Best Cat Beds in Australia: Caves, Donuts, Bolsters and More

Cats spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping. That’s two-thirds of their life dedicated to rest — which means choosing the right cat bed isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. The right bed supports your cat’s joints, reduces anxiety, provides warmth and gives them a dedicated space that’s entirely their own.

With so many styles available — round beds, oval beds, caves, bolsters, donuts and more — it can be hard to know which one suits your cat best. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular cat bed types, explain which sleeping personalities suit each style, and help you find the perfect bed from Pethood’s cat bed collection.

Understanding Your Cat’s Sleep Style

Before choosing a bed, watch how your cat sleeps. Their preferred position tells you exactly what type of bed they’ll actually use — because as every cat owner knows, an unused bed is just expensive furniture.

The Curler

Cats that tuck into a tight ball with their tail wrapped around their body are curlers. This is the most common cat sleeping position and signals a desire for warmth and security. Curlers thrive in round beds with raised edges — the shape mirrors their natural resting posture and the bolster rim provides a sense of enclosure. The Rumi Round Pet Bed is designed specifically for this sleeping style.

The Sprawler

Some cats stretch out completely on their side or back, limbs extended in every direction. This is a sign of total relaxation and trust in their environment. Sprawlers need more room than curlers — an oval or rectangular bed with generous dimensions gives them space to stretch without hanging off the edges. The Luna Oval Pet Bed offers the elongated shape sprawlers love while still providing supportive raised sides.

The Burrower

If your cat dives under blankets, tunnels beneath cushions or wedges themselves between pillows, they’re a burrower. These cats seek enclosed, dark spaces that make them feel hidden and protected. Deep-sided bolster beds like the Coco Cosy provide the high walls burrowers love — they can nestle down into the centre and feel surrounded on all sides.

Cat Bed Types Compared

Round Beds

Round beds are the most popular choice for cats, and for good reason. The circular shape with a raised bolster rim creates a natural nest that triggers a calming response. Research shows that the enclosed, hugging sensation of a round bed can reduce anxiety in cats — similar to the effect of swaddling on babies.

Pethood’s Rumi Round features a real timber frame that elevates the bed off the floor, adding both style and airflow. Available in velvet (Cream, Grey, Blue and Pink) and boucle (Cream and Grey), it’s a bed that looks as good in your living room as it feels for your cat.

Oval Beds

Oval beds offer the cosy, enclosed feel of a round bed with extra length for cats that shift between curling and stretching. The Luna Oval is Pethood’s take on this versatile shape — available in Small for most cats and Large for bigger breeds like Maine Coons and Ragdolls. Choose from velvet or boucle in six colour options.

Bolster Beds

Bolster beds have deep, raised sides that wrap around the sleeping area like a protective wall. They’re ideal for cats that like to lean, rest their head on an edge, or feel surrounded while sleeping. The Coco Cosy’s deep-sided design is a bolster bed at its best — available in medium and large, with velvet, boucle and twill fabric options.

Cave and Enclosed Beds

Cave beds are fully enclosed with a single opening, creating a dark, den-like space. They’re excellent for anxious cats, cats in multi-pet households, and any cat that naturally seeks out hidden spaces. While Pethood doesn’t currently offer a cave-style bed, the deep-sided Coco Cosy combined with a lightweight blanket draped over one edge can replicate the cave effect.

How to Choose the Right Size

Most standard domestic cats (3-6kg) are comfortable in a small or medium bed. The key is matching the bed to your cat’s curled diameter — measure them while they’re sleeping in their favourite spot and add a few centimetres for comfort.

For larger cat breeds — Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, Norwegian Forest Cat — size up. These breeds can weigh 7-12kg and need significantly more room. The Luna Oval Large or Coco Cosy Large provide the extra space bigger cats require without compromising the cosy, enclosed feeling cats love.

Material Matters: Velvet, Boucle or Twill?

The fabric you choose affects both the look and feel of the bed:

Velvet is silky smooth and luxurious. Cats are drawn to its soft texture for kneading and nesting. Available in Cream, Grey, Blue and Pink across the Pethood range. Velvet looks stunning in modern and Scandi-inspired interiors.

Boucle has a nubby, textured surface that provides extra warmth. It’s particularly appealing in cooler months and adds visual interest to any room. Available in Cream and Grey.

Twill is the most durable option — a tightly woven fabric that resists claws, fur and daily wear. Ideal for households with multiple cats or cats that scratch their bed. Available in Cream and Grey on the Coco Cosy range.

Getting Your Cat to Use Their New Bed

Bought a beautiful cat bed only to watch your cat sleep next to it? These tips help:

• Location first: Place the bed where your cat already sleeps — near a window, on a sunny spot, or beside your own bed. Cats choose location over style every time.
• Scent matters: Place a worn t-shirt or blanket that carries your scent inside the bed. Familiar smells signal safety.
• Don’t force it: Never physically place your cat in the bed. Let them discover it on their own. Cats resist anything that feels like an instruction.
• Treats and catnip: A light sprinkle of catnip or a few treats placed inside the bed can create positive associations.
• Give it time: Some cats take a week or more to adopt a new sleeping spot. Be patient — one morning you’ll find them curled up in it like they’ve always been there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do calming cat beds actually work?

Yes — round and bolster beds with raised edges have a proven calming effect on cats. The enclosed, nest-like shape triggers a nesting instinct that lowers stress hormones. For anxious cats, a deep-sided bed placed in a quiet corner can significantly reduce restless behaviour and improve sleep quality.

How often should I wash my cat’s bed?

Wash the removable cover every 1-2 weeks to keep the bed hygienic and free from fur buildup. Most Pethood bed covers are machine washable on a gentle cycle. Regular washing also helps with household allergens and prevents odour.

Should I buy one bed or multiple beds?

Cats love having options. If possible, place beds in 2-3 different locations — one in a sunny spot, one near where the family gathers, and one in a quiet retreat area. Cats rotate between sleeping spots throughout the day based on temperature, light and activity levels.

What’s the difference between the Rumi Round and Luna Oval?

The Rumi Round is perfectly circular with a real timber frame — best for cats that curl tightly. The Luna Oval is elongated, providing more room for cats that stretch or shift positions. The Luna also comes in Small and Large sizes, while the Rumi is available in Medium.

Explore the complete range of Pethood cat beds — designed with Scandi style, premium fabrics, and the kind of comfort that even the fussiest feline can’t resist.