The best cat bed for older cats must be able to provide comfort, support, a low entry point for access and be easy to launder.
At first glance the cat bed (below) appears to be too small for the cat, however it has one huge bonus and that is the supported and structured, but still soft sides.
This cat is definitely no longer agile, however with this bed he simply has to step in, which is easy because it has a low entry point.
He then sits down and with one movement he plops down. His body is totally supported by the firm but soft sides.
Senior Cat In His New Bed
In the photo it looks as though the cat bed collapses a little, and yes it does, however there is enough support to maintain the benefits of the soft and cushioned sides. This is our cat and this bed is perfect for him as a senior cat.
This great little bed goes into the washing machine (the whole bed) and dries quickly. This is a big bonus. it was cheap, so if I have to buy another one soon, that is okay. In the meantime I can easily keep it clean and fresh.
It did go into the dryer to warm it up a little for kitty. We have just one of these beds however I am thinking about getting another just for the convenience of having one in another room.
Check the measurements of the bed. Note the low front opening (essential for senior cat litterboxes also)
Key Takeaways – Best Cat Bed For Older Cats
A cat bed for older cats must be washable.
Do check because some beds are not totally washable and may have a washable insert. As your cat ages and he isn’t able to groom himself as well as he once did, it will be essential to have a bed that is easy to wash, with no fuss.
A Cat Bed For Older Cats Must Have Supported sides
This is essential for joint support. In this case it does pay to read reviews because if the sides collapse too easily the benefit will be lost. Supported but firm is the way to go. The cat also needs to be able to enter and exit the bed easily without having to navigate high sides.
Bonus If The Bed for Older Cats Fits With Your Décor
Great if the bed fits with the decor but to be honest at this stage of the cat’s life, I am more concerned about his comfort than necessarily matching the decor. However there are some good neutral choices which suit any decor.
Economical Choice Where Possible
We have just one of these beds (above) however I am thinking about getting another just for the convenience of having one in another room
Best Cat Beds For Older Cats
| 1. Frisco Sherpa Rectangular Bolster Cat Bed Cosy Stuffed Bolster |
| 2.FurHaven Quilted Orthopedic Sofa Cat Bed Medical Grade Foam |
| 3.Frisco Round Bolster Cat Bed Perfect Dimensions And A Budget Buster Price! |
| 4.Bedsure Orthopedic Pet Bed |
| 5.K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Cuddle Up – Heated |
| 6.FurHaven NAP Deluxe Orthopedic Dog & Cat Bed No Sides, Cat Can Stretch |
1. Frisco Sherpa Rectangular Bolster Cat Bed
This bolster cat bed has three sizes. The low entry makes it suitable for a senior cat. The exact measurements are listed below in Specifications.
The filling is a super soft polyester fiber filling making the bed soft and cozy for any cat but in particular a senior cat.
The fact that is it machine washable is essential for older cats. Grooming may not be quite up to scratch and it is easy to throw into the machine for a quick wash.
Depending on the size of your cat, he may also use the soft sides as somewhere to rest his head for extra support. Our cat certainly used the soft bolster sides of his bed in this way.
Pros
Easy to get enter and exit for a senior cat.
Good support for the cat whilst maintaining comfort and softness.
Can be machine washed, an essential for elderly cats.
Cons
The cover is not removable. When the bed needs washing, wash the whole bed.
There i not a non skid bottom on this bed.
Specifications Of The Frisco Sherpa Rectangular Bolster Cat Bed
This bed has two sizes, medium and large. The medium size is the best size for cats however you may prefer the larger size if you have more than one cat.
The measurements of the medium size are 20L x 18W x 6H inches. The measurements of the large size are 34 x 24 x 8 inches. This bed can be machine washed and tumble dried on a low heat. The bed can be reshaped as needed after washing.
2. FurHaven Orthopedic Sofa Cat Bed
This cat bed has a wide front opening. The wide front opening makes access easier for an elderly cat with arthritic joints.
The base of the cat bed is made from orthopedic medical grade foam. You may know this as eggshell foam or egg crate construction.
It is super comfortable (even the human version). Body weight is distributed evenly, so there is less pressure on joints. The sleeping surface has a quilted finish.
The bolsters at the side and at the back of the bed give support for the body. It’s also a place for the cat to rest his head.
Anyone who has a senior cat with arthritis will know just how important all of these points are when considering the maximum comfort for the cat.
