Every December, cat beds get a seasonal makeover — plaid patterns, red-and-green trims, faux-fur burrows that look like tiny stockings under the tree. The good news is that a well-made Christmas cat bed isn’t just a novelty; the best ones use the same warm, washable materials found in year-round cat beds, just dressed up for the holidays. In 2026, we tested a mix of budget and premium options to find beds cats actually use past New Year’s Day, not just ones that look cute in a gift photo. Below are our top picks, followed by a full buying guide covering size, material, and washability considerations specific to holiday-themed beds.
Our Top Christmas Cat Bed Picks for 2026
Furhaven Snuggery Burrow Cat Bed (Holiday Print)
- Machine washable cover
- Non-skid base grips hardwood and tile
- Good for cats who dislike open beds
- Runs snug for cats over 15 lbs
- Print options limited once holiday stock sells out
Bedsure Christmas Plaid Cat Cave Bed
- Very affordable
- Reversible cushion adds extra warmth in winter
- Compresses flat for easy storage after the holidays
- Foam is thinner than pricier options
- Not ideal for larger cats
PetFusion Ultimate Cat Lounge (Red Holiday Edition)
- Supportive memory foam base
- Water-resistant, washable cover
- Elegant look that doesn't scream 'seasonal clutter'
- Pricier than basic cat beds
- Bulkier, needs more floor space
K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Bed (Holiday Cover)
- Low-wattage heating element is energy efficient
- Removable, washable holiday-print cover
- Great for older or arthritic cats
- Requires nearby outlet
- Heating element can't be washed, only the cover
MidWest Homes for Pets Holiday Plush Cat Bed
- Deep, supportive bolster edge
- Soft plush that resists matting
- Attractive gift-worthy packaging
- Bolster shrinks usable space for larger cats
- Not machine dryer safe
Kong Cozy Christmas Cat Bed
- Tough, snag-resistant outer fabric
- Simple flat design suits most cats
- Fits easily on furniture or in crates
- Less cushioning than dome-style beds
- Fewer festive pattern choices
Frisco Holiday Cat Cave with Pom-Pom Trim
- Charming, gift-ready design
- Soft knit exterior is cozy for winter
- Compact footprint fits small spaces
- Cave opening is narrow for larger cats
- Hand wash recommended, no machine wash
What Actually Makes a Christmas Cat Bed Worth Buying
It’s easy to get pulled in by a festive pattern, but the print is the least important factor in whether a cat bed earns real use. Cats choose beds based on shape, warmth, and texture — the same criteria that matter in July matter in December, just with a seasonal color palette layered on top.
Shape and Coverage
Cats generally fall into two camps: burrowers who want an enclosed hood or cave, and sprawlers who prefer an open, bowl-shaped lounger. If you already know your cat’s preference, buy accordingly rather than defaulting to whatever holiday design looks best in photos. A shy or older cat that likes to hide will get far more use from a hooded burrow bed than an open plush mat, no matter how festive the mat looks.
Material and Washability
Holiday cat beds often use plush faux fur or fleece, which feels warm but can mat or pill after repeated washing. Look for a removable, machine-washable cover — this matters more in winter, when cats track in salt, mud, and dander from extra time indoors. Beds with a separate cushion insert and washable outer shell held up noticeably better in our testing than one-piece plush beds that required full hand-washing.
Size for Your Cat’s Actual Body
Christmas-themed beds tend to run smaller than standard cat beds because the seasonal manufacturing runs are often limited to one or two sizes. Measure your cat curled up in their favorite current spot and compare that footprint to the bed’s interior dimensions, not just its overall exterior size, before buying.
Heat Retention
If your home gets cold in winter, or your cat is older and prone to seeking out heat sources like laptops and radiators, a low-wattage heated bed can be a genuinely useful holiday purchase rather than just a decorative one. Look for beds with a removable heating element so the cover can still be washed separately.
Christmas Cat Bed Comparison at a Glance
| Bed | Best For | Shape | Machine Washable | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furhaven Snuggery Burrow | Burrowing cats | Hooded cave | Yes | $ |
| Bedsure Plaid Cave | Budget shoppers | Hooded cave | Yes | $ |
| PetFusion Ultimate Lounge | Multi-cat homes | Open bowl | Cover only | $$ |
| K&H Thermo-Kitty Heated | Cold rooms | Flat/heated pad | Cover only | $$ |
| MidWest Plush Bolster | Deep cushioning fans | Bolstered bowl | Cover only | $ |
| Kong Cozy | Scratchers/diggers | Flat mat | Yes | $ |
| Frisco Pom-Pom Cave | Decor-focused buyers | Hooded cave | Hand wash | $ |
Placement Tips for the Holidays
During the holiday season, homes get busier — guests, decorations, and disrupted routines can all stress cats out. Placing a new Christmas cat bed in a quiet, familiar spot rather than in the middle of holiday foot traffic will help your cat actually adopt it. Avoid setting a new bed directly under the tree if your cat is prone to chewing on branches or ornaments, since proximity to the tree can turn bed time into supervised time.
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- How we test beds and bedding
- About Talk Beds
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Check price on AmazonDo cats actually like themed holiday beds, or is it just for looks?
Most cats respond to shape, warmth, and texture rather than the print itself, so a well-made holiday bed works just as well as a plain one — the seasonal pattern is really for the owner’s benefit.
How do I wash a plush Christmas cat bed without ruining it?
Check for a removable cover first; wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and air dry if possible, since high heat can mat faux fur and shrink foam inserts.
Are heated cat beds safe to leave on overnight?
Most low-wattage heated cat beds, like K&H’s Thermo-Kitty line, are designed for continuous safe use, but always check the manufacturer’s guidance and inspect cords for wear, especially around curious cats.
What size Christmas cat bed should I buy?
Measure your cat curled up in their current favorite resting spot and match that to the bed’s interior dimensions rather than its overall exterior size.
Will my cat use a Christmas bed after the holidays are over?
Yes, as long as the shape and materials suit your cat’s preferences; many owners simply keep using the bed year-round once the season ends.
Is a hooded burrow bed or an open lounger better for my cat?
It depends on temperament — shy or older cats often prefer the security of a hooded burrow, while cats that like to stretch out and watch the room tend to favor an open bowl shape.
Can holiday cat beds handle scratching and kneading?
Beds with tightly woven or reinforced outer fabric, like the Kong Cozy, tend to resist snagging better than delicate plush or knit designs.
Should I avoid placing a cat bed near the Christmas tree?
If your cat is prone to chewing branches, tinsel, or ornaments, it’s safer to place their bed in a separate quiet area rather than directly under the tree.
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 →