Buying Guide6 min read

How to Choose the Perfect Bed for Your Pet

Pets spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping. The right bed supports their health, reduces anxiety, and lasts for years. Here is how to choose correctly.

1 March 2026

A quality pet bed is one of the best investments you can make for your animal's wellbeing. Pets that sleep well are calmer, healthier, and better behaved. Yet most owners give surprisingly little thought to where their pet sleeps — until problems arise. This guide walks through the key factors for both cats and dogs.

Sizing: Getting It Right

The most common mistake is buying a bed that is too small. A dog should be able to stretch out fully when lying on its side. A cat should be able to curl in a tight ball with some room to spare — but also stretch out if it chooses.

Measure your pet from nose to tail base while lying down — this is the minimum bed length
Add 15–20cm to that measurement for a comfortable fit
For growing puppies, buy for the adult size or expect to replace the bed within months
Cats who like to feel enclosed will use a smaller bed; cats who stretch prefer larger ones

Choosing the Right Type

Donut / Cuddler Beds (Cats and Small Dogs)

Round beds with raised edges are the bestselling style across Europe. The raised sides create a sense of security and provide a surface to rest the head or chin. Ideal for pets that sleep curled up. The enclosed design also helps anxious animals feel less exposed.

Flat Cushion Beds (Medium to Large Dogs)

Flat rectangular beds give large dogs room to sprawl. Look for thick, dense filling rather than thin padding — it should not compress flat under your dog's weight. Memory foam inserts are worth the extra cost for large breeds prone to joint issues (Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers).

Raised Cot Beds (Hot Climates or Outdoor Use)

Raised beds allow air to circulate underneath, keeping pets cooler in warm months. They are also off the ground, which is better for dogs with mobility issues (easier to get on and off). Outdoor-rated raised beds with weather-resistant fabric are excellent for dogs that spend time in covered gardens.

Place the bed in a quiet corner away from doors and foot traffic. Pets sleep more deeply when they feel safe from unexpected disturbances. For cats, an elevated position (on a shelf or raised platform) is often preferred.

Filling and Support Materials

Memory foam: best joint support, recommended for senior pets and large breeds
Shredded memory foam: more affordable than solid, still good support, conforms to body shape
Polyester fibrefill: budget option, loses shape over time, fine for young healthy pets
Self-heating materials: reflect body heat, no electricity needed, good for cold climates
Cooling gel: excellent for warm climates or breeds prone to overheating

Hygiene: The Most Overlooked Factor

Pet beds should be washed every 1–2 weeks. If washing is inconvenient or difficult, it simply will not happen — and the bed becomes a source of allergens, bacteria, and parasites.