Cats love to be above the action, whether on the prowl, relaxing, or sleeping. This is a part of how they exercise their natural instincts: scanning for prey and threats and keeping an overall survey of their surroundings. Even with all this acute attention to their surroundings, cats doze, sleep, and nap for as much as 15-20 hours of the day, so they need a safe space to drift off.
An elevated cat bed is a great way to provide a comfortable look-out spot for your feline, a place where they can feel safe and secure while resting and sleeping and where they can get much-needed privacy when they feel the need.
There are a ton of different elevated cat beds on the market, and choosing the right one can become overwhelming. We narrowed the options to 10 of the best elevated cat beds that we could find, so you can choose the best one for your unique needs. Let’s get started!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall |
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Hepper Elevated Modern Pet Bed |
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CHECK PRICE |
Best Value |
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K&H Pet Products Elevated Cat Bed |
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CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice |
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Frisco Modern Round Elevated Cat Bed |
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CHECK PRICE |
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Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Bedsure Original Elevated Cat Bed |
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CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Elevated Cat Beds
1. Hepper Elevated Modern Pet Bed — Best Overall
The Hepper Pod Cat Lounge is not only a cozy, safe place for your cat to sleep, but it also gives them a private place to retreat to and be alone, making it our top choice overall. This bed has a unique, modern aesthetic, with upholstered fabric on the inside and a sleek finish on the outside. The “pod” is lined with thick Sherpa fleece with microfiber trimming, which is removable for easy cleaning. The bed sits on four sturdy legs with non-slip mats attached and is a breeze to assemble with only four screws. The lid of the pod is easily removable for summer months.
Cats larger than 8-10 pounds may have a hard time getting inside this pod, so if you have a large cat, this may not be ideal, even with the lid off.
- Unique, modern look and aesthetic
- Lined with fleece and microfiber trimming
- Removable bedding for easy cleaning
- Sturdy legs with non-slip mats
- Easy assembly
- Not ideal for large cats
At ExcitedCats.com we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
2. K&H Pet Products Elevated Cat Bed — Best Value
The best elevated cat bed for the money is the Elevated Pet Bed from K&H Pet Products. The cot is made with heavy-duty, waterproof, machine-washable fabric for both indoor and outdoor use and has a cushioned plush center for extra comfort! The bed has a simple and quick assembly that snaps together with no tools required. The bed also has skid-proof rubber feet to keep in place when your cat jumps on and off.
Even though the manufacturer reports that it can hold up to 200 pounds, many customers report that the beds collapsed easily with large cats and dogs. The fabric rubbing against the tubing is also noisy, making some pets averse to using it. These minor concerns keep this bed from the top position on this list.
- Heavy-duty and waterproof
- Machine washable
- Plus center
- Easy assembly
- Collapses easily with larger cats
3. Frisco Modern Round Elevated Cat Bed — Premium Choice
This beautiful, sleek, and modern-looking elevated cat bed from Frisco will have your feline friend sleeping in style! The bed is lined with soft and cozy fur that your cat will love to snuggle into, and it has a removable soft pillow bed for easy washing. The bed has screw-in wooden legs for a great contemporary look and feel that will add a modern aesthetic to your home. It is also round in shape, perfect for your cat to cuddle into comfortably!
The only issue we could find with this bed was that some customers reported that their cats did not like to sleep in it, but cats can be fussy at the best of times! It is also fairly expensive, keeping it from the top two positions on this list.
- Stylish aesthetic
- Lined with soft and cozy fur
- Removable soft pillow bed
- Screw-in wooden legs
- Perfect cozy round shape
- Fairly expensive
4. Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed
The Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed is an ideal addition to a feline-friendly home. It is designed to keep your kitty cool in the heat of summer, with a breathable mesh fabric that allows airflow, stretched over lightweight iron tubing that is easy to assemble. The bed is 7 inches high, the fabric is machine washable, and the bed is a breeze to assemble with all required screws and tools included. It comes in two colors, grey and green, and in five different sizes to suit any cat breed.
