Where to Put a Cat Bed: 7 Spots Cats Actually Love

Almost every cat owner has been there: you buy a lovely cat bed, put it down, and your cat walks straight past it to sleep on your laundry. The good news is that the bed usually isn't the problem. The location is. Cats choose sleeping spots based on safety, warmth and being close to their people. Get those right and your cat is far more likely to use the bed.

What cats look for in a sleeping spot

• Safety: cats like to rest where they can't be surprised. A spot with a wall or cover behind them, and a view of the room, feels secure.
• Warmth: cats love warm places, so a draft-free spot matters.
• Being near you: many cats are more social than their reputation suggests. They often want to nap in the same room as their people, just not on top of them.
• Quiet: away from loud appliances, slamming doors and busy walkways.

1. Next to the sofa

The living room is where you spend your evenings, so it's often where your cat wants to be. A bed beside or in front of the sofa lets your cat stay close while still having its own space. If floor space is tight, a cat bed ottoman combines a footrest and a covered bed in one piece.

2. A sunny spot near a window

Cats follow the sun around the house. A bed near a window with morning or afternoon light is a classic favourite. Avoid spots right next to a drafty window in winter.

3. At the foot of your bed

If your cat already sleeps on your bed, a cat bed at the foot of it, or on a bench at the end of the bed, gives them a nearby option of their own.

4. In a quiet corner of the home office

Working from home? Many cats like to keep you company while you work. A bed in the corner of your office keeps them close and off your keyboard.

5. Somewhere slightly raised

Cats like a bit of height because it helps them watch their surroundings. A bed on a low platform or tucked into furniture can feel safer than one directly on a cold floor.

6. A covered, den-like spot

Many cats prefer beds with sides or a roof, because cover makes them feel protected. Beds with open bars or a cut-out opening are a good middle ground: covered, but with a view.

7. Away from food, water and the litter box

Cats generally prefer to keep sleeping, eating and toilet areas separate. Keep the bed a good distance from the litter box and their food bowls.

Tips to help your cat use a new bed

• Put a blanket or t-shirt that smells like you inside the bed.
• Try the bed in the spot where your cat already naps most often.
• Give it time. Some cats need a few days to accept anything new.
• Reward your cat with a treat or praise when they use it.

The bottom line

The best place for a cat bed is somewhere warm, quiet and safe, close to where you spend your time. Watch where your cat already likes to nap and put the bed there.

Looking for a bed that can live in the living room? See our cat beds and pet furniture.