Cat Bed Choices

If you're one of those people who loves your cat, but would prefer it didn't hog the bed at night, it's own bed may will be the answer. Cats love comfort and warmth. A cozy cat bed, that can keep them warm in the winter and provide a soft, comfortable nest, is probably the best way to entice them off your bed, your couch and your overstuffed chairs.

There are so many different types and styles of cat beds that finding one that blends with your décor should not be too hard. You can look for colorful cat beds in fun pet prints that add a touch of whimsy to the room or you can shop for cat beds with plenty of designer elegance, instead. Of course, your cat will be more concerned with how the bed feels than what it looks like.

Cat beds often have fleece pillows to keep them feeling cozy. These beds may be oval shaped with high sides or they may actually be completely enclosed to form a cozy nest bed. Cats enjoy being able to snuggle up in a secure spot, which is why so many of them manage to squeeze inside sofas or other odd spots to nap.

Some nest beds are even heated to add more warmth. If you have a cat that spends time on the porch or in other chilly areas, you may want to consider providing him with one of these beds.

Cat mats protect your furniture and give your cat a special place to be. They can be rolled up and put away when the furniture needs to be presentable for company and they can save you extra vacuuming. A little cat nip sprinkled on the mat may help convince your cat that it's the perfect place for a nap.

A cat perch, which is a padded shelf, is another popular piece of napping equipment. Attach the cat perch to your windowsill so your cat can look out the window and dream of stalking the wild birds he sees as he naps.

When you buy a cat bed, don't be surprised if your cat ignores it completely for a while. If he refuses to explore the bed, you may want to add a catnip toy to the bed to attract his attention. Placing the bed in a cat friendly location will also make it more appealing to your cat. Cats do not care to nap in low places. Instead, position the cat bed on an end table or platform that is a few inches off the floor. Also, be sure the bed is not in an area that receives heavy traffic. If your cat feels as though he can never let down his guard and relax, he won't want to nap in his bed.

Cat condos are, as their name implies, designed with cats in mind. They're vertical and encourage climbing, perching, sleeping, preening and just hanging out watching the birds outside the window. They usually have dens as well as perches, and carpeted poles for scratching. They're a perfect solution if your household has more than one cat.