is machine-washable, which we appreciate.
It comes in nine color choices but only one size. That may put it in the dealbreaker category for some buyers. However, the manufacturer offers a 30-day return window. You’ll probably know quickly whether your pet is going to use it. The bed is quite soft, so your kitty will check it out at least once.
Value-priced
Thick bolsters for added warmth
Durable construction
Non-skid bottom
- Value-priced
- Thick bolsters for added warmth
- Durable construction
- Non-skid bottom
Only one color choice
- Only one color choice
Pros
Non-skip, rubberized bottom
Affordably priced
Water-resistant
30-day guarantee
Cons
One-size only
Only one shape
- GASUR Cat Bed Check Latest PriceThe GASUR Cat Bed is about as luxurious as it comes. While it doesn’t have sides, your pet will sink into the plush faux fur. The air pockets it creates will retain heat and make it incredibly cozy. The interior is uber-soft and quite thick with polyfil cotton. It has a non-skid bottom too. The design makes it easy for arthritic pets to access the bed. The warmth will undoubtedly keep them comfortable too.
The bed comes in three sizes and two color choices. While they are neutral, they are also light in hue, which means that the bed will probably get soiled quickly. The entire bed is machine-washable, though. The manufacturer recommends putting it in the dryer promptly to fluff up the faux fur instead of letting it air-dry. The only downside is that the bed could use more padding, especially in the middle.
Non-skip, rubberized bottom
Affordably priced
Water-resistant
30-day guarantee
- Non-skip, rubberized bottom
- Affordably priced
- Water-resistant
- 30-day guarantee
One-size only
Only one shape
- One-size only
- Only one shape
Pros
Plush interior
Comfortable padding
Machine-washable
Cons
Thin middle
- Twin Critters Handcrafted Cat Cave Bed Check Latest PriceThe Twin Critters Handcrafted Cat Cave Bed is another product that indulgent pet parents will like. This one has a hybrid-hood design, which provides a safe, warm place for your kitty to sleep. It is made of Merino wool, which is soft and durable. It does an excellent job of retaining heat. You can also use it as a flattened bed during the summer when the cave design might get too hot.
The wool is nice enough. However, some cats love it too much. They may lick it and almost treat it like a catnip toy. This may affect the appearance of the wool after a while. Also, some owners might be allergic to this material. It comes in four color choices, though the neutral colors are the best.
Plush interior
Comfortable padding
Machine-washable
- Plush interior
- Comfortable padding
- Machine-washable
Thin middle
- Thin middle
Pros
Excellent design
High-quality materials
Cons
Pricey
Allergy risk
Excessive licking by some cats
- Long Rich All Season Rectangle Cat Bed Check Latest PriceThe Long Rich All Season Rectangle Cat Bed is a value-priced product, and we can see why. The construction of the bed seems flimsy, without enough support from the bolsters. It’s soft and comfortable, but it doesn’t feel like it will last for the long haul, especially if you have a kneader. We also have concerns about the shape, given how cats like to curl up to sleep.
The bed comes in seven color choices. The product description states that it’s reversible. The only problem is that the interior is a light color that would undoubtedly get dirty quickly if it was on the floor. At least, it’s machine-washable, although we are unsure whether it would keep its shape. On the positive front, it is affordable, making it less painful to replace.
Excellent design
High-quality materials
- Excellent design
- High-quality materials
Pricey
Allergy risk
Excessive licking by some cats
- Pricey
- Allergy risk
- Excessive licking by some cats
Pros
Affordable
Reversible
Cons
Flimsy construction
Poor design
Lack of side support
Affordable
Reversible
- Affordable
- Reversible
Flimsy construction
Poor design
Lack of side support
- Flimsy construction
- Poor design
- Lack of side support
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Cat Beds for Large Cats
A bed is a safe place for a cat. It’s somewhere where your pet can feel secure when their guard is down to catch some shut-eye. While kitties aren’t necessarily hard on this item, they might be a bit rough when they knead before getting ready for sleep. Cats don’t see the full range of colors that we can. The style and patterns are more for you than them.
However, other features can make a difference between a quality product and one that isn’t. Things to consider include:
Size (exterior and interior)
Materials (exterior and interior)
Style and design
Durability
Other features
Guarantee/warranty
Price
We’ll discuss each feature in detail and provide tips and advice.
- Size (exterior and interior)
- Materials (exterior and interior)
- Style and design
- Durability
- Other features
- Guarantee/warranty
- Price
Size (Exterior and Interior)
Size matters when it comes to getting a bed that is big enough for your larger cat. If it’s too small, your pet won’t use it. Remember that your kitty will probably curl up inside of it. However, felines sometimes like to stretch out, making size an essential consideration. At the very least, it needs to be long enough for your cat to step on top of it. The best way to be sure is to measure your cat.
