The first line of an Eleanor Farjeon poem, concerning cats sleeping habits, begins:

‘Cats sleep anywhere, any table, any chair. Top of piano, window-ledge, in the middle, on the edge‘.

This may be true but for you as owners it may not be what you prefer. How annoying is it after getting up out of your preferred seat only to find yourself covered in cat hair?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaUj9q1jecQ

As cats do have diverse sleeping habits, there are available to buy a vast number of differing styles of cat beds for them. For example, there are cat hammocks, heated beds, blankets and a variety of baskets for the pampered pet. As there is such an array of choice start by considering your cats needs.

Think about places your cat likes to sleep, how big your pet is or if you need to keep your cat in a certain area (e.g. away from the dog), before purchasing a bed. The bed, apart from being snug, should make your cat feel secure.

Consider what it is that will make your cat feel this way when looking at different styles. Don’t forget the seasonal changes. Even though your cat will wish to snuggle up somewhere warm in the winter months, they will wish for a cooler alternative in Summer. As being snug is so important for your pet, a bed that will absorb and keep your cats own body heat is perfect.

Maybe a heated bed is for you if you live in a larger or draughty home. Older cats may also prefer these types of bed as they find it harder to keep warm.You can find various ways to heat the bed i.e. pads heated in the microwave, then inserted into the bed, or they might have their own internal heater.

An advantage of buying blankets/mats is that you can use them in a variety of ways and places. There are a range available from cosy fabric to the more upmarket electrostatically charged (to remove hair or dust from your pet). There is also a thermal mat – this reflects your cats body heat.

Scratching posts that have places to sleep on top of them might be more suitable if your cats favours high up places. These posts can be like mini activity centres to entertain your cat too – handy in small spaces.

Most owners seem to prefer baskets which can be found in a multitude of styles and colours to fit in with your own interior design! For the cat that likes to hide some of the basket designs have fleecy fabric covering low or dish shaped walls. If your cat prefers more security or warmth there are some with fully enclosed roofs. A more traditional design is the wicker basket, available in different sizes. Any of these your cats should find suitably snug.

Another place your cat might enjoy curling up is in a hammock. They are either free standing or will hang from a radiator. The hammock takes the shape of your pet, adding to their sense of safety and comfort. Such beds are light but sturdy so can easily be moved around the home. The most perfect hammock would be one inside a box. The box (usually a sturdy cardboard one) has a hammock hung inside. This means your cats is also up off the floor. What more could a cat want?

A very useful feature of a cat bed is that it is easy to wash or, if you can not wash the whole ensemble, there will be blankets of removable padding. Best if this is quick to dry (avoids mould). Also, make sure that the creation is durable and more importantly safe. Ensure there are no parts your cat could swallow or sharp edges that could hurt them. Whatever design you choose remember your aim is that will become your cats favourite spot.

Alan