How to Choose the Right Bed for Your Pet’s Sleeping Style

Choosing a pet bed is more than picking a color or a shape that matches your living room. The right bed supports your pet’s preferred sleeping positions, age, mobility and the environments where they sleep. A thoughtful choice improves sleep quality, reduces joint strain, and helps your pet feel secure.

Before you shop, consider the bed as part of your home setup—it should fit the room, be easy to clean, and match your pet’s habits. If you’re also updating pet furniture or looking for beds that work with your home layout, check options in Pet Furniture & Home Essentials to see products designed for home integration.

Understand your pet’s sleeping style

Start by observing how your pet naturally sleeps. Common styles include:

• Curlers — pets that circle and tuck in (often cats and small dogs).
• Sprawlers — pets that stretch out fully, showing a need for flat, supportive space.
• Burrowers — animals that like to hide or nest under covers or inside caves.
• Side or belly sleepers — sometimes needing extra lumbar support or cooler surfaces.

If your cat likes to hide or nest, a cave-style bed works well. For example, Bedsure Cat Beds for Indoor Cats is a model built for burrowers and small cats who prefer enclosed, den-like spaces.

Match bed types to sleeping positions

Different styles serve different needs:

• Donut/bolster beds: Great for curlers and anxious pets—bolsters provide head and neck support and create a sense of enclosure.
• Flat plush beds and mats: Ideal for sprawlers and pets that like to stretch out.
• Memory foam/orthopedic beds: Best for dogs that need joint support, older pets, and large breeds.
• Elevated beds: Keep pets cool and protect from damp floors—good for outdoor use or pets that overheat easily.

For joint support or a pet recovering from injury, explore the range in Orthopedic Bedding & Comfort to find designs that prioritize pressure relief and durable cushioning.

Measure for size, thickness and firmness

Measure your pet from nose to base of tail and add a few inches so they can stretch. For curled sleepers, measure from nose to tail when curled. Firmness matters: younger, active dogs often prefer medium firmness while older or arthritic pets benefit from dense memory foam that doesn’t bottom out.

If you have a large dog who sprawls, choose a bed with ample surface area and a supportive base—products like Laifug Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed show the build and coverage to look for in larger sizes.

Age, mobility and accessibility considerations

Age changes what a bed should provide. Puppies and young adults need comfortable, washable beds that hold up to play. Seniors need low-entry designs, thicker orthopedic foam, and non-slip bottoms to avoid falls.

For households with mobility challenges—arthritic hips, weak hind legs, or post-surgery pets—look for products in the Senior & Special Care category that are tailored to support recovery and comfort. Combine beds with practical access solutions: a short ramp or steps helps pets get on the bed or couch without jumping. Consider a sturdy option like the 4-Step Dog Stairs and Ramp when your pet needs help reaching higher sleeping surfaces.

Temperature, materials and extras

Materials affect temperature, smell control and ease of cleaning. Breathable covers and raised mesh designs keep pets cool; plush and faux-fur interiors retain heat for pets that get cold. Waterproof liners protect foam from accidents and are essential for puppies, incontinent pets or outdoor beds.

If your pet gets chilly, heated mats and beds with temperature control are an efficient solution. A product like the Toozey Large Heated Pet Mat offers adjustable settings and waterproofing for safe, targeted warmth.

Placement, multi-pet households and outdoor use

Placement influences how often the bed is used. Place beds where your pet already naps: near windows for sun-seekers, in quiet corners for anxious pets, or close to family activity for social animals. In multi-pet homes, offer one bed per pet plus an extra neutral bed to reduce competition.

For outdoor or mixed indoor/outdoor use, raised beds keep pets off cold or wet ground and allow airflow beneath the sleeping surface. The Veehoo Elevated Dog Bed with Plush Heated Mat combines elevation with optional heating for flexible indoor/outdoor comfort.

Cleaning, durability and chewing behavior

Look for removable, machine-washable covers and beds with water-resistant liners. Durable fabrics like microsuede or heavy-duty canvas resist tears and claws. If your pet is a chewer, avoid beds with loose stuffing—opt instead for chew-resistant fabrics or reinforced seams. Regular washing of covers and vacuuming of beds also reduces dander and odors.

Checklist: Quick buying guide

• Observe your pet’s natural sleeping position for at least a week.
• Measure length and add 6–12 inches for full extension.
• Choose firmness: dense memory foam for seniors; medium for most adults; soft for small puppies and calm curlers.
• Pick materials: waterproof liner + removable cover for messy or older pets.
• Consider mobility aids (ramps, stairs) if your pet struggles to access a preferred sleeping spot.
• Place multiple beds in multi-pet homes to avoid territorial conflicts.
• Check cleaning instructions before purchase—machine-washable covers = easier maintenance.

FAQ

• How often should I replace my pet’s bed?

  Replace when foam no longer springs back, covers are irreparably worn, or odors and stains persist after cleaning—typically every 1–3 years depending on use and quality.

• Is memory foam safe for pets?

  Yes—high-quality memory foam provides pressure relief. Ensure the cover is washable and the foam has a waterproof liner if your pet is incontinent or prone to accidents.

• Do cats prefer enclosed beds?

  Many cats like enclosed, den-like beds for security. Observe your cat: if they hide under blankets or curl tightly, a cave-style bed is a good match.

• Can I put a heated mat on an elevated bed?

  Yes, if the heated mat is designed for use on raised surfaces and the bed materials are heat-safe. Ensure cords are secured and temperature controls are reliable.

• What bed is best for an anxious dog?

  Bolster or donut beds with raised edges offer a nesting feeling that can reduce anxiety. Add a blanket with your scent or a calming pheromone spray if recommended by your trainer.

Conclusion

Choose a bed by matching your pet’s sleeping style, size and health needs. Measure carefully, prioritize washable and durable materials, and add mobility or temperature solutions when necessary. A well-chosen bed improves sleep, comfort and overall wellbeing—combine the right style with thoughtful placement and you’ll see the difference in your pet’s rest.