Cats often suffer in silence and it can be hard for us to determine if the cat is in pain. We can do what we can to help them get comfortable.
Washing Instructions For The Orthopedic Sofa Cat Bed
To get the longest life from the bed, wash using cold water. Either machine wash separately or hand wash. The cover has a zip for easy removal. Remove the foam before washing. Zip the cover closed before washing. If machine washing put into a laundry mesh wash bag. The foam can be spot cleaned if necessary. When washing the cover, leave the foam outside to air.
Pros
Top quality orthopaedic foam is used in this bed.
The bolsters around the three sides of the are a good head resting place and for overall body support.
Cons
The covering fabric is quite thin.
Although the bed has a cover, if your cat has an accident it may soak though to the foam underneath. Consider using a small blanket on top of or under the cover if needed.
Specifications Of The FurHaven Orthopedic Sofa Cat Bed
There are four sizes available. The larger sizes would be more suited to a large dog. The size suitable for a cat is the medium size. The measurements are shown in the image above.
Furhaven uses CertiPUR-US certified foam. This domestic foam is made without PBDEs, toxic flame retardants, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals. Their foam is manufactured without formaldehyde, ozone depleters, and phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Chewy.com
3.Frisco Round Bolster Cat Bed
This is a small cat bed perfect for seniors – the sides are only 2.5 inches high.
There are other beds that look similar, however, this is hands down the best one for senior cats because of firstly the low sides and secondly the bolster itself is not too wide for the cat to step over into the bed. Small details maybe but make a big difference to a senior cat. Your senior cat will be snug and supported in this bed.
Here are the actual dimensions.
The raised sides are perfect for place to rest a weary head plus they give security and support. As someone said, it hugs the kitty.
Machine wash separately on a cold gentle cycle wash or hand wash. It can be tumble dried on low. Re shape if needed. In warmer weather I will always air dry and then just finish off with a quick tumble dry to ensure that the bed is fully dry.
Dogs and cats are both enamoured of this bed. Is the weather still cold at your place? Pop the bed into the dryer for a few minutes to make it toasty for kitty.
Pros
Fits all the criteria required for a senior cat bed, washable, comfortable with supported sides, neutral color and economical.
Cons
Check the measurements, this is a small bed.
Specifications Of The Frisco Round Bolster Cat Bed
The size of this bed is 17 inches x 14 inches by 2.5 inches. The cover material of the bed is faux fur.
The bolsters are filled with polyester and the sleep surface is foam.
The bottom of the bed is non skid to stop it from slipping on smooth surface flooring.
The bed can be machine washed in cold water. Air dry or tumble dry on a low heat and reshape if it is needed.
4. Bedsure Orthopedic Pet Bed
This bed has supported back and sides. There is enough space for the cat to step into the bed and do a couple of customary turns before lying down. The very low front entry makes it accessible for senior pets.
The bed is made from high density egg-grate foam (orthopedic). The bolsters are fully filled to give a nice firm support for the cats body and the head.
To wash this bed, unzip and remove the cover. Use a gentle cycle in cold water or hand wash. Replace once it is fully dry. This is a practical bed and it looks good too.
Pros
The ease with which senior cats can enter and exit this bed.
All cats love this bed, senior or not.
The foam mattress is encased in a waterproof liner. This is a big plus because previously it would have been necessary to wash the foam if there had been any accidents.
Cons
This con is potentially a problem rather than an annoyance. The cover when it is zipped off to wash, contains the bolsters so it is a little more work than just removing the cover.
Specifications Of Bedsure Orthopedic Pet Bed
This bed is available in four sizes, Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. The size reviewed is a small. Sizes XS or Ss, are best suited for cats. The measurements for the XS size are: 20″x15”x6″. The sleeping surface is 14 x 12 inches.
The foam used is orthopaedic foam with a base layer of support foam. remove the cover for washing by unzipping. Use a gentle machine wash with cold water or hand wash.
5. K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Cuddle Up
This is a heated cat bed and it is absolutely 100% perfect for senior cats. The warmth of a heated bed will help to relax muscles and soothe joints of senior and arthritic cats.
If you haven’t used a heated bed before, you will have some questions.
Commonly asked questions are: Is is safe? Yes How hot does it get? Not too hot! Shouldn’t it feel hotter? No Can I leave it on when I go to work? Yes but not when you go away for extended periods Can I remove the heating pad in warmer weather? Yes The detailed answers to these questions and more questions are in this article.
