Choosing the Perfect Pet Bed

A good pet bed isn't a luxury — it's a necessity. Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day, and dogs aren't far behind. Where and how they sleep directly affects their joint health, mood, and behaviour. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? This guide breaks it down by pet type, size, sleep style, and season so you can find the perfect match from our collection at Nest and Nook.

Step 1: Know Your Pet's Sleep Style

Before you pick a bed, watch how your pet sleeps. Do they curl up tight in a ball? Stretch out flat? Burrow under blankets? Each sleep style calls for a different bed shape:

• Curlers — love round, nest-style beds with raised edges to lean against
• Stretchers — need flat, rectangular beds with plenty of room to spread out
• Burrowers — thrive in enclosed beds, caves, or yurt-style designs
• Leaners — prefer bolster beds or sofa-style beds with a raised back

Step 2: Choose by Pet Type

For Cats

Cats are particular about their sleeping spots — they want warmth, security, and a sense of enclosure. Our top picks:

24-Inch Anti-Slip Round Fluffy Plush Cat Bed — This is our most popular cat bed for good reason. The round shape with raised edges is perfect for curlers, the anti-slip base keeps it in place, and the plush faux fur surface is irresistibly soft. Available in brown and grey, it fits cats up to 25 lbs and comes in S, M, L, and XL. A timeless pick that suits almost any cat.

Alpaca Yurt Cat Kennel — For cats who love to burrow and hide, this enclosed yurt-style bed is ideal. Made from lion velvet and Oxford cloth with PP cotton filling, it creates a warm, cave-like retreat your cat will claim as their own. The cosy interior and stylish exterior make it a beautiful addition to any room.

Winter Warm Berry Cat Cake Nest Mat — A flat, padded sleeping mat for cats who prefer to stretch out. Made from polyester and PP cotton, it's soft, warm, and available in S (65x47cm) and M (80x56cm). Great as a secondary sleeping spot on a sofa or window ledge.

For Dogs

Dogs need more support than cats, especially as they age. Joint health is a key consideration when choosing a dog bed.

Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed — Our premium pick for dogs of all ages, but especially seniors or breeds prone to joint issues. High-density foam provides orthopedic support, a waterproof inner liner protects against accidents, and the removable cover is machine washable. Available in brown and grey, in sizes S through XL. If you're only buying one dog bed, make it this one.

24-Inch Anti-Slip Round Fluffy Plush Dog Bed — The same beloved round design as our cat bed, scaled up for dogs up to 25 lbs. The non-slip bottom keeps it firmly in place, and the plush surface is warm and inviting. Perfect for small breeds who love to curl up.

Plush Square Pet Bed with Wave Memory Foam — A flat, sofa-style bed with memory foam support. Available in an impressive range of colours (dark gray, black, pink, sky blue, and more) and sizes from S (40x30cm) to XXL (120x80cm). Great for stretchers and dogs who like a firm, supportive surface.

Summer Folding Dog Sofa Bed — When the weather warms up, your dog needs a breathable option. This foldable sofa bed is lightweight, easy to move, and available in 11 colours. Recommended weight ranges from under 8kg (S) to under 45kg (XL), so there's a size for every breed. Folds flat for easy storage or travel.

Step 3: Consider the Season

Winter Picks

Our Self-Warming Pet Mat uses multiple layers of functional fabric with a heat-reflecting insulating layer to keep pets warm without electricity. Machine washable, waterproof, and available in brown and grey in four sizes. Perfect for placing on the floor, in a crate, or even in the car.

The Long Wool Oval Quilt Warm Cat Dog Nest takes warmth a step further with an optional quilt insert. Available in light green, purple blue, light gray, dark gray, and sky blue — with or without the quilt depending on how cold your home gets.

Summer Picks

Our Pet Cooling Mat is made from ice silk fabric with an egg-shaped sponge and PP cotton filling. It stays cool to the touch and is available in milk yellow, pink, green, gray, and blue. Ideal for breeds that overheat easily or for homes without air conditioning.

Step 4: Get the Size Right

A bed that's too small is uncomfortable; one that's too large loses the cosy, secure feeling pets love. As a general rule:

• Measure your pet from nose to tail when they're in their natural sleeping position
• Add 20–30cm to that measurement for the ideal bed length
• For round beds, your pet should be able to curl up comfortably without hanging over the edge
• When in doubt, size up — especially for growing puppies

Step 5: Think About Placement

Where you put the bed matters as much as which bed you choose. Pets prefer spots that are:

• Away from high-traffic areas (they want to rest, not be stepped over)
• Warm but not directly next to a heat source
• With a view of the room — pets like to keep an eye on things even while resting
• Consistent — once a pet claims a spot, keep the bed there

Find Your Pet's Perfect Bed at Nest and Nook

Whether you're shopping for a tiny kitten, a senior Labrador, or everything in between, we have a bed that fits. Browse our full pet bed collection at Nest and Nook and find the one your pet will never want to leave.