Best Cat Beds and Window Perches for Indoor Cats

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Cats sleep a lot, and where they do it matters to them. An indoor cat wants two kinds of spot: somewhere soft and quiet to curl up, and somewhere high to watch the world from. This page explains what cats look for in a resting place, then covers three picks: a window perch, a heated bed and a soft donut bed.

The short answer: give your cat at least one quiet, comfortable bed away from household traffic and at least one raised spot with a view, ideally by a window. A suction-cup window bed such as the K&H EZ Mount adds a perch without drilling, a low-wattage heated bed such as the K&H Thermo-Kitty suits cats that seek out warmth, and a rimmed donut bed such as the Best Friends by Sheri suits cats that sleep curled up.

How we wrote this: what cats need comes from Ohio State University’s Indoor Pet Initiative and a veterinary review on enrichment for indoor cats, linked where used. Product facts come from the makers and the reviews cited for each pick. We have not tested these beds ourselves, and we do not show prices or ratings: check them on Amazon. If your cat suddenly sleeps much more, hides, or struggles to jump up to favorite spots, see a vet.

What cats look for in a resting place

• Safety and quiet. Ohio State says cats are at their most vulnerable while sleeping, so they prefer quiet, comfortable spots where they can get away from the rest of the family, from the top of the kitchen cupboards to under the bed. A veterinary review by Herron and Buffington of Ohio State (Environmental Enrichment for Indoor Cats) says indoor cats need unrestricted access to resting areas where stressors such as loud noises, dogs, other cats and small children are kept to a minimum.
• Comfort. The same review says cats seem to prefer comfortable resting options such as pillows or fleece beds. Ohio State adds that snug blankets and towels are just as appealing to cats as a bought bed and are easy to wash.
• Height and a view. Ohio State calls a perch a must have: cats like to climb, and a raised spot gives them a safe, private place to watch from above, where nothing can sneak up on them (Ohio State on perches). The review says cats need perching options throughout the home, and lists window perches for watching wildlife as a useful form of enrichment.
• Enough spots for every cat. In a home with several cats, the review says most cats use shared resting and perching places at different times of day, so several safe, comfortable spaces help avoid competition.

Ohio State also suggests a refuge: an out-of-the-way room, such as a bedroom or back room, with a bed, food, water, litter box, scratching post, perch and toys, where nobody bothers your cat (Ohio State on a refuge). A bed works best in a place like that.

Our picks

K&H EZ Mount Window Bed for Cats

Best window perch. The EZ Mount is an open-top half pod that sticks to a window or glass door with suction cups, so you need no sill and no tools. K&H rates the cups to hold up to 50 lbs, says the glass pane must be at least 27 inches wide and 11 inches high, and recommends cleaning the window and cups monthly to keep a good seal. The pad is washable. Popular Science named it the best bed among cat window perches, liking the curved back that makes cats feel tucked in, and noted that the suction cups should be warmed before mounting so they grip.

Best for: renters, narrow sills and cats that love watching birds. Skip if: you have no large, smooth pane, or the window opens. Press-test the hold before your cat uses it and recheck the cups often.

K&H Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed

Best heated bed. The Thermo-Kitty is a round bed with soft 6 inch foam walls and a 4 watt thermostatic heater in the base. K&H says it warms about 10 to 15 degrees F above room temperature when empty and closer to body temperature when your cat is in it, that the heater zips out and the cover is machine washable, and that it comes in 16 and 20 inch sizes. Petful rated it the best overall heated cat bed for its gentle heat and cushioned walls, but warned that the walls can be a hurdle for stiff cats, the bed needs to sit near an outlet, and the small size suits curled sleepers more than stretchers.

Best for: cats that seek out warm spots. Skip if: your cat chews cords. K&H says to check with your vet before using a heated bed for very young, recovering or immobile pets, and to avoid permanent extension cords. Our view, not the maker’s: put an unheated bed nearby too, so your cat can move away from the warmth.

Best Friends by Sheri Original Calming Donut Bed, Small

Best soft bed for curling up. The Sheri donut is a round shag faux fur bed with a raised rim for head and neck support. Best Friends by Sheri says the 23 inch Small is meant for dogs and cats up to 25 lbs, has a water and dirt resistant bottom, and is machine washable and dryer safe on low. PetsRadar liked the head support and easy washing, but pointed out the softer center and that the fur can mat after washes. The “calming” in the name describes the cozy design, not a treatment.

Best for: cats that sleep curled up and like to lean against something. Skip if: you want a bed with firm support.

Where to put a cat bed

• Somewhere quiet, where your cat can get away from the rest of the household, as Ohio State advises. Our view: that usually means away from doors, the washing machine and busy hallways.
• Somewhere your cat already sleeps. Ohio State says to watch your cat: they will show you where they feel comfortable by curling up there. If you want them elsewhere, it suggests treats, kind words and a favorite toy on the new spot, and letting your cat approach it on their own.
• High up, for perches, with a clear view outside. Ohio State suggests a bird feeder or flowers outside the window to make the view more interesting, and more than one perch so your cat can look out at different angles.
• One per cat, plus one, in multi-cat homes. Our view, based on the review’s point about competition for resting places.

A cat tree combines a bed and a perch: see our best toys for indoor cats and how to stop a cat scratching furniture. For dogs, see the dog beds and crates buying guide.

FAQ

Do cats need a cat bed?

Not strictly. Ohio State says snug blankets and towels are just as appealing to cats as a bought bed. What matters more is a quiet, safe spot your cat can rest in undisturbed. A bought bed helps when you want to steer your cat to a particular place, or want extras like heat or a window view.

Are window perches safe?

A suction-cup perch is only as safe as its seal. K&H says to keep the glass and cups clean and to clean them monthly. Our view: test the hold with your hand before your cat uses it, avoid windows that open or have damaged glass, and keep it away from blind cords.

Are heated cat beds safe?

Follow the maker’s instructions. For the Thermo-Kitty, K&H uses a low 4 watt thermostatic heater, says to check with your vet before using it for very young, recovering or immobile pets, and advises against permanent extension cords. Keep cords away from cats that chew.

Why does my cat ignore the new bed?

Cats choose their own spots. Ohio State suggests placing treats or a favorite toy on the new spot and letting your cat find it, rather than forcing them. Putting it where your cat already likes to sleep, or high up, often helps.

How many beds does a multi-cat home need?

Enough that no cat has to compete. The review on indoor cats notes that most cats share resting and perching places at different times, and recommends several safe, comfortable spaces.