The practicalities are that it has a low edge all the way around which is 3 inches in height. This height should be manageable for most elderly cats. If it is still too high consider a heated mat. There are no sides to step over but the warmth is still there from the heated pad.
Pros
The bed is heated. The heated pad can be removed in warm weather.
Cons
It is a fairly small bed.
For indoor use only.
Specifications Of Thermo-Kitty Cuddle Up
This bed is circular and measures 16 inches across. The sleep surface is 16 inches. The height of the sides of the bed is 3 inches.
The bed can be washed. Firstly remove the pet warmer, remove the foam ring, wash the cover on gentle cycle with cold water or hand wash. Line dry or use the no heat setting on the dryer.
Do not use an extension cord with the heated bed. The cord that comes with the bed is 5.5 feet long.
The base is orthopaedic foam and the sleeping area is a soft micro fleece.
It uses only 4 watts of power. The surface of the bed will be about 15°F above ambient air temperature until the cat lies on the bed. Then it will warm to about 102°F, which is the natural body temperature of cats.
Don’t use with very young kittens, cats that have had surgery or any cat that can not voluntarily move himself from the bed.
6.FurHaven NAP Deluxe Orthopedic Dog & Cat Bed
The orthopedic foam is egg crate construction which means that the cat’s weight will be evenly distributed to alleviate pressure on joints. This bed is easy for an elderly cat to step onto and comfortable for old bones.
Senior cats do like the supported sides of the other beds reviews however they do also like to stretch out and lie down fully. This little bed is perfect for that.
The foam can be hand washed or spot cleaned as necessary. Don’t wring out the foam rather press the foam to remove excess water and allow it to air dry. The cover is machine washable.
The base is not non slip so ideally place on carpet or a mat.
For a pet with incontinence issues place a puppy pad under the cover, between the foam and the cover.
Pros
This is just an easy step up and onto to the bed. The cat can stretch out on this bed as there are no sides.
Cons
The bed is not waterproof.
The base may slip on hardwood floors and require a mat underneath to prevent this.
If the floor is tiled, a non slip rubber bath mat with suction caps would solve the problem.
Specifications Of Orthopedic Dog & Cat Bed
There are five different sizes. This bed suits cats or dogs, which explains the very large sizes. However we know some kitties are of ample proportions so there should be the right size to suit everyone to stretch out to their heart’s content – just like Goldilocks.
Note: The height of the sides is higher in the Jumbo and Jumbo Plus sizes and may be too high for your elderly cat.
The base is water resistant, however this bed is not recommended for outdoor use.
What Is The Best Litter Box For An Older Kitty?
The ease with which kitty can get in and out of the box is the main consideration.
Which Cat Bed For Older cats is Best?
The best cat beds for senior cats, will depend on your cat and the amount of mobility your elderly cat has to navigate stepping over the side of a bed.
You can make the best decision with the information provided. Seeing your elderly cat enjoy their bed and use their bed is very satisfying. We just want them to be as comfortable as possible.
The eggshell crate foam is very comfortable and distributes body weight evenly thus minimizing stress on joints. A low entry point a winner for older cats with agility problems that affect their day to day movement.
If your senior cat is slightly more agile and can step over the sides, the Frisco Round Bolster Cat Bed is a winner. A whopping 97% of people reviewed recommended this bed which is pretty amazing.
Cats do hide their pain but it can be very difficult watching an elderly cat with stiff joints, trying to settle into a comfortable position.
At this time of their life they need every bit of assistance possible. That doesn’t necessarily mean fancy or expensive but actually noting what is now difficult for them and taking steps to make life a little easier.
They will appreciate it and you will feel better for being proactive in caring for your elderly cat.
What Is The Best Thing About Using Raised Cat Bowls?
Raised bowls are a good idea for all age cats however they become a necessity for senior cats.
Tips For Buying Cat Beds
- What if your cat does not like the new bed. There are no guarantees with cats. Here is a way to entice a hesitant kitty into his new bed.
Hide some treats in the bed. He might just decide it is a comfy place to be and who knows if treats will turn up there again. It’s possible! - Some of these beds may refer to the fact that they are self warming.
This can be confusing, but what it actually means is that some beds have a layer of thermal insulation which does reflect the cat’s own body heat back to them and thus helps to keep them warm.
There’s more about self warming cat beds here. Self warming cat beds are not artificially warmed.
I love this article! The way you really considered the needs of older cats is phenomenal.
Great Post!