Unfortunately, this bed does not have rubber feet attached, so it can slip easily and scratch your floors. Also, while it is easy to assemble, several customers reported that some of the parts did not line up, including the mesh fabric.
- Designed to keep your cat cool on hot days
- Breathable PVC mesh fabric
- Lightweight iron tubing construction
- Easy assembly
- Comes in two colors and five different sizes
- No rubberized feet
- Some parts are reported to not line up properly
5. Bedsure Original Elevated Cat Bed
The Bedsure Original Elevated Cat Bed comes in three different sizes to suit any cat breed, and you can choose between grey or brown fabric. It stands 8 inches off the ground to create airflow and keep your cat cool in hot weather. The Textilene mesh is breathable yet durable and stretches tightly over the durable metal frame, keeping dirt and grime from sticking to the fabric. If it does get dirty, it is easy to clean and machine washable! The frame of the bed has rubber, skid-resistant feet to prevent sliding and keep your floor scratch-free. The bed takes only a few minutes to set up or disassemble, making it ideal for transporting. It is perfect for outdoor and indoor use — simply add a soft pillow for more comfort for your cat!
There is little to fault with this bed, though some customers reported that the mesh is of inferior quality and stretched easily after repeated use, causing it to sag. This shouldn’t be too much of an issue with cats, though.
- Three different sizes and two different color options
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Machine washable
- Skid-resistant feet
- Easy assembly
- Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use
- Mesh stretches over time
6. K&H PET PRODUCTS Elevated Cat Bed
The Elevated Cat Bed from K&H Pet Products is made using water-, bacteria-, mold-, and mildew-resistant fabric, ensuring a healthy, clean, and safe bed for your feline. It also includes a fluffy plush bolster that surrounds three sides of the bed for added comfort. This bolster and the mesh fabric are removable for easy washing. The mesh center and elevated design create cooling airflow to keep your cat cool on hot days. The bed is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The frame can be assembled or disassembled in minutes with no tools required, can hold up to 150 pounds — ideal for any cat breed — and has non-skid rubber feet to protect your floors.
Unfortunately, the fabric is of poor quality, and many customers reported the stitching coming apart after a few months of use. This could be due to use with large dogs, however, so for cats, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
- Water-, bacteria-, mold-, and mildew-resistant mesh fabric
- Included fluffy plush bolster
- Cooling mesh and elevated design
- Can be assembled and disassembled in minutes
- No tools required
- Non-skid rubber feet
- Inferior stitching quality
7. PHYEX Heavy Duty Elevated Cat Bed
At 7 inches off the ground, this Heavy-Duty Elevated Cat Bed from PHYEX keeps your cat cool with plenty of airflow and a breathable and durable Textilene mesh fabric. The bed comes in three different sizes and three different colors and is a breeze to assemble and disassemble, making it great for transportation. It is ideal for use outdoors in summer, or simply line it with comfy blankets and pillows for indoor winter use. The fabric is durable and easy to clean and doesn’t collect dirt, hair, and grime easily.
The only issue that we could find with this bed is the assembly. While most customers had no trouble putting it together with the included tools, several reported that some of the pieces didn’t fit together properly or that the mesh was too tight to fit or otherwise sagged after assembly.
- 7 inches high for plenty of airflow
- Breathable and durable Textilene mesh fabric
- Three different colors and sizes available
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Easy to clean
- All assembly tools included
- Inconsistent manufacturing
8. Love’s cabin Elevated Cat Bed
Available in your choice of three different sizes and at 8 inches high, this elevated cat bed from Love’s cabin will keep your cat comfortable and cool in summer with plenty of airflow, and you can simply add a few blankets and cushions for a cozy sleeping pad in winter. It is made with breathable Teslin mesh that is durable and easy to clean and doesn’t attract dirt or hair. The metal frame has non-skid rubber feet to protect your floor and prevent sliding. The raised cat bed is easy to assemble with just four screws and all the required tools included. It can take up to 65 pounds, more than sufficient for all cat breeds.
