Squishmallow cat beds have become one of the most searched pet-bed trends of 2026, and it’s not hard to see why — cat owners who already love the marshmallow-soft Squishmallow plush toys want that same squishy, huggable texture in something their cat can actually sleep on. But ‘Squishmallow cat bed’ now covers a wider range of products than most shoppers expect: there are genuine licensed Squishmallow pet beds, and there’s a much bigger category of donut-shaped, marshmallow-style plush cat beds from other pet brands that borrow the same aesthetic without the license. Both can be great choices depending on what you’re actually looking for.
Top Squishmallow-Style Cat Beds Worth Buying
Squishmallows Kellytoy Round Pet Bed
- Genuine Squishmallow marshmallow fill and texture
- Machine washable cover
- Fun, recognizable print options
- Runs small for larger cats
- Fill can flatten with heavy daily use
Squishmallows Pet Bed Cat & Small Dog Cushion
- Bolstered rim cats like to rest their head on
- Roomy enough for two small pets
- Bottom has non-slip grip
- Bulkier, takes up more floor space
- Bolster fill compresses over months
Bedsure Calming Donut Cat Bed
- Very affordable for the size
- Soft faux-fur that cats knead into
- Machine washable
- Fill isn't quite as dense as licensed Squishmallow
- Fur sheds a bit in the first few washes
Furhaven Snuggery Burrow Plush Cat Bed
- Zippered cover for easy washing
- Good warmth retention in cold rooms
- Sturdy enough for multi-cat households
- Not the marshmallow aesthetic
- Larger cats may find the hood cramped
PetFusion Ultra Plush Cat Bed
- Solid foam base resists flattening
- Waterproof liner protects against accidents
- Easy zip-off washable cover
- Plush texture is less 'squishy' than marshmallow-style beds
- Slightly firmer feel some cats need to adjust to
K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Cat Bed
- Thermal core reflects body heat back
- Lightweight, easy to reposition
- Washable cover
- Less plush, more utilitarian look
- No marshmallow-style branding
MidWest Homes for Pets Cat Cave Bed
- Compact enough for shelves and cat trees
- Soft, huggable plush exterior
- Affordable price point
- Too small for larger cats
- Less structured support than foam-based beds
What Makes a Bed ‘Squishmallow-Style’ in the First Place
The appeal of a Squishmallow cat bed usually comes down to three things: an ultra-soft marshmallow-like fill, a rounded donut or bolster shape, and a plush exterior that feels almost like memory foam wrapped in fleece. Licensed Squishmallow pet beds replicate the exact fill used in the toy line, which is why they feel noticeably different — softer and more ‘squishy’ — than generic plush cat beds. Non-licensed alternatives from brands like Bedsure, Furhaven, and PetFusion copy the visual style but often use denser polyester fill or foam cores, which changes how the bed feels and how long it holds its shape.
Licensed Squishmallow Beds vs. Marshmallow-Style Alternatives
If your cat already loves rubbing against or kneading actual Squishmallow toys, a genuine licensed bed is worth the extra cost — the texture match matters more than most owners expect. But if your priority is durability, washability, or a firmer base for an older or heavier cat, one of the alternative plush or donut-style beds will likely outperform the licensed version over the long run, since many are built with a support layer underneath the soft top.
What to Check Before Buying a Squishmallow-Style Cat Bed
Size and Sleeping Posture
Most Squishmallow-style cat beds are designed for a curled-up sleeping posture, so measure your cat nose-to-tail while curled, not stretched out. Cats that like to sprawl fully flat may be better served by a flatter plush mat than a bolstered donut bed.
Washability
Cat beds get dirty fast, especially with shedding and the occasional hairball. Look for a removable, machine-washable cover at minimum; fully machine-washable beds (not just the cover) are ideal for single-cat households, while multi-cat homes should prioritize a zip-off cover so the base doesn’t need constant washing.
Fill Retention
Marshmallow-style fill is the whole appeal, but it’s also the first thing to flatten with daily use. Beds with a firmer foam or fiber base underneath the plush top layer (like PetFusion’s design) tend to keep their shape much longer than beds that are soft fill all the way through.
Temperature
Plush and fleece-style beds trap heat well, which most cats love, but in warmer climates or during summer months a bed with a lighter, more breathable cover may be more comfortable than a dense self-warming design.
| Bed Type | Texture | Best For | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Squishmallow bed | Marshmallow-soft, true Squishmallow fill | Cats who already love Squishmallow toys | Moderate — fill can flatten over time |
| Donut-style alternative | Soft faux fur, denser fill | Budget-conscious owners wanting the look | Good |
| Burrow/cave style | Plush with hood cover | Anxious or shy cats | Good |
| Foam-core plush bed | Firm support under plush top | Multi-cat households, heavier cats | Excellent |
| Self-warming bed | Lightweight, less plush | Older or cold-sensitive cats | Good |
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- Best mattresses for side sleepers
- Bed sizes and dimensions guide
- How we test beds and bedding products
- About Talk Beds
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Check price on AmazonIs there an official Squishmallow cat bed?
Yes, Kellytoy (the company behind Squishmallows) makes licensed pet beds using the same marshmallow-style fill as the toy line, sold in round and cushion shapes sized for cats and small dogs.
How is a Squishmallow cat bed different from a regular plush cat bed?
Licensed Squishmallow beds use the brand’s signature ultra-soft marshmallow fill, which feels noticeably squishier than the denser polyester or foam fill used in most generic plush cat beds.
Are Squishmallow-style cat beds machine washable?
Most are, but always check whether the entire bed is washable or just a removable cover — beds with foam cores usually require you to remove and wash only the cover.
Will my cat actually like a Squishmallow-style bed?
Cats that enjoy kneading soft textures and curling into rounded shapes tend to take to these beds quickly, though cats that prefer sprawling flat may prefer a flatter mat instead.
Do these beds work for kittens?
Yes, the smaller round and donut styles are generally well-suited to kittens, though you’ll likely need to size up as they grow into adulthood.
How long does the plush fill typically last before flattening?
With daily use, expect noticeable fill compression within 6-12 months for softer fill beds, while foam-core designs tend to hold their shape considerably longer.
Can dogs use Squishmallow cat beds too?
Small dogs under about 15 pounds can comfortably use the cat-sized versions, but larger dogs will need a dog-specific bed sized for their weight and sleeping posture.
Is it worth paying more for the licensed Squishmallow version over a lookalike?
If the exact marshmallow texture matters to you or your cat already loves Squishmallow toys, yes — otherwise, a well-reviewed donut-style alternative often performs just as well for less.
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 →
