Squishmallow pet beds took the same marshmallow-soft, oversized-stitch fabric that made the plush toy line a phenomenon and shrank it down into a bed shape your dog or cat can actually nap in. Heading into 2026, they’ve become one of the most searched-for novelty pet bed styles on Amazon, and for good reason: the fabric really is noticeably softer and squishier than a typical fleece dog bed. But “cute and squishy” and “durable enough for a 50-pound dog” aren’t always the same thing, so we pulled together the actual Squishmallow-branded beds along with two close plush alternatives worth knowing about before you buy.
Our Top Squishmallow & Plush Pet Bed Picks for 2026
Squishmallows Original Round Pet Bed
- Signature squishy, marshmallow-textured fabric
- Raised bolster rim doubles as a headrest
- Machine washable cover
- Bolster flattens with heavy daily use
- Limited character/print options at any given time
Squishmallows Cozy Cushion Pet Bed
- Lower profile fits inside crates easily
- Soft on both sides, so it can be flipped
- Lightweight and easy to move room to room
- Less structure for dogs who like to lean on edges
- Thin fill means less insulation on cold floors
Squishmallows Character Pet Bed (Fifi/Cam/Wendy styles)
- Matches popular Squishmallow characters kids already own
- Same soft-touch fabric as the standard line
- Doubles as a floor cushion for kids' rooms too
- Character availability rotates and sells out fast
- Slightly pricier than the plain round version
Squishmallows Extra-Large Pet Bed
- Generous sizing for bigger breeds
- Bolster still provides head and neck support
- Zippered cover simplifies washing
- Fill compresses faster under heavier body weight
- Bulkier to store or move between rooms
Bedsure Plush Donut Cuddler Pet Bed
- Very similar plush texture at a lower cost
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Anti-slip bottom keeps it in place on hard floors
- No character prints or Squishmallow branding
- Fur can shed slightly in the first few washes
Furhaven Ultra Plush Round Bed
- Supportive base foam under the plush layer
- Reversible cover extends time between washes
- Non-skid bottom for hardwood or tile
- Feels less like a squishy toy and more like a standard bed
- Foam base adds bulk versus pure-fill Squishmallow beds
What Makes a Squishmallow Pet Bed Different From a Regular Plush Bed
The appeal isn’t just marketing. Squishmallow pet beds use the same spandex-blend, micro-plush fabric as the original toy line, which gives it that distinct “squishy” compression instead of the springier feel of standard faux fur. The bolster rim on most models is stuffed with the same polyester fiberfill used in the plush toys rather than a firmer foam, so it flattens more like a stuffed animal than a traditional orthopedic bolster. That’s part of why cats and small dogs gravitate to these beds so quickly — it genuinely feels like burrowing into a giant stuffed toy rather than lying on fabric-covered foam.
Where They Shine
These beds are at their best for cats, toy and small breed dogs, and any pet that likes to curl into a tight ball rather than sprawl flat. The raised bolster gives smaller pets something to lean their head against, and the ultra-soft texture tends to appeal to pets who already gravitate toward blankets, pillows, or plush toys around the house. They also make a fun match if you already own the character plush toys, since several beds are sold in matching prints.
Where They Fall Short
Because the fill is softer and less structured than orthopedic foam, Squishmallow beds compress faster under sustained weight from medium and large dogs. If you have a senior dog with joint pain or a heavier breed that needs real support, a supportive foam-based bed like the Furhaven pick above will hold its shape longer over months of daily use. Think of Squishmallow beds as a comfort-and-novelty upgrade for smaller pets rather than a therapeutic bed for bigger or older dogs.
Sizing a Squishmallow Pet Bed Correctly
Most Squishmallow pet beds run in round sizes similar to standard donut beds — commonly in the 20-24 inch range for cats and small dogs, with a larger 30+ inch option for medium and large breeds. Measure your pet curled up in a tight circle nose-to-tail and add a couple of inches; too much extra room in a bolster bed actually reduces the cozy, secure feeling that makes these beds popular in the first place. If you’re unsure how bed sizing generally works across pet and human bedding, our bed sizes and dimensions guide breaks down measuring principles that apply just as well to pet beds.