Many customers report that the frame is wobbly and unstable, and the fabric stretched fairly quickly. This is with use by heavy dogs, though, so for most cats, it shouldn’t be much of an issue.
- Three different size options
- 8 inches in height
- Made with breathable Teslin mesh
- Durable and easy to clean
- No-skid rubber feet
- Easy assembly
- Wobbly and unstable frame
- Fabric stretches easily
9. PETMAKER Elevated Pet Bed
This elevated bed from PETMAKER comes in three different colors — blue, grey, and green — and is available in four different sizes. It is weather-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use, with a breathable ventilated mesh to keep your cat cool on summer days. The fabric is simple to remove and clean and attaches easily to the PVC-coated steel frame, which is complete with non-skid rubber feet. This bed is a breeze to assemble and disassemble and comes with a convenient carrying case for easy storage and transport.
Several customers reported that the fabric ripped within a month or two of purchase, and the manufacturer does not provide replacement covers. Some also reported that the pieces wouldn’t fit together properly, pointing toward quality control inconsistencies.
- Three different colors and four sizes
- Weather-resistant
- Breathable ventilated mesh
- Convenient carrying case
- Poor quality fabric rips easily
- No replacement covers
- Poor quality control
10. Furhaven Elevated Cat Bed
The Furhaven Elevated Cat Bed comes in five different sizes and seven different color options and has reinforced woven mesh fabric that is breathable and durable. The bed is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, will not attract dirt, grime, and hair, and is easy to clean. It has a solid and stable metal base, and the non-skid rubber feet will prevent sliding and protect your floors from scratches. We love the simple snap-in locking pin design that makes assembly and disassembly a breeze.
The mesh itself is of poor quality: It stretches easily, wears through after only a few months of use, and rips easily at the stitching. Several customers also reported that the frame, especially with the larger bed sizes, is flimsy and unstable and even bends with heavier weights.
- Five different size options
- Reinforced woven mesh fabric
- Easy to clean
- Non-skid rubber feet
- Snap-in locking pin design
- Mesh stretches and sags quickly
- Mesh rips easily
- Flimsy frame
- Poles bend easily
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Elevated Cat Bed
Cats can sleep up to 18 hours a day, so a comfortable, safe space for them to sleep is vital to their well-being. Good, uninterrupted sleep is as essential to your cat’s health as adequate mental and physical stimulation and even a good diet. During sleep, your cat’s body has time to repair itself and strengthen the immune system.
With this in mind, you’ll want to provide your feline with a quiet space and a comfortable, preferably elevated bed to get their restorative sleep. An elevated bed will keep your cat cool in hot weather and give them their much-needed privacy. We discuss what aspects to look for when buying an elevated cat bed and cat beds in general.
Size
The size of the cat bed that you choose is important, especially if it has closed sides of any kind. Because the bed is elevated, if it is too small, it may make your cat afraid to use it, or they may roll off if there are no sides. Some cats love to spread out on their bed, and they will need adequate space to do so. Other cats prefer a cozy, tight space to sleep in. The personality of your feline will help you decide which style of bed is best for them. Additionally, for homes that have more than one cat, you may want to consider an even bigger bed size, one that can fit two or more cats.
Materials
The materials used for the base of the elevated cat bed that you choose are vital. Because the bed is elevated, you’ll want it to be as sturdy and stable as possible, as any slight movement or rocking could deter your cat from using it or even cause them to fall off. It should also be properly built and not easily be disassembled without screws or clips — you don’t want it collapsing under your unsuspecting feline.
The fabric used in the bed needs to be comfortable. Many elevated beds are made using a stretchy, breathable, mesh fabric, which gives your cat support. This mesh is also great for warmer weather, proving great airflow to keep them cool. In winter, you can simply add blankets and cushions for extra comfort and warmth. Some of these beds come with three-sided bolsters included, which are detachable and easy to clean. Another great aspect of these mesh-style beds is that they do not attract much dirt or grime, making them a breeze to clean.
