How to Choose the Right Cat Bed or Cat Cave for Indoor Cats (UK Guide)

Indoor cats spend a huge part of their lives sleeping – often 12–16 hours a day, sometimes more. Where they sleep affects not only their comfort, but also their sense of safety, confidence and even how much they interact with your family.

Choosing the right cat bed or cat cave isn’t just about picking something cute. It’s about matching your cat’s personality, your UK home layout and your cleaning routine to a bed they’ll actually use every day.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to choose the best cat bed or cat house for indoor cats, which designs suit different feline personalities, and how to place them in a typical UK flat or house. We’ll also show how different options in the Pet Skylos cat beds & cat houses collection can work for your cat.

1. Understand Your Cat’s Sleeping Personality

Before you choose a cat bed or cat cave, look at how your cat already sleeps.

A. The Confident Lounger

Traits:

• Sleeps on sofas, chairs, beds in the open
• Stretches out, belly sometimes exposed
• Happy to nap where people pass by

Best suited to:

• Open, cushioned cat beds
• Raised beds or sofa‑style loungers
• Window‑side or radiator‑side beds

B. The Shy Hider

Traits:

• Disappears under beds or into wardrobes
• Prefers dark, covered spots
• Startles easily at noise or movement

Best suited to:

• Enclosed cat caves and cat houses
• Semi‑covered igloo beds
• Beds placed in quiet corners

C. The High Percher

Traits:

• Loves the top of wardrobes, shelves, cat trees
• Wants to watch the room from above
• Feels safer when elevated

Best suited to:

• Raised cat beds on shelves or furniture
• Beds integrated into cat trees
• Lightweight cat beds that can be placed on existing perches

D. The Sun Chaser

Traits:

• Moves with the sun patch across the room
• Loves warm spots (radiators, windowsills)
• Often seen in conservatories or near patio doors

Best suited to:

• Light, movable cat beds or mats
• Window or radiator‑adjacent beds
• Beds with breathable, cosy fabrics

When browsing the Pet Skylos cat bed & house range, think about which of these types your cat most resembles – it’s the easiest way to narrow down the right style.

2. Types of Cat Beds, Cat Caves and Cat Houses

Open Cat Beds

Open cat beds are like mini sofas or cushions just for your cat.

Best for:

• Confident, sociable cats
• Homes where cats like being near people
• Cats that sleep stretched out

Look for:

• Soft but supportive cushioning
• Enough space for your cat to turn and stretch
• Covers that are easy to wash (indoor cats still shed and have the odd accident)

You’ll find a variety of open cat beds for indoor cats in the Pet Skylos collection, ideal for lounges and bedrooms.

Enclosed Cat Caves and Cat Houses

Cat caves, igloos and enclosed cat houses mimic dens. They have a roof and walls with a smaller entrance.

Best for:

• Shy cats
• Newly adopted or rescue cats
• Cats living in busy, noisy households

Benefits:

• Extra privacy and a sense of safety
• Reduced exposure to noise and movement
• A clear “safe hiding place” that still belongs to you, not under the bed

Enclosed designs in the Pet Skylos cat bed & house range help nervous cats feel more secure while still keeping the sleeping area neat and stylish.

Raised and Perch‑Style Beds

Raised cat beds sit higher off the floor, often on frames or placed on shelves.

Best for:

• Confident climbers
• Multi‑cat homes (higher beds help avoid conflict)
• Cats living with children or dogs

Benefits:

• Better vantage point to observe the room
• A space that feels “out of reach” of disturbances
• Warmer and less draughty than floor level in many UK homes

Use lightweight beds or mats from the Pet Skylos cat bed collection to turn safe shelves or furniture tops into favourite nap spots.

3. Size and Shape: Getting It Right for Your Cat

Unlike dog beds, cat beds don’t need to be oversized. Many cats prefer snug, enclosed spaces.