Washing and Maintaining the Plush Fabric
The signature soft-touch fabric on Squishmallow beds can pill or mat if it’s washed on a high-heat cycle or dried on high heat, so a cold or warm gentle wash cycle followed by a low-heat or air dry keeps that squishy texture intact much longer. Zippered or removable covers, which most models in this lineup include, make this dramatically easier since you’re not stuffing the entire filled bolster into the washer every time.
How These Compare
| Bed | Best For | Support Level | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squishmallows Original Round | Cats & small dogs | Soft/plush | $$ |
| Squishmallows Cozy Cushion | Crate use, toy breeds | Soft, low profile | $ |
| Squishmallows Character Bed | Fans & themed rooms | Soft/plush | $$ |
| Squishmallows Extra-Large | Medium/large dogs | Soft, compresses faster | $$ |
| Bedsure Donut Cuddler | Budget shoppers | Soft/plush | $ |
| Furhaven Ultra Plush Round | Senior/joint support | Foam-supported | $$ |
Squishmallow Bed vs. a Standard Orthopedic Dog Bed
If your main priority is joint support for an aging or larger dog, a standard orthopedic bed with memory foam will outperform any plush bolster bed, Squishmallow or otherwise, over the long run. But if your pet is smaller, healthy, and simply loves burrowing into something soft, the novelty and texture of a Squishmallow bed is a legitimate upgrade over a basic fleece bed rather than just a gimmick. For a broader look at how different pet bed categories stack up, our full dog beds hub covers orthopedic, cooling, and elevated styles side by side.
Related buying guides
- All dog bed reviews and buying guides
- Bed sizes and dimensions guide
- How we test beds and mattresses
- Toddler bed guide (for matching plush bedroom themes)
- Platform bed frames
- About Talk Beds
Ready to shop plush pet beds?
Compare current prices and sizes on the Squishmallow Original Round Pet Bed before it sells out.
Check price on AmazonAre Squishmallow pet beds actually made by the same company as the toys?
Yes, the pet bed line is officially licensed and uses the same signature plush fabric and fill philosophy as the original Squishmallow toys, just built into a bed shape with a washable cover.
Will a Squishmallow bed hold up for a large or heavy dog?
It can, but the softer polyester fill compresses faster under sustained weight than a foam-based bed. For dogs over roughly 50 pounds or dogs with joint issues, a supportive orthopedic bed will last longer.
Can I put a Squishmallow pet bed in the washing machine?
Most models have a removable, zippered cover that’s machine washable on a cold or gentle cycle. Avoid high heat in the dryer, which can flatten and pill the plush fabric over time.
Do Squishmallow pet beds work for cats?
Cats tend to love them, especially the bolster-rim styles, since the raised edge mimics the enclosed, secure feeling cats look for when choosing a sleeping spot.
How do I know what size Squishmallow bed to buy?
Measure your pet curled into a tight circle nose to tail and choose a bed close to that measurement rather than sizing up, since a snug fit keeps the bolster feeling cozy rather than loose.
Are there non-Squishmallow beds that feel similar?
Yes, plush donut-style beds from brands like Bedsure use a comparable soft bolster texture at a lower price, though without official character branding.
Is the bolster rim removable on any of these beds?
Most Squishmallow-branded models have a fixed bolster, though the flatter Cozy Cushion style skips the rim entirely if you prefer a mat-style bed.
Do these beds work well inside a crate?
The lower-profile Cozy Cushion style fits most standard crates well, while the bolster-rim Original and Extra-Large styles may be too tall for smaller crate openings.
Sophie Laurent
Sophie Laurent is TalkBeds' Beds & Bedroom Editor. With more than ten years covering home and furniture, she leads everything on the site that isn't the mattress itself: bed frames, platform beds, headboards, bunk and kids' beds, sizing, and the interiors decisions… Full profile & sources →