Cats are creatures of habit, but they’re also messy in ways dog owners rarely have to think about—shedding season, hairball cleanup, litter tracking, and the occasional accident all end up in the bed they nap in most. Heading into 2026, machine washable cat beds have become the default expectation rather than a nice-to-have, and the good ones are engineered to survive repeated wash-and-dry cycles without losing their shape, poof, or support. We looked at cat beds the same way we evaluate dog beds and mattress covers on this site: does the removable cover actually zip off easily, does the filling hold up in the wash, and does the bed still look and feel inviting after a month of real use, not just out of the box.
Top Machine Washable Cat Beds for 2026
Furhaven Cat Bed Round Plush Faux Fur & Suede Cuddler
- Removable, machine washable cover
- Bolstered edge cats love to lean on
- Wide size range for multi-cat homes
- Faux fur can pill after many wash cycles
- Insert doesn't fit every washer basin well
Bedsure Calming Cat Bed Donut Cuddler
- Very affordable for the size
- Fully machine washable, dryer-safe on low
- Non-slip bottom keeps it in place
- Filling can flatten faster than pricier beds
- Only one color option in some sizes
K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Cat Bed
- Thermal layer needs no electricity
- Cover unzips fully for washing
- Compact enough for small spaces
- Not as plush as fleece-only beds
- Thermal liner should air dry, not tumble dry
MidWest Homes for Pets Machine Washable Cat Bed
- Fits standard crates and carriers
- Entire bed is machine washable, no cover to remove
- Affordable enough to own a couple
- Flatter profile than dedicated donut beds
- Less structure for cats who like walls
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Bed with Solid Memory Foam Base
- Solid memory foam won't collapse like shredded fill
- Removable, washable cover
- Water-resistant lining protects the foam
- Pricier than basic cuddler beds
- Foam base itself is spot-clean only
Kong Cat Cuddle Bed Round Bolster
- Sturdier seams than many budget beds
- Machine washable cover
- Recognizable, trusted pet brand
- Fewer color and pattern options
- Runs a bit smaller than listed for large cats
What “machine washable” actually means for a cat bed
Not every bed labeled washable is built the same way. Some have a fully removable, zippered cover that goes in the machine while a separate cushion insert stays dry and untouched. Others are washable as a whole unit, cushion and cover together, which is more convenient but harder on the filling over time. A few, like memory foam cat beds, have a washable cover but a foam base that should only ever be spot-cleaned, since foam absorbs water and takes forever to dry out fully.
Cover-only washable vs. whole-bed washable
If your cat is prone to accidents, a bed with a removable cover and a separate waterproof liner is the safer bet, since you can wash the cover frequently without saturating the filling underneath. If shedding and general grime are your main concern, a whole-bed washable design is simpler to manage because there’s no cover to wrestle back onto an oddly shaped cushion.
Fill types and how they hold up
Polyester fiberfill is the most common fill in budget cat beds and washes reasonably well, though it can clump if not fluffed by hand after drying. Memory foam bases resist flattening the longest but require more careful, gentler care. Faux fur and plush fabrics look luxurious new but tend to pill after many wash cycles, especially on high heat.
How to wash a cat bed without ruining it
Cold or warm water on a gentle cycle is almost always the safer choice, even when the tag allows warm washing, since heat is what breaks down foam and causes shrinkage in some fabrics. Skip fabric softener, since it can leave a residue that traps odor rather than removing it, and add an extra rinse cycle if your cat’s bed tends to hold onto litter dust or dander. For drying, low heat or air drying is gentler on both foam and faux fur; tumble drying on high can warp the shape of bolstered beds permanently.
Choosing the right size and shape
Cats generally prefer beds that let them curl into a tight circle, which is why donut and cuddler shapes dominate this category, but larger or older cats sometimes do better with a flatter, more open pad they can stretch out on. Multi-cat households often do better with two or three smaller beds spread around the house rather than one oversized bed, since cats are territorial about their sleeping spots even when they’re related.
| Bed | Wash Type | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furhaven Round Plush Cuddler | Removable cover | Burrowing cats | $ |
| Bedsure Calming Donut | Fully washable | Budget shoppers | $ |
| K&H Self-Warming Bed | Cover only, liner air-dry | Cold sleepers | $ |
| MidWest Homes Washable Bed | Fully washable | Crates & carriers | $ |
| PetFusion Memory Foam Bed | Removable cover, foam spot-clean | Senior cats | $$ |
| Kong Cuddle Bed | Removable cover | Playful, clawed cats | $ |
Related buying guides
- Dog Beds Hub: Durable and Washable Picks
- Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
- Bed Frames With Storage
- Bed Sizes and Dimensions Guide
- How We Test Beds and Bedding
- All Bed Buying Guides
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Check price on AmazonHow often should I wash a cat bed?
Every one to two weeks for regular use, or immediately after any accident, vomiting, or flea treatment to keep buildup from settling into the fabric.
Can I put cat bed foam inserts in the washing machine?
No, solid foam bases should only be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap; machine washing traps water inside the foam and it can take days to dry, leading to mildew.
Will washing shrink a faux fur cat bed cover?
It can if washed in hot water or tumble dried on high heat; stick to cold or warm water and low heat or air drying to preserve the fit and softness.
Are machine washable cat beds safe for kittens?
Yes, most are safe for kittens, though it’s worth choosing a smaller size so a kitten doesn’t get lost in an oversized bolstered bed meant for adult cats.
Do washable cat beds work for cats with allergies?
Frequent washing on a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent can reduce dander and dust buildup, which helps allergy sufferers in the household more than it changes anything for the cat itself.
What’s the difference between a washable cat bed and a regular pet bed?
Washable cat beds are designed with removable covers, colorfast fabrics, and fill that resists clumping in the wash, while some cheaper beds are only meant to be spot-cleaned and will degrade quickly if machine washed.
Can I dry a cat bed on high heat to kill germs faster?
It’s better to avoid high heat, since it shortens the lifespan of both foam and faux fur; a low or medium heat cycle combined with regular washing is enough to keep the bed sanitary.
Should I buy two cat beds so I always have a clean one?
If your cat is attached to one specific bed, having a backup in the same style makes wash day easier since you can swap them without your cat noticing a change.
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 →