Choosing the Right Bed for Your Pet’s Needs

Your pet sleeps a lot. Dogs average 12–14 hours of sleep a day, and cats? They can clock in 16–20 like it’s a sport. With that much lounging, their bed isn’t just a comfy accessory—it’s one of the most important pieces of furniture in their lives. So why do so many of us settle for the cheapest cushion in the pet aisle?

Just like people, pets have different sleeping styles, health needs, and preferences. A bouncy Labrador isn’t going to snooze the same way as a dainty senior cat. Choosing the right bed can support better rest, ease aches and pains, and give your pet a safe, snuggly spot that’s theirs—not your pillow, again.

Here’s how to pick the perfect snooze spot for your furry friend, whether they sprawl, curl, burrow, or flop.

🛏️ Consider Their Sleep Style

Start by watching how your pet sleeps. Their go-to nap pose says a lot about the kind of bed they’ll love.

Cuddlers and curlers love bolster beds or doughnut-shaped beds with raised edges to nestle into.
Stretchers and sprawlers need flat mattresses or pads that let them go full noodle without falling off.
Burrowers (especially small dogs and cats) enjoy cave-style beds or those with blanket covers.
Leaners and head-lifters might prefer beds with pillow sides or built-in cushions for support.

Matching the bed to their natural sleep habits makes it more likely they’ll use it—and stay out of yours.

🐾 Factor in Age, Size, and Breed

Size it right

A bed that's too small feels cramped; too big can lack the snug, secure feeling pets crave.

Measure your pet from nose to tail while they’re lying down and add 6–12 inches
Check weight capacity if you're choosing a structured or orthopedic bed

For seniors and arthritic pets

Look for orthopedic memory foam beds. These reduce joint pressure and provide better support for aging bodies. Look for:

High-density foam (not egg crate)
Low edges or no edges for easy access
Cooling gel layers for inflammation relief

For puppies and kittens

Choose a bed that's easy to clean, durable, and perhaps not too plush—some young pets chew or shred bedding during teething or play.

Consider crate mats or waterproof beds
Look for washable covers with strong zippers or Velcro

🧼 Washability Is Non-Negotiable

Pets get dirty. Beds get stinkier. And allergens, hair, drool, and the occasional accident? They all land on the bed.

Look for machine-washable covers (bonus if the whole thing is washable)
Avoid beds that hold onto odor or require delicate care
Opt for waterproof liners if your pet is prone to accidents, drooling, or shedding

Pro tip: Buy a second cover if available so you can rotate them out on laundry day.

🌡️ Climate Considerations

Cold climates? Look for beds with plush, insulating fabrics like fleece or sherpa. Heated beds are great for older pets or those with arthritis.
Hot climates or long-haired breeds? Choose cooling gel beds, elevated cots, or breathable mesh options to promote airflow and reduce heat buildup.

Some brands even offer temperature-regulating beds with moisture-wicking fabric or reversible seasonal designs.

🛋️ Location, Location, Location

Where you place the bed affects how much your pet uses it.

Quiet corners are ideal for anxious pets
Place the bed near you if your pet prefers being close—many dogs and cats like to sleep in the same room as their humans
Avoid drafty doorways or direct sunlight (unless your cat is a known sun chaser)

If you have a multi-pet household, each pet should have their own bed—even if they usually pile together.

✨ Extra Features Worth Considering

Non-slip bottoms for hardwood or tile floors
Raised edges or pillows for pets who love to rest their heads
Portable or folding beds for travel or crate use
Stylish designs if you want the bed to blend with your home decor
Eco-friendly materials for the sustainably-minded pet parent

🚫 What to Avoid

Beds with low-quality stuffing that flattens fast
Overly fluffy or slippery surfaces that offer no support
Complicated cleaning instructions—if it’s hard to wash, you’ll put it off
Beds that are too tall or hard to access for small or elderly pets

🐕 The Right Bed Is More Than a Luxury

Your pet’s bed isn’t just a place to nap—it’s a cornerstone of their daily routine. A comfortable, well-chosen bed can ease anxiety, improve sleep, and support long-term health. Whether they’re a pint-sized lapdog, a giant couch-hog, or a cat who insists on kneading every surface, the right bed helps them rest better—and that helps everyone in the house.

Because nothing beats the contented sigh of a pet settling in for a nap… especially when it’s on a bed made just for them.