Many products include padding or filling to make the bed comfortable for your pet. Bear in mind that this can affect the amount of usable space. Therefore, we suggest getting the dimensions both inside and outside the bed to verify the fit for your cat and where you’re going to put it in the home.
You should also consider the opening if you’re looking at a hooded bed. It needs to be tall enough for your cat to stand in it. Again, break out the tape measure and get your pet’s height at their shoulders.
Materials (Exterior and Interior)
You’ll find a wide range of materials for beds, from canvas to faux fur and chenille. Most likely, you’ll see different choices for the exterior and interior, with the plusher ones being next to your cat’s body. Comfort is the primary concern as far as your pet is concerned. The hues or patterns won’t make much of a difference for animals that have limited color vision.
The one that the manufacturer uses can affect other traits that can, in turn, play a role in the durability and lifespan of the cat bed. Features such as waterproof/water-resistance, tear resistance, colorfastness, and washability can make one product more desirable over another. All are points to consider when buying a cat bed.
Look at the care instructions carefully. For some, you can wash the entire bed. For others, only some parts are machine-washable. Then there are those that you can only spot clean. We also suggest finding out if the manufacturer sells replacement pillows or covers. That can extend the usefulness of the product.
Interestingly, you’ll see many of the same materials in cat beds as you would in products for humans. These include things like gel or memory foam, egg-crate foam, and polyfoam. Your cat is just as likely to enjoy them as you do. If your pet is arthritic, they probably find them quite comfortable for relieving pressure on their joints. These products often use a multi-layer design. If your cat is older or has arthritis, these products are the way to go.
Another point to consider is the height of the entrance. A shorter one will make it easier for your pet to get in and out of the bed. Likewise, the size of the sides is also essential, especially for pets that like to curl up when they sleep.
Style and Design
You’ll find products that are both open and enclosed. The latter offers the advantage of doubling as a hiding place for your pet. They allow your kitty to feel the security of the walls around them, with just a small opening to peek outside if necessary. These designs are a smart idea if your house is drafty. They’ll keep your cat warm and cozy.
Beds with bolsters can provide additional support. Make sure that they have some firmness to them. It’ll make a difference after you wash the bed because they’ll retain shape better. Some products are essentially thick pillows. They won’t provide the comfort level of an enclosed design. However, they can offer an excellent alternative that will make it easier for your pet to use.
Durability
Durability is something that can make or break a bed. After all, you want to get some use out of the product, no matter how much you pay for it. The choice of materials often can give you clues about how long it’s going to last. Also, consider your cat’s behavior. A kitty that likes to knead can poke holes in the fabric.
Other Features
Other things that you can look for include a non-skid bottom. This is essential if you’re going to put the bed in a room with tile or hardwood floors. Some products have legs to keep them elevated. This is a desirable feature for keeping your pet warm. Many of these styles are also more decorative. We’ve even seen cat beds with heaters in them!
Guarantee/Warranty
We lean toward products that have a guarantee or warranty. Of course, most sellers will replace a product that is defective. However, a warranty is sometimes a rare thing unless the bed has a heater or other mechanical features. Then, the company often covers its usability for a certain time period.
We recommend looking at the terms of the product carefully. Some manufacturers may specify how to care for the bed, which can make a difference in whether they’ll honor a claim.
Is there anything better than a happy pet? We don’t think so—that’s where the Hepper Nest Bed comes in. This is our product that was designed with both your and your pet’s happiness in mind. While the comfortable bowl shape and wide lip to rest their heads on are ideal for sleepy kitties and puppies, you’ll appreciate the removable and machine-washable fleece liner for easy cleaning. It doesn’t get any better than this! Click here to try it out. At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
While the comfortable bowl shape and wide lip to rest their heads on are ideal for sleepy kitties and puppies, you’ll appreciate the removable and machine-washable fleece liner for easy cleaning. It doesn’t get any better than this! Click here to try it out.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Price
You’ll find many quality products under $100. These will cover the bases of durability, quality design, and comfort. But we’ve seen large cat beds run into four figures.
Conclusion
After we did the research for our reviews, the Frisco Orthopedic Cat Bed came out on top as the best overall cat bed. It ticked off all the boxes for comfort and warmth. The bed is well-made, although it only comes in one color choice. However, the design is top-notch and well-made. We also like that it’s machine-washable.
The FurHaven Orthopedic Cat Bed took the spot in the value category. You get a great deal of bed for the price. It is owner-friendly too, being machine-washable. While it doesn’t have sides, it doesn’t skimp on comfort. The affordable price also makes it worth a look.
Featured Image Credit: Alena Ozerova, Shutterstock
