Image Credits: Pixabay
Cats tend to sleep throughout the day. You might
want to purchase a cat bed for your cat, instead of having it sleep on your
bed/couch/furniture. Cats shed fur, might get ticks and fleas or
urinate/defecate if young in age. You don’t want your cat to infect your bed
with ticks. So, why not get them a bed of their own? Here are some qualities to
look for, when purchasing a bed for your cat –
- Buy
a bed made of wool/cotton or other such natural fabrics
– These are comfortable and less likely to give your cat an allergic reaction.
- Make
sure it is washable – At the least, your cat bed should
have a washable cover. You will need to wash this cover off all the accumulated
germs and bacteria periodically. The best bed for a cat is entirely washable
one.
- Measure
your cat before buying its bed – Your cat's bed needs
to be a couple of inches more than the total size of your cat. That way, your
cat will have enough space to stretch out, without feeling cramped in its own
bed.
- Choose
the shape of the bed – A cup-style bed with softly rounded
walls make your cat feel safe and secure. They also make for great beds for
your feline companion, if they prefer sleeping curled up into a ball. You could
also pick a cave-style bed if your cat likes enclosures and keeping itself
hidden.
- Decide
on the bed’s size – While cats have enough mobility to
jump into beds with high walls, kittens and old cats don’t. So, even if your
kitten could use a bed with high walls in the future, don’t buy it such a bed
at this time in its life.
- Consider
getting a heated bed – Often, you will come across
electrically/naturally heated cat beds. Cats love warmth; it's no secret. So,
maybe buy your cat a warm bed to snuggle up in.
- Agree
on a price – Yes, your cat deserves all the comfort
in the world. However, your cat won’t be able to tell an expensive bed from one
more reasonably priced. Stick to a budget when shopping for your cat’s bed.
Post-purchase
Your cat will still want to sleep with you on your bed or other furniture, even after you've gotten its very own bed. You have to wean your cat off this habit. Place your cat's bed in an area that it frequents. Also, ensure this area gets some sun. Placing your cat's bed on the floor is a better idea than fixing it on a perch. A high perched bed could lead to accidents if not fixed well. Let your cat get used to its bed, and soon you will find it showering its love and gratitude on you for your thoughtful act.