Cat bed: open, closed, or raised? How to choose the right one

Choosing a cat bed isn't just about finding a model that is soft and nice to look at.

Your cat might prefer an open bed from which to observe the room, or they may be looking for a more enclosed and quiet retreat. Some love to be up high, while others spontaneously choose more protected corners.

For this reason, before looking at shapes and materials, it is worth observing how and where your cat likes to rest.

Before the bed, observe your cat

The first clue is often right in front of your eyes.

Where do they usually sleep?

If they choose the sofa, a chair, or a cushion from which they can see what is happening around them, they probably appreciate an open position and a good view.

If, on the other hand, they seek out boxes, bags, secluded corners, or other small shelters, they might feel more at ease in a cozy and protected space.

The position they choose in the house can also be telling: some cats look for raised spots, others prefer to stay near the floor but in a quiet area.

Therefore, there is no perfect bed for all cats. There is only the one that best suits your cat's habits.

Open bed: when to choose it

Open beds allow the cat to have a wider view of the environment and, at the same time, a dedicated space in which to curl up.

They are particularly interesting for cats who like to rest without feeling completely isolated.

A slightly raised edge can also create a feeling of containment without closing off the space.

An open bed can also be a good choice when you want it to fit easily into your home decor: a well-chosen bed or basket can become part of the environment instead of looking like a foreign object.

Closed or cave bed: when it might be more suitable

Some cats spontaneously look for places where they can feel more protected.

A closed, cave, or house-style bed offers a more enclosed environment and can be interesting for a cat that likes to hide or sleep away from foot traffic.

The enclosed structure reduces the view of the environment but increases the feeling of privacy.

If your cat spends a lot of time inside boxes, open cupboards, or other small shelters, a cave bed may be a solution to consider.

Raised bed: why some cats prefer it

Height can be an important element for some cats.

A raised position allows them to better observe their surroundings and can turn the bed into a small observation point as well.

However, it is not necessary to choose a very tall structure. The important thing is that the base is stable and the chosen spot is safe.

If your cat already likes to sleep on furniture, shelves, or other raised surfaces, a bed designed for this type of use could be particularly well-suited to their habits.

How big should a cat bed be?

The bed must allow the cat to comfortably adopt its usual positions.

It should not be so small as to prevent them from changing position, but it doesn't necessarily need to be huge, either.

A good starting point is to observe how much space they normally occupy when curled up and to check that they can also stretch out when they wish.

For an adult cat of average size, many household beds take up around 50 cm of space, but the truly suitable size depends on the structure of the bed and the size of the cat.

If you have a particularly large cat, always check the internal dimensions and not just the external ones.

Where to put the bed in the house

The location can also determine the success of a new bed.

An aesthetically perfect spot that is constantly walked past by people might be much less interesting to your cat than a quiet corner.

Before choosing the final location, observe where your cat already tends to sleep.

You can consider:

• a quiet area of the house;

• a point from which they can observe the environment;

• a stable surface;

• a place away from drafts;

• a space sufficiently far from the litter box;

• a position compatible with their habits.

If you choose a raised bed, also verify that the support point is stable and that there is no risk of falling.

Materials and practicality: don't just look at aesthetics

A bed can be beautiful, but it must also be suitable for daily life.

Before buying, check:

Materials
They must be suitable for use by animals and sufficiently resistant for daily use.

Cleaning
Hair, dust, and debris accumulate inevitably. When possible, it is useful to choose models with easily cleanable or removable components.

Stability
A bed that shifts constantly when the cat gets in or out might be uncomfortable.

Dimensions
Always check the actual measurements and consider the size of your cat.

Position
The bed must work in the space where it will be used, not just in the product photograph.

Three types, three different needs

If you are choosing between different shapes, you can start from this simple distinction:

Does your cat like to be in sight?
An open solution can offer comfort without preventing them from checking what is happening around them.

Does your cat look for corners and refuges?
A more enclosed or cave-like bed can offer them greater privacy.

Does your cat like to be in a raised position?
A raised structure can combine rest and an observation point.

These are guidelines, not absolute rules. The best way to choose remains observing the behavior of the individual cat.

Our beds for resting

In the Rest collection by Velvet & Paw, we have gathered various solutions for resting, designed for different needs and environments.

Rattan Nest

A bed with a woven structure and a natural look, designed to create a space dedicated to rest that easily integrates into the home environment.

[Discover Rattan Nest →]

Cocoon Nest

A more enclosed solution, designed for those looking for a bed with an enveloping and protected shape.

[Discover Cocoon Nest →]

Woven Nest

A raised bed with a woven structure, interesting for cats that appreciate a higher position.

[Discover Woven Nest →]

In conclusion: choose based on the cat, not just the house

A bed might look perfect in a photograph and remain unused.

The simplest way to reduce this risk is to start from your cat's habits.

Observe where they sleep, if they seek privacy or a view, if they prefer to be high up or on the ground, and how much space they normally occupy.

Then choose the shape, size, and position.

Because the best bed is not necessarily the biggest, the most expensive, or the most beautiful.

It is the one your cat decides to make their own.