Do cats need a separate bed?
Cats love to sleep seemingly anywhere and everywhere around the home. Sofas, tables, beds, and shelves are all fair game, and it seems that your cat has got their preferences dialed-in, so why buy a bed? Cats, like most pets, prefer their own comfy space, but if there isn’t one available, they will simply just try to find one! Giving your cat their own safe space to sleep has several benefits, including:
- While a bed or sofa is definitely a comfortable spot for your feline to rest, it is not private or cozy, and their sleep can easily get interrupted by daily activity around your home. They’ll love their own comfortable bed where they are familiar with the scent and texture.
- Temperature regulation. Cats are susceptible to temperature changes and really feel the cold in winter (especially short-haired cats) and the heat in summer (especially long-haired cats.)A bed made from breathable mesh that is raised a few inches off the ground is ideal for your cat in the summer months because it can be difficult for them to find a cool spot. In winter, a raised cat bed will keep them off the cold floor.
- Pain management. Older cats can often suffer from painful joints, and a soft elevated bed will help dramatically in reducing their discomfort.
- Cats love to have their own private space, and it’s great for them to know that they have a separate bed that they can retreat to when they need a nap. Also, you can place their bed in specific places around your home, depending on what’s happening, to give them a peaceful resting space.
How to get your cat to use their new bed
Some cats may be suspicious of their new bed, and you’ll need to take the time to help them get accustomed to it.
Firstly, finding the right spot is important. Cats love a calm, quiet, and relatively private space to sleep, and placing their bed in a spot that meets these requirements is the first step in warming them up to their new bed. Also, we highly recommend having two or more beds around your home because sometimes, they may want privacy and other times, may want to nap near you in the living room.
You may need to offer a few treats to get them onto the bed, and then praise them once they start using it. They’ll soon associate their new bed with good feelings! Making the bed as comfy as possible at first will also help. Especially with mesh-style beds, adding blankets that your cat is familiar with and extra cushioning will make them far more likely to use the bed.
Lastly, make sure the bed is clean. Some beds may have a strange, even chemical smell when you first purchase them and may need a wash before your cat will use them. Remember that cats have powerful noses and will be averse to using a bed with an unfamiliar smell.
Conclusion
Our top choice of an elevated bed for your cat is the Hepper Pod Cat Lounge. It is a cozy, safe, and private place for your cat to sleep. It has a unique, modern aesthetic, with upholstered fabric on the inside and a sleek finish on the outside, and it is lined with thick Sherpa fleece with microfiber trimming for superior comfort.
The best elevated cat bed for the money is the Elevated Pet Bed from K&H Pet Products. The bed is made with waterproof and machine-washable fabric with a cushioned plush center, is simple and quick to assemble, and has skid-proof rubber feet to keep it from slipping and scratching your floor.
There are a ton of different cat beds available on the market today, all of which have their pros and cons, so it can quickly become confusing to choose the right one. Hopefully, our reviews will help you choose the best elevated cat bed for your feline friend.
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Featured Image Credit: kuban_girl, Shutterstock
Contents Overview
- A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
- The 10 Best Elevated Cat Beds
- 1. Hepper Elevated Modern Pet Bed — Best Overall
- 2. K&H Pet Products Elevated Cat Bed — Best Value
- 3. Frisco Modern Round Elevated Cat Bed — Premium Choice
- 4. Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed
- 5. Bedsure Original Elevated Cat Bed
- 6. K&H PET PRODUCTS Elevated Cat Bed
- 7. PHYEX Heavy Duty Elevated Cat Bed
- 8. Love’s cabin Elevated Cat Bed
- 9. PETMAKER Elevated Pet Bed
- 10. Furhaven Elevated Cat Bed
- Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Elevated Cat Bed
- Conclusion