Cats love to sleep—and can sleep 12 to 15 hours daily, mentions Hill’s Pet. For good quality sleep, having a comfortable cat bed is essential. From the many types of cat bed options available in the market, you can choose a heated cat bed, a cave cat bed, a banana cat bed, or an elevated cat bed for your furry friend.
- Your cat’s sleeping positions and habits
- Available space in your house
- Durability and comfortable materials
- Choosing the right size of the bed
In this article, we’ll focus on elevated cat beds and offer a detailed analysis to help you determine if one is the right choice for your cat.
Pros of Elevated Cat Bed
Elevated cat beds are among the most loved by feline creatures because of their unique and practical features. Let’s explore the main advantages:
1. Good Air Circulation
First and foremost, an elevated cat bed allows superior air circulation compared to traditional cat beds that sit directly on the floor. This is because they are elevated off the ground, allowing air to pass freely around the bed. As a result, your cat stays cooler during warm weather. Additionally, an elevated cat bed prevents your cat from lying directly on hot surfaces, which can be especially beneficial during the summer months. These features make elevated cat beds ideal for cats who like to stay cool and comfortable.
2. Protection from Cold Surfaces
An elevated cat bed provides excellent air circulation and shields cats from cold surfaces. It keeps your cat off the cold ground, helping to maintain body warmth during the chilly winter months. This feature is particularly beneficial for older cats, who may find it harder to combat the cold.
3. Better Joint Support
Many elevated cat beds are made with fabric tightly pulled over stable edges, offering excellent joint support. According to MidLee, older cats and cats suffering from joint pain or arthritis may find it more challenging to lay flat on the ground. Elevated cat beds alleviate this pressure and allow them to rest comfortably.
4. Insect and Allergens Protection
Being elevated means that cats have less exposure to allergens and germs found on the ground. When they rest off the floor, they’re less likely to come in contact with dirt, dust, or harmful pests. This can significantly reduce the risk of your cat getting sick, contributing to better overall health.
5. Easy Maintenance
Another advantage of an elevated cat bed is its easy maintenance. Most elevated cat beds are made from mesh, nylon, or canvas materials, known for being simple to clean. You can remove the fabric, wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and easily reassemble it. This makes the elevated cat bed a convenient choice for busy cat owners.
6. A Sense of Pleasure for Your Cat
Lastly, an elevated cat bed not only provides comfort but also gives cats a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction. Patricia Dickson mentions that cats have an instinct to seek out high areas for several reasons. Whether it’s to regulate body heat, observe their surroundings, or follow a prey-like behavior, being in a high spot provides a sense of security and enjoyment. Elevated cat beds allow cats to satisfy this instinct, increasing their comfort and happiness.
Cons of Elevated Cat Bed
While elevated cat beds come with a variety of benefits, they also have their downsides. These disadvantages are important to consider before making your purchase:
1. Difficult to Assemble
To begin with, one major drawback is that an elevated cat bed is often more challenging to assemble compared to a traditional cat bed. While traditional beds come ready to use, elevated cat beds are sold as kits with multiple parts that require assembly. While most kits include clear instructions, putting them together can still be time-consuming, especially for first-time users.
2. Not Suitable for All Cats
In addition, elevated cat beds are not ideal for every feline. Although they are great for older cats with joint problems, they may not be the best option for all cats. Some older or less mobile cats might find it difficult to climb onto elevated surfaces. Similarly, certain younger or more cautious cats might feel uneasy or insecure at higher vantage points.
3. Stability Concerns
Another issue is that elevated cat beds tend to have less stability compared to traditional beds. A cat jumping onto the bed too quickly could cause it to wobble or topple over—especially with heavier cats or those with extra energy. While many elevated cat beds are well-made and sturdy, it’s still important to monitor how your cat interacts with them.
4. Fabric May Damage from Scratching
Lastly, the fabric used for most elevated cat beds can be susceptible to damage from scratching. Most of these beds are made from tightly woven mesh, nylon, or canvas material. While these materials are durable, they may not withstand frequent scratching. This can lead to quick wear and tear, particularly for cats that are habitual scratchers.
How to Know if Your Cat Will Like an Elevated Cat Bed
Not every cat will immediately fall in love with an elevated cat bed. Therefore, if you’re considering purchasing one, observe these signs to determine whether your cat might enjoy it or not:
1. Your Cat Loves to Be at High Places
First, pay attention to whether your cat has a habit of seeking out high spaces in your home. If you often find your cat perched on shelves, countertops, or other elevated areas, they probably enjoy the sensation of being at a higher vantage point. An elevated cat bed could provide your cat with a comfortable space to satisfy this preference.
2. Your Cat Likes Watching the Surrounding Area
Next, cats are naturally curious creatures. They love observing their environment from above because it gives them a better vantage point to monitor activity. If your cat enjoys climbing to higher spots to watch the household hustle, chances are they’ll appreciate the view from an elevated cat bed.
3. Your Cat Loves to Climb Up
Lastly, consider whether your cat exhibits climbing behavior. If you notice your cat climbing furniture, cat trees, or other elevated surfaces, this could be a sign that they’ll enjoy having a climbing-like resting space in the form of an elevated cat bed.
If you have decided to buy one for your cat you may choose from our list.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an elevated cat bed can be a great choice if your cat enjoys climbing, high vantage points, or observing their surroundings from above. It comes with numerous advantages, such as better air circulation, joint support, fewer allergens, and protection from cold surfaces. Additionally, they’re easy to maintain and provide a sense of comfort and security.
However, elevated cat beds aren’t without their drawbacks. For instance, they may require difficult assembly, some cats may struggle to climb, they offer less stability, and their fabric may be prone to scratching.
When deciding whether an elevated cat bed is the right choice, consider your cat’s personality, habits, and physical condition. If you see evidence that your cat would benefit from an elevated sleeping space, it could become their new favorite spot for napping, climbing, and relaxing.
References
- Pawsnug: Are Elevated Cat Beds Better for Keeping Cats Cool?
- MidLee: Pros & Cons of an Elevated Dog Bed
- Hill’s Pet: Cat Napping: Why Your Cat Likes to Sleep
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