Cat Bed Types Explained: How to Pick the Perfect One for Your Cat

Walk into any pet store or browse online, and you’ll find cat beds in a dizzying range of shapes — round, oval, square, cave, donut, bolster, hammock, window-mounted and more. Each design exists for a reason, and the right choice depends entirely on how your cat sleeps, where they like to rest, and what makes them feel secure.

This guide breaks down every major cat bed type, explains which cat personalities suit each one, and helps you make a decision you won’t second-guess. Because the only thing worse than an expensive cat bed is an expensive cat bed your cat ignores.

Round Beds

Best for: Cats that curl into a tight ball when sleeping.

Round beds mirror the natural curled position most cats adopt. The circular shape with a raised bolster edge creates a nest that surrounds your cat, providing a 360-degree sense of enclosure. This triggers a nesting instinct that lowers stress and promotes deeper sleep.

The Rumi Round Pet Bed takes the round bed concept further with a real timber frame that lifts the bed off the floor. This adds airflow, a premium look, and stability that soft-sided round beds lack. Available in velvet (Cream, Grey, Blue, Pink) and boucle (Cream, Grey).

Pros: Calming effect, suits most cats, stylish in modern homes.
Cons: Less room for cats that stretch out.

Oval Beds

Best for: Cats that switch between curling up and stretching out.

An oval bed gives your cat the cosy enclosed feeling of a round bed with more length for stretching. It’s the most versatile shape for cats that don’t commit to one sleeping position — curlers fit comfortably in the centre, while sprawlers can extend along the longer axis.

The Luna Oval Pet Bed comes in Small (ideal for most cats) and Large (for bigger breeds like Maine Coons). With a real timber frame and available in both velvet and boucle, it’s designed to complement Scandi and modern interiors.

Pros: Suits multiple sleeping styles, available in two sizes, looks elegant.
Cons: Takes slightly more floor space than a round bed.

Bolster (Deep-Sided) Beds

Best for: Cats that lean against edges, burrow, or like to feel surrounded.

Bolster beds have high, padded walls that wrap around the sleeping area. Cats that push their back against walls, wedge between cushions, or tuck under blankets are drawn to the deep-sided design — it replicates the enclosed, protected feeling they’re seeking.

The Coco Cosy Pet Bed is Pethood’s bolster design, with deep sides that cradle your cat while the plush interior cushions their body. Available in three fabrics — velvet, boucle and twill — and in Medium and Large sizes.

Pros: Maximum security feeling, supports head resting, excellent for anxious cats.
Cons: Harder for some older cats to step over the high sides.

Cave and Enclosed Beds

Best for: Shy cats, anxious cats, and multi-pet households.

Cave beds are fully enclosed with a single entrance, creating a dark, den-like space. They’re excellent for cats that hide under beds, inside cupboards, or behind furniture. The enclosed design blocks light and noise, providing maximum privacy.

Cave beds work particularly well in households with children, other pets or frequent visitors — they give your cat a retreat where they won’t be disturbed. The downside is limited airflow, making them less suitable for hot Australian summers.

Tip: You can replicate a cave effect with any Pethood bed by draping a light blanket over one side. This gives your cat the option of covered or open sleeping without committing to a fully enclosed design.

Flat and Mat-Style Beds

Best for: Cats that sprawl on flat surfaces like floors and tabletops.

Some cats simply prefer a flat surface. They stretch out fully on hardwood floors, kitchen counters, or the middle of your bed with zero interest in nesting or curling. For these cats, a flat mat or cushion bed provides padding without the walls and edges they clearly don’t want.

Pros: Simple, affordable, easy to clean.
Cons: No calming nest effect, no head support, slides on hard floors.

Raised and Hammock Beds

Best for: Cats in hot climates and cats that like elevated vantage points.

Cats naturally seek high ground — it satisfies their instinct to survey territory from a safe elevation. A raised bed or hammock-style perch feeds this instinct while providing airflow underneath for cooling. Pethood’s raised beds work for cats as well as dogs, particularly in warmer Australian homes.

Pros: Cooling airflow, satisfies height instinct, durable.
Cons: Less cosy than padded options in winter.

How to Match Bed Type to Your Cat

Still not sure? Use this quick reference:

• My cat curls into a ball: Round bed (Rumi) or bolster bed (Coco Cosy)
• My cat stretches full length: Oval bed (Luna) or flat mat
• My cat hides under furniture: Cave bed or deep bolster (Coco Cosy) with a blanket
• My cat sleeps on elevated surfaces: Raised bed or hammock
• My cat switches positions constantly: Oval bed (Luna) — accommodates curling and stretching
• I have an anxious cat: Round (Rumi) or bolster (Coco Cosy) — the enclosed edges reduce anxiety

Browse the full Pethood cat bed collection to find the perfect match for your cat’s personality and sleeping style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my cat ignore the bed I bought?

Usually it’s a location or scent issue, not the bed itself. Place the bed where your cat already chooses to sleep. Add a worn garment with your scent inside it. Avoid washing the bed with strong detergents before first use — cats prefer familiar, neutral scents. Give it at least a week before concluding the bed isn’t right.

Do cats prefer open or enclosed beds?

It depends on personality. Confident, social cats often prefer open beds where they can see the room. Shy, anxious or newly adopted cats tend to prefer enclosed or deep-sided beds that provide a sense of hiding. Many cats enjoy having access to both — one open, one enclosed — in different parts of the house.

What’s the best cat bed for kittens?

A small, soft bed with raised edges gives kittens the warmth and security they need. The Luna Oval Small or Rumi Round Medium both work well. Avoid oversized beds — kittens feel lost in too much space. Add a soft blanket and a small plush toy for comfort, like one from the Pethood Aussie Collection.