How to Choose the Right Size

• Cats that curl tightly → smaller, cave‑style or round beds
• Cats that sprawl → oval or rectangular beds with more space
• Large breeds (Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats) → check internal dimensions carefully

Rule of thumb:

• Your cat should be able to curl up comfortably
• There should be room to change position without feeling cramped
• For caves, ensure they can turn around inside

4. Where to Place Your Cat’s Bed in a UK Home

Quiet but Not Isolated

Best places:

• Corners of living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Landings where there’s some movement but not constant traffic

Avoid:

• Directly next to washing machines or noisy appliances
• In busy hallways with constant footfall
• Next to litter boxes or feeding areas

Warm and Comfortable Spots

UK homes can be draughty. Good locations:

• Near radiators (but not directly on top of very hot surfaces)
• By sunny windows
• Away from direct draughts from doors

Vertical and Hidden Options

• Place cat caves under side tables or in shelving cubes
• Put open beds on sturdy furniture tops for height
• Offer both low and high options if you have more than one cat

Many owners find that having two or three cat beds from the Pet Skylos cat bed & house range – in different locations and heights – allows their indoor cats to choose based on mood, temperature and noise.

5. Material and Cleaning Considerations

Indoor cats still create mess:

• Shedding fur
• Occasional hairballs
• Dust and litter tracking

Fabrics

Look for:

• Soft, cosy materials your cat enjoys kneading
• Enough thickness to feel warm on hard floors
• Durable stitching to withstand daily use

Cleaning

Ideally, choose cat beds with:

• Removable, machine‑washable covers
• Cushions that can be shaken out and spot‑cleaned
• Fabrics that don’t trap every single hair permanently

For cat houses and caves:

• Removable inner cushions
• Wipe‑clean exteriors where possible

6. One Bed or Multiple Beds?

Indoor cats often benefit from multiple sleeping options:

• One enclosed cat cave in a quiet room
• One open cat bed in the main living area
• One elevated spot for watching the world go by

Why more than one?

• Cats like to rotate sleeping spots
• Temperature and light change throughout the day
• Multiple beds help reduce territorial tension in multi‑cat households

7. Helping Your Cat Accept a New Bed or Cave

Cats can be picky about new things. To encourage them to use a new cat bed or cat cave:

• Place it where they already like to nap
• Add a blanket or item that smells like them or you
• Use a few treats or catnip in and around the bed
• Don’t force or drag them into it – let them explore in their own time

Most cats will start using a bed more once it smells familiar and is in a location they already trust.

FAQs: Choosing Cat Beds and Cat Caves for Indoor Cats

1. Do indoor cats really need their own cat bed?

While many cats will sleep on furniture, a dedicated cat bed or cat cave:

• Gives them a consistent safe space
• Helps manage fur in specific areas
• Can be placed in locations that suit your home layout

It’s not essential, but most indoor cats appreciate having at least one or two spots that are truly “theirs”.

2. Is an enclosed cat cave better than an open cat bed?

It depends on your cat:

• Shy, nervous or newly adopted cats often prefer enclosed caves or cat houses.
• Confident, social cats may enjoy open beds in busier family areas.

Many owners offer both and let the cat decide. You may find your cat uses the cave during stressful moments and the open bed the rest of the time.

3. How many cat beds should I have for one indoor cat?

There’s no fixed rule, but 2–3 cat beds in different locations is often ideal:

• One in a quiet bedroom or study
• One in the main living area
• One elevated or hidden spot

This lets your cat choose where to rest based on mood, temperature and household activity.

4. Where should I NOT put my cat’s bed?

Avoid:

• Right next to litter boxes
• Very noisy spots (by TV speakers, washing machines, front doors)
• Exposed, draughty hallways

Cats like to feel in control of their environment when they rest – they don’t want constant surprises or strong smells nearby.

5. Where can I find cosy cat beds and cat houses designed for UK homes?

At Pet Skylos, our cat beds & cat houses collection is created with indoor cats and UK homes in mind, offering:

• Open loungers, enclosed cat caves and stylish cat houses
• Soft, cosy fabrics and supportive cushioning
• Designs that fit naturally into modern interiors

If you’re ready to upgrade your cat’s comfort, explore the full range of cat beds and cat caves here:
Shop Pet Skylos cat beds & cat houses