How to choose a cat bed? 10 things to consider
A cat bed is much more than just a place to sleep.
It is a space where a cat rests, unwinds, observes its surroundings, and feels safe.
Over 14 years of breeding pedigreed cats, I have found that a well-chosen bed can completely change a cat's daily functioning.
That is why, when designing, I am never guided solely by appearance.
I ask myself one question: Will the cat want to use it?
1. Not every cat likes the same thing
This is the most common mistake. We look for one perfect bed for all cats. Such a bed simply does not exist.
Some cats love enclosed cat caves. Others choose open beds. There are also those that sleep in a different place every day.
That is why it is always worth observing your own cat and its daily habits.
2. A cat cave or an open bed?
Cat caves are most often chosen by heat-loving, more sensitive cats, and those that need a moment of peace and isolation from their surroundings. They also work perfectly for mother cats with young kittens.
Open beds are more often chosen by confident cats that like to observe their environment even while resting.
There is no better or worse solution. There are simply different needs.
3. Size matters immensely
The bed should be neither too small nor too big. A cat should be able to freely stretch out, turn around, and change its position. This is especially important for large breeds, such as the Maine Coon or Ragdoll.
That is why at PRASKA, we design beds in various sizes – from models for cats weighing around 2.5 kg up to cat caves designed for cats weighing up to 10 kg and mother cats with a litter.
4. Material matters more than you think
A cat spends up to a dozen or so hours a day in its bed. Therefore, the material should be durable, pleasant to the touch, and easy to keep clean.
We test every fabric for many weeks before it goes on sale. We observe how it behaves during daily use, washing, and contact with cats. Only then do we make the decision to introduce it to our collection.
5. Hygiene is as important as comfort
This is one of my priorities. That is why most PRASKA beds feature a removable cushion.
In everyday use, it is enough to wash the cushion itself, without having to wash the entire bed. This solution is more convenient, faster, and more hygienic for both the cat and its owner.
6. Don't buy a bed solely with your eyes
Just because a bed looks beautiful in an interior does not mean the cat will love it.
A cat does not judge color. It is not interested in current trends. What matters is comfort, the right size, placement, and a sense of security.
7. Why doesn't the cat sleep in the new bed right away?
This is completely normal. A new product has a new scent and appears suddenly in the feline world.
Some cats will accept it after a few minutes. Others after a few days. There are also those that need a few weeks.
It is never worth forcing a cat. It is best to let them make the decision themselves.
8. Every bed is tested by cats
This is a stage that most customers do not see. We send new models to pedigreed cat catteries, where they are intensively tested for many weeks.
Breeders provide us with their feedback. We check if the cats eagerly use the bed, if they have enough space, and if the design meets the expectations of even the largest breeds.
Only after all corrections have been made does the bed go on sale.
9. A well-chosen bed serves for years
From the beginning, I wanted our products not to be a single-season purchase.
Therefore, we choose durable fabrics, solid fillings, and solutions that retain their shape even after many washes. They do not collapse. They do not deform. They still look aesthetically pleasing.
This is exactly why many customers return to us for more products.
10. The most important opinion is always given by the cat
Over 14 years, I have learned one thing. A cat never fakes it.
If a bed is comfortable, they will return to it every day. If something doesn't suit them, they will simply choose another place.
That is why I do not design beds for people. I design them for cats. And it is their opinion that is most important to me.
In conclusion…
Every cat is different. That is why I do not believe in one perfect bed for all.
However, I do believe that if we get to know our cat's needs well, the choice becomes much simpler.
That is why for over 14 years I have been designing products inspired by the daily observation of cats, not by fleeting fashion trends.
Because the best bed is not the one that looks the prettiest. It is the one the cat truly wants to use.
Every PRASKA product is created with one simple thought – first the cat's needs, then the design. That is why our beds are chosen by cats and their caregivers in many countries around the world.
Izabela Praska
Pedigree cat breeder and founder of the PRASKA brand
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best cat bed for my cat?
The best bed is one that suits the character and needs of a specific cat. Some cats choose enclosed cat caves, while others prefer open beds with the ability to observe their surroundings.
How do I choose the right bed size?
A cat should be able to freely stretch out, turn around, and change position while resting. In the case of large breeds, such as the Maine Coon or Ragdoll, it is worth choosing larger models.
Why doesn’t a cat sleep in a new bed right away?
This is a natural reaction. A new bed has an unfamiliar scent and needs time to become part of the cat's environment. Some cats accept them immediately, others only after a few days or weeks.
Does a removable cushion matter?
Yes. It makes it easier to keep the bed clean and allows you to wash the cushion itself without having to wash the entire product.
If you are looking for a cat bed designed with its natural needs in mind, discover the collection of PRASKA beds and cat caves.